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Good luck with that.
Wesley Snipes says thanks.
Good luck with that.
True, churches in and of themselves are not charities, but neither are PETA, Greenpeace, the Sierra Club, or NPR, but they are all non-profit organizations, which is what matters in the view of the IRS. Most churches engage in charity (and all should in a much more significant manner).
I for one would love to see a tax system designed by Wakelaw2006. Of all the posters on here she seems to be the most grounded in logic and has an understanding of what the current tax structure encourages/discourages.
Have at it, Tax Vixen!
Then perhaps we could couple it with 2 and 2's manifesto to form a better union!
She's a cool chick who for some reason has been a no show at the grassy knoll tailgate this year.
I for one would love to see a tax system designed by Wakelaw2006. Of all the posters on here she seems to be the most grounded in logic and has an understanding of what the current tax structure encourages/discourages.
Have at it, Tax Vixen!
Then perhaps we could couple it with 2 and 2's manifesto to form a better union!
This has been a tough football season (not just because we suck ass). I knew going in to it that I was probably only going to make 3 or 4 games, but stuff came up and now it is looking like Carolina and Clemson may be the only 2 games I make it up to Winston for. Sad panda
Non-profit does not mean tax exempt. An organization can be a non-profit corporation or other non-profit entity and still be required to pay tax like any other entity.
To be tax exempt as a "charitable" organization, an entity must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
In addition, no part of the net earnings of the organization can inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the activities of the organization can be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation, and the organization cannot not participate in, or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
Religious purposes are, in and of themselves, sufficient for tax exemption (assuming the other requirements are met). A religious organization does not also have to be charitable. Likewise, an educational organization does not also have to be charitable.
I think there can (and should be) be a legitimate policy debate as to whether all of these organizations should qualify for tax exemption (for example, the NCAA and organizations that put on college football bowl games can be tax exempt - totally ridiculous), but I think with religious organizations, there are significant entanglement issues that would come with taxing churches and other religious organizations.
Non-profit does not mean tax exempt. An organization can be a non-profit corporation or other non-profit entity and still be required to pay tax like any other entity.
To be tax exempt as a "charitable" organization, an entity must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.
In addition, no part of the net earnings of the organization can inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the activities of the organization can be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation, and the organization cannot not participate in, or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
Religious purposes are, in and of themselves, sufficient for tax exemption (assuming the other requirements are met). A religious organization does not also have to be charitable. Likewise, an educational organization does not also have to be charitable.
I think there can (and should be) be a legitimate policy debate as to whether all of these organizations should qualify for tax exemption (for example, the NCAA and organizations that put on college football bowl games can be tax exempt - totally ridiculous), but I think with religious organizations, there are significant entanglement issues that would come with taxing churches and other religious organizations.
As an aside, that should put to bed any tax-exempt status questions regarding ACORN and its successor organizations. I, for one, am glad we cleared that up.
Churches aren't really charities.