Taking Liberties: Taxing Church Attendance?

[mandym]

Erik Stanley walked up Woodson Road in Mission, Kansas, surveying the church parking lot at St. Pius X Catholic Church. He said the government can tax your life and can tax your death, but they’re not supposed to tax your church.

And that’s exactly what he said is happening in Mission.

“The city of Mission is taxing churches,” he said. “And that’s clearly unconstitutional.”

In August, the small town just north of Kansas City passed the so-called “driveway tax,” a controversial charge, in addition to property taxes, for residents and businesses based on the number of times their driveway is used.

A big box store like Target can pay over $60,000 annually, while residents pay a flat rate of $72 dollars a year.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/03/taking-liberties-taxing-church-attendance/?test=latestnews

 

[Salty]

“The city of Mission is taxing churches,” he said. “And that’s clearly unconstitutional.”

Where does the Constitution say you can not tax churches? and the First Amendment is not the correct answer.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Sarasota County in florida already does. They call it a non ad volorum (non value added) which goes to fire and rescue. They say it is not a tax but if we don't pay, the county can take the property. It's been in existence for at least 15 years.

 

[Arbo]

Where does the Constitution say you can not tax churches? and the First Amendment is not the correct answer.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

Salty- With respect, I must disagree. Tax policy can be used by government to exert its will on the taxpayers. In my opinion, a tax such as this would open the door to goverment interference in its affairs, and that would violate Amendment I of the Bill of Rights. Better to keep that door shut and bolted.

 

[Salty]

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

Salty- With respect, I must disagree. Tax policy can be used by government to exert its will on the taxpayers. In my opinion, a tax such as this would open the door to government interference in its affairs, and that would violate Amendment I of the Bill of Rights. Better to keep that door shut and bolted.

I would agree that if only churches had the "driveway tax" that would be a government invasion, but everyone must pay that particular tax.

 

[StefanM]

I would agree that if only churches had the "driveway tax" that would be a government invasion, but everyone must pay that particular tax.

A tax prevents the free exercise of religion. It doesn't matter if it applies across the board because churches are given special protection.

 

[Arbo]

I would agree that if only churches had the "driveway tax" that would be a government invasion, but everyone must pay that particular tax.

According to the First Amendment churches are exceptional.

 

[Arbo]

So Salty, why should churches be taxed?

 

[Salty]

According to the First Amendment churches are exceptional.

The First amendment does not say anything about taxes - only that "Congress shall make no law..., or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

Pay taxes does NOT prohibit you from exercising your religion

So Salty, why should churches be taxed?

I never said they should. I just want to know where the Constitution requires a church to be tax exempt.

 

[Arbo]

Salty- Do you think churches should be taxed, and if so why?

Taxes are a burden. Burdens restrict freedom. They don't call it a tax burden for nothing.

 

[billwald]

Why should churches get special deals? Are other non-profits exempted from this law?

 

[Salty]

Why should churches get special deals? Are other non-profits exempted from this law?

Yes they are

 

[HankD]

So we have come full circle to "taxation without representation".

It's simple - just call a tax by a different name e.g. non ad volorum.

HankD

 

[billwald]

>So we have come full circle to "taxation without representation".

Why? Many aliens in your local congregations who can't vote?

 

[HankD]

>So we have come full circle to "taxation without representation".

Why? Many aliens in your local congregations who can't vote?

No, "we the people" and the consent thereof has become "we the elitists" and "you the people" must do as we say.

HankD

 

[billwald]

>No, "we the people" and the consent thereof has become "we the elitists" and "you the people" must do as we say.

How can you say that! We just had an election according to the rules and intent of the US Constitution. You are unhappy because your side lost. If the Republicans had gained control of both houses you would be happy as a clam.

 

[Havensdad]

>No, "we the people" and the consent thereof has become "we the elitists" and "you the people" must do as we say.

How can you say that! We just had an election according to the rules and intent of the US Constitution. You are unhappy because your side lost. If the Republicans had gained control of both houses you would be happy as a clam.

Are you a republican? Because the Democrats lost decisively, something even president Obama admits.

 

[Havensdad]

As to the "free exercise" clause:

The Supreme Court has ruled that this means you cannot tax churches. "Free" means exactly that: the government cannot tax churches.

That being said, they have found all kinds of creative ways to circumvent the Constitution.

 

[Melanie]

Erik Stanley walked up Woodson Road in Mission, Kansas, surveying the church parking lot at St. Pius X Catholic Church. He said the government can tax your life and can tax your death, but they’re not supposed to tax your church.

And that’s exactly what he said is happening in Mission.

“The city of Mission is taxing churches,” he said. “And that’s clearly unconstitutional.”

In August, the small town just north of Kansas City passed the so-called “driveway tax,” a controversial charge, in addition to property taxes, for residents and businesses based on the number of times their driveway is used.

A big box store like Target can pay over $60,000 annually, while residents pay a flat rate of $72 dollars a year.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/03/taking-liberties-taxing-church-attendance/?test=latestnews

You have got tobe joking!!!!

 

[Salty]

...The Supreme Court has ruled that this means you cannot tax churches. "Free" means exactly that: the government cannot tax churches

Which ruling decided that - do you have a link?