Originally in the USA, it was to prevent government from imposing different, non-uniform and unfair taxes on a religion in an effort to shut it down. Right?
So is that still necessary? It makes religions do flips and twists to avoid being political, which they really want to do. And it takes millions of dollars off the property tax rolls leaving churches with tangible property that is not exactly being used for public good, but rather as a clubhouse.
In the EOG forum, Dr.Zoidberg points out that
So what does an American church get out of being tax exempt.
Are Sweden and other countries offering tax exempt status to any organization? Why, why not?
I'm pondering the possibility that maybe there is no reason for anyone to have a tax exempt status.
Pros? Cons?
So is that still necessary? It makes religions do flips and twists to avoid being political, which they really want to do. And it takes millions of dollars off the property tax rolls leaving churches with tangible property that is not exactly being used for public good, but rather as a clubhouse.
In the EOG forum, Dr.Zoidberg points out that
In Sweden a religion does not have tax exempt status. So there is no legal need to define it. So we don't. This has taken all the wind out of any debate on what constitutes a religion. It is a non-issue and it has always been a non-issue. Yes, Sweden too has church/state separation. Just like USA.
So what does an American church get out of being tax exempt.
Are Sweden and other countries offering tax exempt status to any organization? Why, why not?
I'm pondering the possibility that maybe there is no reason for anyone to have a tax exempt status.
Pros? Cons?