Catholic Answers sues IRS, alleging ‘intimidation’ on political issues [CNA]

[Liraco]

To those who are AGAINST Catholic Answers suing the IRS because this isn’t an issue of intimidation then I’d suggest you listen to a recent show of Catholic Answers Live (Patrick Madrid on the subject of the Cristeros Movement) to know how these little nudges against the church can lead to something horrible when you take away the free exercise of religion.

I continue praying for this to work out for the best.

 

[tgm21234]

Karl has lots of guts going against the IRS. They can hurt you.

 

[bengland]

The other issue that bothers me with this matter is the serious violation of the Apostle Paul’s very clear rebuke of the Corinthian Church taking one another to court. Paul seriously rebuked these members of the church and this means that it is not only wrong but does not follow the other issue that of Christ’s commandment to turn the other cheek and if “one wants to sue you for your shirt give to them your coat also” and there are many more that Jesus commands us to follow. The question here is, who is our King?

The violation of this has been committed by “Catholics” for Choice, which used a government agency to attack fellow Catholics, if they themselves are actually Catholic.

When St Paul had the chance he used his Roman citizenship to his advantage for his protection and even requested to go before the emperor’s tribunal rather than to allow himself to be tried in Jerusalem. Also - The IRS is not a Christian. It’s a government agency, not a human being.

edit: not only that but “Catholics” for Choice has been attacking other Catholic groups and at least one diocese for political purposes by filing reports with the IRS.

 

[Muzhik]

As to the question about the Church not using the 501(c) status for tax exempt purposes, you have to ask yourselves:

How deep are your pockets?

It’s one thing to talk about giving up your tax-exempt status when you’re a rural or suburban church; it’s another when your parish is parked in the middle of the city on land worth, say a couple of million dollars. No longer being a tax-exempt organization, your church now has to pay property taxes on that land. Have you calculated how much annually that will cost your parish? your diocese?

Of course, people will still joyfully contribute to the Church, except those who only contribute so they can get the tax deduction. BTW, do you actually tithe; i.e., do you give your local church either 10% of your income or practice a “time, talent, and treasure” where you give 5% of your income and 5% of your time and talent? Don’t forget: the Biblical command to tithe is not a suggestion. It is to be the first 10%, not what’s left over; and it is to be the MINIMUM amount given. Check out Deuteronomy 14:22 and Leviticus 27:30. (I bring this up because I know of many people who swear that their businesses survived and their families prospered when they put their trust in the Lord and began to tithe. Something to keep in mind in these economic times.)

Can your parish, on the basis of non-tax-deductible contributions alone, continue any soup kitchens or any other outreach or social programs?

These are the questions that we need to ask ourselves. These are the issues that need to be preached from the pulpit, because if we are reaching the point where we cannot count on the government looking kindly on religion. If we choose to depend on the government more than G_D, then we will get from G_D what we have desired.

 

[dannyblaze]

As to the question about the Church not using the 501(c) status for tax exempt purposes, you have to ask yourselves:

How deep are your pockets?

It’s one thing to talk about giving up your tax-exempt status when you’re a rural or suburban church; it’s another when your parish is parked in the middle of the city on land worth, say a couple of million dollars. No longer being a tax-exempt organization, your church now has to pay property taxes on that land. Have you calculated how much annually that will cost your parish? your diocese?

Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS.
Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because such recognition assures church leaders, members, and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits. For example, contributors to a church that has been recognized as tax exempt would know that their contributions generally are tax-deductible.

Churches are already tax exempt and don’t need to be a 501(c)(3) organization. Their property is exempt from taxes because they are a church which is protected by the U.S. Constitution and Congress has recognized this also.

So the idea that a church that has property that is valued at millions of dollars can only be taxed on the sale and that even will come with some benefits because it is a Church.

As you can read in the second quote from the IRS website its self, churches are already exempt and don’t need to apply for tax exempt status as quoted in the above IRS statement. The only reason for filling is one that is about writing off donations to individuals and groups who give to the church.

As to your second comment on how much I give I would answer with this statement. Jesus told the rich you ruler to sell everything he had and then follow him. St. Matthew gave up his business as did the other apostles to follow Christ. 10%, that is only the beginning and actually the Church says that we are to give what we purpose in our hearts. The other matter would be that giving is between God and the giver. What we do in secret God will reward in the open.

Peace in Christ,

Danny

 

[Muzhik]

Churches are already tax exempt and don’t need to be a 501(c)(3) organization. Their property is exempt from taxes because they are a church which is protected by the U.S. Constitution and Congress has recognized this also.

So the idea that a church that has property that is valued at millions of dollars can only be taxed on the sale and that even will come with some benefits because it is a Church.

As you can read in the second quote from the IRS website its self, churches are already exempt and don’t need to apply for tax exempt status as quoted in the above IRS statement. The only reason for filling is one that is about writing off donations to individuals and groups who give to the church.

This, then, begs the question: who determines if a church meets the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3)?