Can People Write-Off Donations To Their PAC (Politically Active Church)?

[arwalden]

If so, why? I couldn't write off my donation to MoveON or Human Rights Campaign... why should people who donate to Politically Active Churches be able to?

Why are churches permitted to exist as tax-free entities? Considering their political activism, they ought to be taxed just like anyone else.

[Eurobabe]

1. I wrote an email to Bob Herbert at the NYTimes

yesterday about the very same thing.

I think it is high time we start taxing churches, because they are being used to aid and abett political campaigns.

Yet, it is okay for the IRS to investigate the NAACP? Where is the justice?

[bryant69]

2. The Response

THey say: "The power to tax is the power to destroy, and churchs have always been protected from that power of the government."

You say: "OK we only want to tax those churches who advocate political action."

They say: "How do you determine that? Will there be representatives of the IRS copying down sermons to make sure they fit the guidelines? What if a preacher wants to preach on, say, gambling? Would that be enough for them to lose their right to exist?"

Plus of course it feeds into the idea that we are the party that hates religion.

Bryant

Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Pacifist Patriot]

3. As a minister I'm conflicted about this.

There is no legitimate way to distinguish between a politically active church and one that eschews activism. Additionally, there are many churches that can't afford full-time ministers or a decent roof. A tax bill could have the potential to crush them. Churches can be used effectively for disseminating a liberal message as well.

I don't now. I can see both sides of this argument.

[jimbo fett]

4. A faith without action is dead...

One could argue that a church isn't doing its "job" if it isn't politically active.

Social justice is a foundation of Christianity. And in a modern society where much social justice must be obtained through the government that would virtually mandate that churches be politically active.

That said, I do think that any individual church whose leadership speaks on behalf of its congregation for a political campaign/candidate or is actively engaged in a political campaign or is a member (as a church) of a PAC should have to forfeit its tax-exempt status.

[Pacifist Patriot]

6. Excellent point!

Churches and other religious houses are permitted to make statements on behalf or against policy issues. But the minute they or someone representing the institution utters words of support for or condemnation of a political candidate/politician they forfeit their exempt status.

[Cleita]

5. Good point.

Try arguing that with the IRS though and I don't think you will win.