Catholics, why do you refuse to pay your taxes?

All religious institutions are exempt from paying taxes in the United States, not just catholics.

Hello,

When Christ said render unto Caesar what is Caesar's the tax rates in the Roman Empire were 1.5% - 5% last checked; not 50% and income tax did not exist. Also Jews since time in memorial payed 10% to the synagogue or temple. I have to personally pay 30 - 40% income tax or my accounts are frozen and assets seized. I like Caesar better!

I do not wish to have to give more than I do to the Catholic church if land taxes are implemented. Furthermore what about other non - Catholic holdings from Liberty Baptist College to the huge crystal palace of Schuller to all the Mormon temples, univerities etc? So this begs the question; why do the protestants, Jews, Muslims and even Satanists not pay their dues either?

Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Dear J.

I'm a lifelong Catholic and my husband and I have payroll taxes withheld and have filed Form 1040 and our state forms every April for many years, just like everybody else.

Nearly all religious institutions in the United States are tax exempt. This means that the various Baptist Conventions, the various Lutheran Churches, the Jehovah's Witnesses, the various Jewish congregations, the United Methodist Church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Latter Day Saints, the Islamic congregations (Muslims) are not required by law to pay taxes on their revenues or property.

Many other non-religious non-profit organizations also are tax exempt: Planned Parenthood, the Ethical Society, United Way, the American Cancer Society, societies for historic preservation and for urban renewal, many environmental and conservation foundations, etc. are tax exempt.

J., if you were rich, you could even set up your own non-profit foundation or agency to help educate or feed others, to clean up the environment, or to study ways to help fight disease, then your group would be tax-exempt, too!

If Caesar says nothing is due then nothing is due.

The Catholic Church in the United States is exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

With love in Christ.

Catholics or the Church in general? Both pay taxes. The Church even puts out a report each year of how much was brought in and where it went. It shows how much goes to taxes! Where the heck did you get the idea they did not?

Real Christians pay taxes.

Matthew 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

Matthew 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

Matthew 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

I have a stack of 1040s that indicate I've paid taxes for well over 30 years.

Your church, if you attend one and you live in the U.S., is also tax-exept -- as is any property it happens to hold. Try asking your pastor or elders why they don't render unto Caesar, either.

Are you finished for tonight or may we expect more? (Hint: When even "truechurchhistorian" agrees with us, you've probably gone beyond ridiculous.)

They need every shiny penny for their court cases. You know the "other" Catholics that are hungry for the popes millions. Its in the news almost everyday, what can I say.

You can't be serious. I am Catholic and I guarantee you that I pay taxes. I've got the returns and the bill from my CPA to prove it.

catholic churches run their own schools - that people pay for - instead of sucking off the goverment for free education- they should not have to pay taxes - but megaevangelicalchurches should