Baptists and the 501(c)3 Designation

[ksen]

Someone posted the Baptist Distinctives on another thread and it reminded to ask this question.

As Baptists one of the things we believe is in the separation of Church and State. We don't want the government meddling in our spiritual affairs.

That said, why do so many of our Baptist Churches take the Non-Profit 501(c)3 designation from the IRS?

I don't think we should, and if I could get the church to which I belong to give theirs up I'd be very happy.

 

[TexasCatholic]

Why?...

 

[ksen]

Why?...

Because it gives the Federal Government, through the IRS, leverage over your church.

From what I understand New Testament churches are naturally tax-exempt and do not need the 501(c)3 exemption.

 

[Cary.Melvin]

Because it gives the Federal Government, through the IRS, leverage over your church.

From what I understand New Testament churches are naturally tax-exempt and do not need the 501(c)3 exemption.

With history as a judge, the government generally takes what it wants. Church or not. Fortunatly our country values non-profit organisations for the good of the public and allows them to be tax exempt. But the government does have to regulate this to insure that abuses do not occur.

Does the American government really try to medle with churches all that much? I think the bigest thing they look for are political organisations trying to pass themselves off as a tax exept church.

 

[ksen]

With history as a judge, the government generally takes what it wants. Church or not. Fortunatly our country values non-profit organisations for the good of the public and allows them to be tax exempt. But the government does have to regulate this to insure that abuses do not occur.

The government has to regulate what so abuses don't occur? Where people give their own money?

Does the American government really try to medle with churches all that much?

Yes they do, especially if the churches are considered "conservative."

I think the bigest thing they look for are political organisations trying to pass themselves off as a tax exept church.

Then get rid of the 501(c)3 designation altogether. The pastor should be able to say whatever he wants to say across the pulpit, even during an election cycle.........especially during an election cycle.

 

[Cary.Melvin]

The government has to regulate what so abuses don't occur? Where people give their own money?

The government has made this exception because it is seen as being in the public good. Hence the government must regulate what activities fall under that exception so that people don't abuse it for their own personal gain.

Then get rid of the 501(c)3 designation altogether. The pastor should be able to say whatever he wants to say across the pulpit, even during an election cycle.........especially during an election cycle.

I don't think we should get rid of the 501(c)3 designation because it would hinder organisations that otherwise trying to help other people. Why would the government not want to promote this type of activity?

Anyway a church or any other non-profit organisation is fully within their rights not to accept this designation. So I don't see a problem.

 

[theseed]

Someone posted the Baptist Distinctives on another thread and it reminded to ask this question.

As Baptists one of the things we believe is in the separation of Church and State. We don't want the government meddling in our spiritual affairs.

That said, why do so many of our Baptist Churches take the Non-Profit 501(c)3 designation from the IRS?

I don't think we should, and if I could get the church to which I belong to give theirs up I'd be very happy.

That would me they would have to pay taxes to the government, which would be self-deafing in the first place.

 

[GreenEyedLady]

If you get rid of the 501C then you cannot have any tax exemptions.
I don't see anything wrong with a church having this status. Our organization is now a 501c organization. The IRS does not bang on your door, its really quite easy. You just fill out some paperwork and then send it in. It is not any differant that just having a buisness. The only thing is that you are concidered a charity and your donators are able to use it as a tax deducation.
I don't understand what more you think the governments role in a 501C rather than just a plain buisness?
GEL