Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should churches pay taxes?
Position‹2 of 2

No, churches should not pay taxes

The tax-exempt status of churches protects religious freedom and the common good by making it easier for churches to survive and do positive work for their community.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Taxes threaten the survival of churches
    Churches would not survive under the financial strain of taxes.
  2. Tax-exemption of churches protects religious freedom
    If the government can tax churches, they could restrict religious freedom in other ways.
  3. The tax-exempt status of churches enables charity work
    If churches were taxed, they would be unable to contribute to the common good. The extra revenue that churches reap from their lack of taxes filters back into their communities in real and tangible ways that cannot be said for many of the larger corporations.