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Originally Posted by T-Mac
The IRS already watches the LDS Church like a hawk. I work in the tax world and have many friends in it as well. My understanding from some of them who work at the church is that they have the IRS with them all the time. I am sure that the IRS watches what they do and that the church has not overstepped its bounds in regards to its 501(c)(3) status. Everyone loves to argue that the tax-exempt status should be yanked. I say, read the entire section of the revenue code in relation to the various types of tax-exempt status. Don't forget the Revenue Rulings, Revenue Procedures and the Tax Court Cases as well. It is overwhelming and in no ways am I an expert in it but I do think that the church takes all precautions to make sure that they stay within the boundaries that have been set by the government for a 501(c)(3).
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No, it's just they allow too much bending of the rules.
How many churches are allowed to endorse candidates for presidents and nothing happens? A lot. If you're going to stake out a position in the public and use your power to influence support, then you should pay taxes.
I wonder how Mormons would feel if every other faith decided to band together and endorse the idea of banning LDS marriages? That means no Mormons could marry, I bet the LDS Church would shit a brick, protest like crazy and demand equality.
But like I said, no one cares because it's the gays. The fags should just sit down, shut up and enjoy being a half-citizen. If they want to marry, they should find a suitable person of the opposite sex, right?
The LDS Church did more than just lend its voice to the cause, they pumped in millions of dollars into it. Don't you love it? Religions can persecute, speak out on politics, endorse candidates, throw money at political causes like any other political organization, except they don't get to pay taxes.
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Section 501(c)(3) describes corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literacy, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided in section (h)), and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
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Substantial Lobbying Activity
In general, no organization, including a church, may qualify for IRC section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying). An IRC section 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status.
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http://www.irs.gov/irb/2004-22_IRB/ar09.html
It seems all the LDS Church does now-a-days, along with my own church, is lobby against the gays. The letter of the law may not have been violated, but the spirit of the law was. And unfortunately, too many religious organizations are allowed to push the law without any blow back, giving them the opportunity to push even more. When will the line be drawn?
It's unfortunate, especially from a religion that was persecuted themselves so many years ago.
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Thankyou Viper, Your help is much appreciated.
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