Religion and tax.

Lando Griffin

Does the Catholic Church pay any tax. Or for that matter any other religious industries in Ireland. If they dont I think they should and have it back dated. The amount of funds they collect must be hugh. Are they VAT EXEMPT?

thetonynator

Pay tax on what?

You dont pay tax just for existing. Businesses pay corporation tax, its not a business, they dont have profits.

VAT exempt - exempt from what? They aren't buying or selling any tangible thing.

I'm sure they pay DIRT on interest received, and will prob have to pay property tax if that comes in.

orourkeda

WHY?

Naikon

orourkeda wrote: »

WHY?

Well, the catholic church is one the largest and most corrupt religious institutions currently in existence. Everytime I see a fancy church I think to myself "This money could have been spent better" like a lot of people. As far as I know, they are exempt.

jd007

orourkeda wrote: »

WHY?

because you touch yourself at night

thetonynator

Naikon wrote: »

Well, the catholic church is one the largest and most corrupt religious institutions currently in existence. Everytime I see a fancy church I think to myself "This money could have been spent better" like a lot of people. As far as I know, they are exempt.

The fancy churches were almost all built in the 1800's with money donated by the people of the parish. Not given by the government. Its peoples own choice where they want to donate their own money.


Exempt from what. Despite all the other taxes, the government havent got an existance tax, i.e., the church doesnt have to pay tax just because it exists.

Lando Griffin

thetonynator wrote: »

Pay tax on what?

Pay tax on earnings taken from the basket going around at mass, the few bob at births deaths and marriages which could amount to a nice earner, donations from church members. They have special collections about five times a year etc etc

thetonynator

Lando Griffin wrote: »

Pay tax on earnings taken from the basket going around at mass, the few bob at births deaths and marriages which could amount to a nice earner, donations from church members. They have special collections about five times a year etc etc

Do charities pay tax? These are all donations, they are not compulsory. You can attend mass without having to pay any money at all.

Yawns

Not yet anyway

animaal

thetonynator wrote: »

Despite all the other taxes, the government havent got an existance tax

NO, STOP IT, don't be giving the government ideas...

partyatmygaff

Lando Griffin wrote: »

Pay tax on earnings taken from the basket going around at mass, the few bob at births deaths and marriages which could amount to a nice earner, donations from church members. They have special collections about five times a year etc etc

Businesses pay tax, churches are not a business.

Naikon

One of these days, I am going to set up a cult. Not sure what the belief system will be based on, but I am guessing something centered around this man:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLuaqNoxjro

He exists in our heart and souls. Far more evidence for him than that fictional Jesus guy.

Relgion == Profit !

Cookie_Monster

will these "houses of God" have to pay the new property tax?

orourkeda

jd007 wrote: »

because you touch yourself at night

nice.

now you can go f*ck yourself too

MagicMarker

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Businesses pay tax, churches are not a business.

I pay tax, I'm not a business.

Cookie_Monster

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Businesses pay tax, churches are not a business.

the church is a registered charity and therefore are exempt. but they are a business to, sure the try and flog you all sorts of crappy newsletters and papers and so forth

thetonynator

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

will these "houses of God" have to pay the new property tax?

It will depend on what context the tax is in, it may only be buildings that are permanently occupied, it may be a blanket property tax, covering burnt out shacks in a field someplace.

orourkeda

Naikon wrote: »

Well, the catholic church is one the largest and most corrupt religious institutions currently in existence. Everytime I see a fancy church I think to myself "This money could have been spent better" like a lot of people. As far as I know, they are exempt.

What about all the other corrupt institutions in existence? Do you lie awake at night worrying about their tax liabilities also?

Dont be at yourself

thetonynator wrote: »

Do charities pay tax? These are all donations, they are not compulsory. You can attend mass without having to pay any money at all.

If people "donate" millions and millions to me every year, I'll have to pay tax. Why should the church - any church - be exempt?

Naikon

orourkeda wrote: »

What about all the other corrupt institutions in existence? Do you lie awake at night worrying about their tax liabilities also?

I don't worry about issues I have no control over. It's just a shame how the money is not accounted for. Doubt all of it is going towards "worthy causes". The church doesn't have to even reveal how the money is spent as far as I am aware. Most corporations don't play nice either. Such is Business. Who knows.

Coriolanus

Well, off the top of my head, are they able to claim back VAT on goods and services purchased?

orourkeda

Naikon wrote: »

I don't worry about issues I have no control over. It's just a shame how the money is not accounted for. Doubt all of it is going towards "worthy causes". The church doesn't have to even reveal how the money is spent as far as I am aware. Who knows.

The money is theirs. Unfortunately none of us have any control over how it's spent or accounted for. Neither should we. If funds have not been spent as you would like theres nothing anyone can do about it.

orourkeda

Nevore wrote: »

Well, off the top of my head, are they able to claim back VAT on goods and services purchased?

So can every other VAT registered company. Why would they been any different?

thetonynator

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

If people "donate" millions and millions to me every year, I'll have to pay tax. Why should the church - any church - be exempt?

Should Trocaire, Concern, Goal, Oxfam, any charity you can think of have to pay tax?

On another note, it was only a dig out, they were surrounding me, wanting to donate tis money to me and not wanting it back.:P

Naikon wrote: »

I don't worry about issues I have no control over. It's just a shame how the money is not accounted for. Doubt all of it is going towards "worthy causes". The church doesn't have to even reveal how the money is spent as far as I am aware. Most corporations don't play nice either. Such is Business. Who knows.

Do you have to reveal how your money is spent? The church is not state funded, why should they have to reveal where every cent goes???

Anyway, most pariches let their mass going parishioners know where the money they donate goes.

Nevore wrote: »

Well, off the top of my head, are they able to claim back VAT on goods and services purchased?

I doubt it.

Coriolanus

orourkeda wrote: »

So can every other VAT registered company. Why would they been any different?

Because a VAT registered company gets to reclaim VAT because the items purchased then go for resale or the production of items for resale or the provision of services.
The VAT that's repaid to a company is recouped when the company sells the item and pays the VAT raised on that sale to Revenue, so the State still makes the same, if not more.

thetonynator

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

the church is a registered charity and therefore are exempt. but they are a business to, sure the try and flog you all sorts of crappy newsletters and papers and so forth

They arent a business. Papers and newsletters that may be religiously associated are not run by the church as a whole, but by businesses/publishers who want to sell religious literature.

If you go to lourdes or knock and but some religious souvenier in a shop in that town, does that make the church a business because someone sold something religious in a shop?

Lando Griffin

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Businesses pay tax, churches are not a business.

They sell things they buy things and offer services sounds like business to me

Gummy Panda

You know when you pay the church for a wedding, is that considered a 'donation'?

thetonynator

Lando Griffin wrote: »

They sell things they buy things and offer services sounds like business to me

What do they sell that makes a profit? The Irish Cancer Society sell teddy key rings or pin on badges or something, but they are donations? What does the church sell?

What services do they offer that you have to pay for? Weddings etc. prob have some related cost that goes towards the registry office, but afaik any payment after that is at your discretion.

Gummy Panda wrote: »

You know when you pay the church for a wedding, is that considered a 'donation'?

As above.

Dont be at yourself

thetonynator wrote: »

Should Trocaire, Concern, Goal, Oxfam, any charity you can think of have to pay tax?

Nope, but then they operate exclusively as charities.

What about astrologists, faith healers or scientologists?

starbelgrade

FIFA are also a registered charity. No joke.

Lando Griffin

thetonynator wrote: »

What do they sell that makes a profit?

Graves. They sell graves. Get a mass card signed you pay for it to be signed. Lots more

thetonynator

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

Nope, but then they operate exclusively as charities.

What about astrologists, faith healers or scientologists?

The churches income is all donations from parishioners, at their discretion. Astrologists, faith healers and scientologists (afaik) charge for their services.

starbelgrade wrote: »

FIFA are also a registered charity. No joke.

Its all sepp blatters fault. Just blame him!

thetonynator

Lando Griffin wrote: »

Graves. They sell graves. Get a mass card signed you pay for it to be signed. Lots more

Graves are plots of land, they cant just give land away for free.

Mass cards: Generally at your discretion, with a guideline given.

Here is an idea: make all religions pay tax and then reduce the tax individuals have to pay.

Religion robs people of their lives by fooling them into believing self-contradictory and ludicrous fairy tales. In the case of the Catholic Church, it also systematically covers up kiddy-fiddling by its "spiritual leaders" and does everything it can to prevent condoms being used to slow the spread of HIV, other STDs and unplanned pregnancy. There is something to be said for seizing all the RCC's Irish assets and giving us all a short tax break.

Giving donations may be technically "voluntary" at mass, but even children get dirty looks if they don't at least get money from their parents to present the illusion of them giving. You are guilted into giving the church money, and that is a very powerful motivator for getting people to do things they'd rather not do.

You can believe what you want to believe, but just because you're a religious fruitcake doesn't mean you are exempt from the rules that are forced upon everyone else.

xOxSinéadxOx

I thought this was going to be about the evil tax collecters in the bible and that zachaeus guy who climbed up a tree, I learnt a song about him in primary school

thetonynator

Deleted User wrote: »

Here is an idea: make all religions pay tax and then reduce the tax individuals have to pay.

Religion robs people of their lives by fooling them into believing self-contradictory and ludicrous fairy tales. In the case of the Catholic Church, it also systematically covers up kiddy-fiddling by its "spiritual leaders" and does everything it can to prevent condoms being used to slow the spread of HIV, other STDs and unplanned pregnancy.

Giving donations may be technically "voluntary" at mass, but even children get dirty looks if they don't at least get money from their parents to present the illusion of them giving. You are guilted into giving the church money, and that is a very powerful motivator for getting people to do things they'd rather not do.

You can believe what you want to believe, but just because you're a religious fruitcake doesn't mean you are exempt from the rules that are forced upon everyone else.

A) Its choice. You do not have to believe it, attend services etc.

I agree. But what does it have to do with paying tax?

C) No they don't, nobody will even give you a second glance for not contributing.

D) Again, it;s choice whether or not you go to a church service or believe anything said by the church.

E) As pointed out about 5 times already in this thread, if you had bothered to read it, charities and donations to charities are exempt from tax. Therefore these rules are not forced upon everyone else, and you are talking sh!te.

thetonynator

xOxSinéadxOx wrote: »

I thought this was going to be about the evil tax collecters in the bible and that zachaeus guy who climbed up a tree, I learnt a song about him in primary school

I remember that song. And the one about Brendan in his banana boat.

Coriolanus

xOxSinéadxOx wrote: »

I thought this was going to be about the evil tax collecters in the bible and that zachaeus guy who climbed up a tree, I learnt a song about him in primary school

Jesus was a libertarian?

Dyr

Are the church bashers particularly angry in here because they're not out with their class mates tonight?

The cattalick church funds arseloads of schools in this country so our govt doesnt have to spend revenue on such frivolous nonsense. They pay their way

thetonynator

This is the sort of thread you expect to see on Good Friday cos somebody cant go one night without going out and is at home getting drunk on the 30 cans he bought in the offo the previous day in defiance of the catholic church.

sock puppet

thetonynator wrote: »

This is the sort of thread you expect to see on Good Friday cos somebody cant go one night without going out and is at home getting drunk on the 30 cans he bought in the offo the previous day in defiance of the catholic church.

Ha drinking on a Friday night. What will those crazy secularists think of next.

orourkeda

Deleted User wrote: »

Here is an idea: make all religions pay tax and then reduce the tax individuals have to pay.

Religion robs people of their lives by fooling them into believing self-contradictory and ludicrous fairy tales. In the case of the Catholic Church, it also systematically covers up kiddy-fiddling by its "spiritual leaders" and does everything it can to prevent condoms being used to slow the spread of HIV, other STDs and unplanned pregnancy. There is something to be said for seizing all the RCC's Irish assets and giving us all a short tax break.

Giving donations may be technically "voluntary" at mass, but even children get dirty looks if they don't at least get money from their parents to present the illusion of them giving. You are guilted into giving the church money, and that is a very powerful motivator for getting people to do things they'd rather not do.

You can believe what you want to believe, but just because you're a religious fruitcake doesn't mean you are exempt from the rules that are forced upon everyone else.

Religion do not rob. They rely on donations dont they. If anyone feels "guilted", as you put it, thats their problem.

Seeing as they only peddle "contradictory and ludicrous fairy tales", can we assume that you have all the answers. Would you like to share them with us and all the irrefutable proof that you are all knowing.

Coriolanus

Bambi wrote: »

The cattalick church funds arseloads of schools in this country so our govt doesnt have to spend revenue on such frivolous nonsense. They pay their way

Church demands €2m fees from national schools

The State pays by far the majority of the running costs of the national and secondary schools.

Lando Griffin

And what do priests do with their PPS number? Do the religious employees and employers pay PRSI and PAYE etc?

thetonynator

sock puppet wrote: »

Ha drinking on a Friday night. What will those crazy secularists think of next.

Well its one friday out of 52. And 1 day out of 365 ( unless you're the kind of sad person who wants to go to a pub on christmas day)

It shouldn't hurt too much!!

thetonynator

Lando Griffin wrote: »

And what do priests do with their PPS number? Do the religious employees and employers pay PRSI and PAYE etc?

TH, they earn so little I doubt they would qualify for tax. And they dont even own their house or car. Any income is for food, clothes and the 2 weeks holidays they have each year.

Nevore wrote: »

Church demands €2m fees from national schools

The State pays by far the majority of the running costs of the national and secondary schools.

Link wouldnt work for me, might be my computer.

Coriolanus

thetonynator wrote: »

TH, they earn so little I doubt they would qualify for tax. And they dont even own their house or car. Any income is for food, clothes and the 2 weeks holidays they have each year.



Link wouldnt work for me, might be my computer.

Works fine for me? Independent.ie and the text is the article headline so should be able to track it with a search.

sock puppet

thetonynator wrote: »

Well its one friday out of 52. And 1 day out of 365 ( unless you're the kind of sad person who wants to go to a pub on christmas day)

It shouldn't hurt too much!!

Why not enforce a similar ban next Friday? It's only two Fridays a year so you couldn't possibly have any objections could you?

orourkeda

Deleted User wrote: »

Here is an idea: make all religions pay tax and then reduce the tax individuals have to pay.

Religion robs people of their lives by fooling them into believing self-contradictory and ludicrous fairy tales. In the case of the Catholic Church, it also systematically covers up kiddy-fiddling by its "spiritual leaders" and does everything it can to prevent condoms being used to slow the spread of HIV, other STDs and unplanned pregnancy. There is something to be said for seizing all the RCC's Irish assets and giving us all a short tax break.

Giving donations may be technically "voluntary" at mass, but even children get dirty looks if they don't at least get money from their parents to present the illusion of them giving. You are guilted into giving the church money, and that is a very powerful motivator for getting people to do things they'd rather not do.

You can believe what you want to believe, but just because you're a religious fruitcake doesn't mean you are exempt from the rules that are forced upon everyone else.

If you dont believe in religion why do you want them to pay your tax for you.

partyatmygaff

Deleted User wrote: »

Here is an idea: make all religions pay tax and then reduce the tax individuals have to pay.

Religion robs people of their lives by fooling them into believing self-contradictory and ludicrous fairy tales. In the case of the Catholic Church, it also systematically covers up kiddy-fiddling by its "spiritual leaders" and does everything it can to prevent condoms being used to slow the spread of HIV, other STDs and unplanned pregnancy. There is something to be said for seizing all the RCC's Irish assets and giving us all a short tax break.

Giving donations may be technically "voluntary" at mass, but even children get dirty looks if they don't at least get money from their parents to present the illusion of them giving. You are guilted into giving the church money, and that is a very powerful motivator for getting people to do things they'd rather not do.

You can believe what you want to believe, but just because you're a religious fruitcake doesn't mean you are exempt from the rules that are forced upon everyone else.

What an embarassing post.