• CNN report on ‘Pulpit Freedom Sunday’

  Filed under 501(c)(3) election activity, tax law
  Sep 29

  Sadly, the hubris of the heads of these churches may hurt their parishioners. Remember, the Constitution protects the right to speech and religion, but not tax exemption…

  2 Comments

2 Responses to “CNN report on ‘Pulpit Freedom Sunday’”

1. 

   Carol Topp, CPA said on November 7th, 2009 at 9:24 am

   Tim, I’ve really been enjoying you podcasts as I take my daily walks in this fine Cincinnati fall weather we’ve been having.

   I especially enjoy your concise statement about right to free speech, but not to tax exemption.

   I deal with a lot of homeschool organizations that fear their free speech, freedom to assemble and religious freedoms will be hampered if they become tax exempt. They fear government intrusion in their freedoms if they apply for 501c3 status. The vast majority are not politically active.

   I try to do a lot of education via my website and workshops and sometimes I just have to state things simply like you did. Sometimes I just tell fearful leaders, “If you think 501c3 status is government intervention into your life, then don’t apply and pay your taxes.” They don’t usually like that answer!

   Carol Topp, CPA

2. 

   Tim Mooney said on November 7th, 2009 at 11:43 am

   I think tax-exemption is a wonderful thing for the vast majority of qualifying organizations, but as with anything, there’s a trade-off. If you want your church to be more electorally active (remember 501(c)(3)s can lobby, just not engage in electioneering!) then be that church, but pay the taxes. The First Amendment certainly protects that!

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