Why is there such a thing as a not-for-profit?

[Pete]

Why do churches enjoy the benefit of tax exempt status?

I mean, why does the business that a priest runs get to avoid paying taxes when a barber, for example, has to pay taxes on the revenue that he brings in?  Do you know what the biggest topic of discuss is for priests when they speak with their diocese leadership?  It's revenue.  Every rough ridin' time they pick up the phone when the caller ID says "Bishop" they assume it's going to be a conversation about revenue.

So, how does a barber not get the same tax status as a priest.  Both make you feel better about yourself...both make you give them money.  One uses mere mortal laws to enforce it, the other uses your eternal immortal soul to enforce it.

[Dugout DickStone]

Cuz they do charity and stuff.  All barbers do is turkey hunt with cross bows and serve wraps at tailgates.

[bradleigh]

Same applies to universities and stuff.  My favorite "not-for-profit?"  USGBC

[CNS]

Why do churches enjoy the benefit of tax exempt status?

I mean, why does the business that a priest runs get to avoid paying taxes when a barber, for example, has to pay taxes on the revenue that he brings in?  Do you know what the biggest topic of discuss is for priests when they speak with their diocese leadership?  It's revenue.  Every fracking time they pick up the phone when the caller ID says "Bishop" they assume it's going to be a conversation about revenue.

So, how does a barber not get the same tax status as a priest.  Both make you feel better about yourself...both make you give them money.  One uses mere mortal laws to enforce it, the other uses your eternal immortal soul to enforce it.

Def need to add hookers to this list of folks who make you feel better and who you give money too.  Hookers def need to be given the exempt status.

[john "teach me how to" dougie]

If the barber gives just enough haircuts to break even, he doesn't have to pay any taxes. Or, if he does make more, he can give it to charity and not pay any taxes.   

[AzCat]

Followin Obama's recent pronouncements that businesses should be interested in anything and everything other than turning a profit I thought this question would be moot.  After all, in Obama's world there will soon be nothing but nonprofits. 

[hemmy]

PETA is part non-profit, part terrorist organization

[TBL]

Why do churches enjoy the benefit of tax exempt status?

I mean, why does the business that a priest runs get to avoid paying taxes when a barber, for example, has to pay taxes on the revenue that he brings in?  Do you know what the biggest topic of discuss is for priests when they speak with their diocese leadership?  It's revenue.  Every rough ridin' time they pick up the phone when the caller ID says "Bishop" they assume it's going to be a conversation about revenue.

So, how does a barber not get the same tax status as a priest.  Both make you feel better about yourself...both make you give them money.  One uses mere mortal laws to enforce it, the other uses your eternal immortal soul to enforce it.

Cause Priests, ministers, etc.. are paid for their services by the church. As long as the churches stay out of politics, the government stays out of their business. At least it's supposed to work that way.

[michigancat]

As long as the churches stay out of politics

LOL

[sonofdaxjones]

Why should "non profits" that generate in some cases upwards of $130 million dollars in revenue, and in many cases pay some of their employees hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars a year . . . be non profit??

[Sugar Dick]

Why do people that own corporations (this includes anyone with a retirement account) have to pay taxes on profits twice?

Why does an idiot start a thread about non-profits, and base his complaint on the revenues of churches?

[yoga-like_abana]

As long as the churches stay out of politics

LOL

yeah he cant be serious

[Sugar Dick]

List of top 20 non profits by net income

   1.  American Red Cross
   2. YMCA of the USA
   3. United Jewish Communities
   4. Catholic Charities USA
   5. The Salvation Army
   6. Goodwill Industries International
   7. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
   8. Boys & Girls Clubs of America
   9. Habitat for Humanity International
  10. Boy Scouts of America
  11. American Cancer Society
  12. The Nature Conservancy
  13. National Easter Seal Society
  14. World Vision
  15. Planned Parenthood Federation of America
  16. Gifts In Kind International
  17. AmeriCares Foundation
  18. Food For The Poor
  19. Volunteers of America
  20. Girl Scouts of the USA

http://www.nonprofitcareerguide.org/fact_sheet-scope.php

[TBL]

As long as the churches stay out of politics

LOL

yeah he cant be serious

Like I said, that's the way it's supposed to work. Anywho, the priests/ministers aren't non-profit. They are considered contractors and get 1099's.

[Sugar Dick]

PETA is part non-profit, part terrorist organization

so is moveon.org

[Jeffy]

BP will now be non-profit.

[WildCatzPhreak]

Why are University Athletics Departments considered nonprofit?

[Sugar Dick]

Why are University Athletics Departments considered nonprofit?

IIRC the answer is actually a fairly interesting story (to the extent taxes are interesting)

It has to do with a Senator who was a big UT (could be another school) fan and alum.  When they were revising the tax code in 1986 he got it in there (no doubt with the support of other Senators who were alums of other power schools around the country).

Yeah, politics!   

I think you get to write off the part of your ticket purchases that are considered a "donation" to the respective athletic foundation.