Posted
5/31/2004 10:36:00 AM
by Douglas
Keep in mind that the phrase
separation of church and state does not appear in the United State Constitution. That not being said, how does the State determine who is and who is not worthy of tax exempt status? Good
question.AUSTIN -- Tax collectors and religions have had an uneasy relationship going back to biblical times, and Texas' top tax collector found out why during the past two months.
From covens of witches to the faiths of presidents, Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn is empowered to decide which organizations are exempt from paying sales, franchise and property taxes in Texas. The essential question she has to decide is: What is a religion?
To get to that answer, Strayhorn asks a simple question that determines divinity in some cases: Do you have a god or gods?
That's gotta be a tough call, and one that's bound to get some people mad. Are there some instances where a real "church" doesn't get tax-exempt status? In the case of the Unitarians, yes. On the other hand, would anyone and their dog claim to be a "church" to get out of paying taxes? I know I would, and therein lies the problem.
"Otherwise, any wannabe cult who dresses up and parades down Sixth Street on Halloween will be applying for an exemption," Strayhorn said.
Don't give 'em any ideas.