Should Mormon Temples be Taxed?

[@Zeett09]

It’s crazy to me that a church is not required to pay tax AND not required to be transparent in their finances.

[@citizen3902]

Yes, they should pay taxes. Members cannot enter the temples until they’ve paid the church 10% of their income and thus the church has earned an income from said members.

[@WatchingwaitingG2D]

Quiet pretender.

[@bobicusrex]

Well the LDS Church says that they believe in following the laws of the land so they should gladly pay their taxes like everyone else

[@robertb6889]

They really believe they should be exempt from the laws of the land best I can tell. Look at their temples and zoning.

[@bobicusrex]

@robertb6889 oh I agree with you. The LDS Church is ran by self-centered corrupt hypocritical judgemental pricks

[@mormonbear4050]

Cry more.

[@99blackbirds]

Scooge Doesnt like paying taxes and he finds a way a loophole to get away! Scrooge doesn't know he is Scrooge he just does what his partner did Jacob Marley! Then he finds out Jacob Marly is BAD!

[@Draegoron]

The law of the land is not to tax churches what are you whining about?😂

[@RicardoCoyote]

Thank you, Nemo, for this excellent report.

[@Caveman57]

Should they be taxed? YES!! Temples are a "pay to play" (or enter) places. If you don't pay the entrance fee (10% of your income for life), you can't enter. It is NOT used for charitable or public purposes. If you can't afford the entrance fee, you are prohibited from entrance. Tax them and use the money for the public who can use the money.

[@suthatheplee2777]

This is the kind of issue that GAs around the world deal with. They are businessmen, accountants and lawyers mostly. The “spiritual” leading takes a distant second seat to their primary roles in Area offices around the world: build and protect assets!

[@bewitched3912]

Yes, non members shouldn't support the infrastructures with doubled taxes

[@bryceburgart8544]

Thanks!

[@susiekathryn8570]

Merry Christmas!

[@NEMOTHEMORMON]

Thank you, a Merry Christmas to you too!

[@micheleaustin794]

They should be paying in taxes or start helping all of God's children regardless of religion of the land ‼️‼️‼️

[@susiekathryn8570]

I really hate how the church thinks they are above the law… in any country!🤬

[@Lukuni]

Money rules the world 👐

[@suzannedehaven6775]

The church doesn't think they are above the law...they just think they can get away with not telling the truth..

[@codyironworks307]

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

[@markh.harris9271]

There is no lawfull tax exemption that might be claimed by the LDS. Churches should NOT be tax exempt; that is, ALL churches, not just the LDS. marcus

[@Cultural_Hall]

Great video, Nemo.

[@Kristy_not_Kristine]

I'm one of those who believes as you said about taxes, however, since taxes are collected, they-lds- should not be exempted.

[@KC-or1ic]

The Mormon church should have its nonprofit status removed in the US because of its political advocacy.

[@kristinesharp6286]

So should other non profits? It’s a card carrying members only building. Wards no, temples yes.

[@jf2p712]

Any 200 billion dollar business should be paying taxes.

[@kristinesharp6286]

@@jf2p712 a building where anyone can come in pray is not a business. The shops are a business.

[@jf2p712]

You cannot enter the temple without paying.. members have to pay to play, so should the Corporation of The First Presidency.

[@nordicexile7378]

You can't even enter the churches to pray most days of the week. They are locked up tight except for a few hours on Sunday and maybe one or two nights per week for activites. They are in no way "open to the public" at other times.

[@Insane_GlassesGuy]

All religious organizations should be taxed. End of discussion.

[@davepowder4020]

So if you and one other person in your house believe one way, whether or not you declare your belief to be official, but don't abandon said belief upon demand, I should be able to tax you for it?

[@nordicexile7378]

@@davepowder4020 Houses are already subject to property tax. Your argument makes no sense.

[@Kristy_not_Kristine]

Or that none should be taxes. They print money out of thin air anyway, it as zeros in spreadsheets. They don't need to steal our money.

[@austinnajar]

Great. If we start taxing religious organizations, then religions should be able to make direct political donations and lobby for laws and endorse politicians. We’d hopefully, at least in America, see a return to strong conservative familial principles. We would hopefully see a nationwide abortion ban passed. We’d hopefully see a law requiring marriage to become solely a religious rite that is dictated as one man and one woman. We’d hopefully see no fault divorce outlawed. All of those would be way better for this country.

[@darlenelane9010]

@@davepowder4020 What???

[@anitakephart3851]

Yes and yes I am tired of these mega churches being built and taking advantage of a tax-free benefit. All the churches not just mormon.

[@kristinesharp6286]

But they are free to the public.

[@chadnelsen3679]

Rainy day fund for themselves.

[@mormonbear4050]

Awwww..... poor baby.

[@chadnelsen3679]

@ I hope you enjoyed church today and feel the spirit of giving.

[@bonusbaby801]

​@@chadnelsen3679, rainy...DAY??? Them fools are set up 400 YEARS of rainy days😂

[@Ana-hz5fw]

YES they should

[@sherryarmstrong4188]

Good research.

[@RebeccaandChrisScott]

It is important to note the charitable buildings get a mandatory 80% rates relief, but the relevant council can (and often do) uplift this to 100%.

[@allekatrase3751]

All religions should. They can claim exemptions for charitable giving, which is what they're theoretically doing that justifies the tax exempt status. The rest of their activities don't need to be exempt.

[@phyllisw.]

YESYESYES ! Thank you Nemo !!!

[@MustangWriter]

Hmmmm. Since my TR was taken away maybe I should contact our local property tax office and see what kind of taxes my local temple is not paying. Pay to play being tax exempt.

[@leahshaw1447]

Thanks Nemo, public access should not be taxed, but buildings that limit access, like temples, should be taxed. Think of the men in charge of the church -- lawyers, businessmen, wealthy. Of course, they're going to try to keep more $. It's a corporation, not a church.

[@davepowder4020]

There are those that would happily lay a extra tax upon anyone that doesn't believe in "the one way" that those people each believe. Doesn't Islam lay an extra tax on those that don't follow Islam? And if that tax isn't paid, what happens? So should we punish-tax everyone that doesn't believe in a certain person's one way, and which certain person gets to make the rules that we all must follow or be taxed against?

[@timmiestabrnak]

Yes!

[@debbieshrubb1222]

In Glastonbury a fitness instructor was prevented from giving a demonstration at the yearly Frost Fair by the local bishop. The bishop seems to have thought it was an erotic dancing display (it wasn't) and therefore inappropriate on church property. My point is that the Church of England also enjoys tax free status so should the vicar be able to dictate who can take part in a community event?

[@bill99208]

It is past time for the church to understand that they must pay property taxes to the governments where they have buildings. If we as members have to cough up our ten percent to get in, then it’s only right that the church should have to obey the laws of the countries where they are and that includes paying property taxes. These 70, 80, 90, and 100 year old men who are the GA’s need to get over the idea that the law of the land does not apply to the church. The sad reality is that the laws do apply to the church. I can just bet what would happen if those gentlemen didn’t pay their individual taxes; a certain amount of time would pass and then the State or municipal authorities would start procedures for getting them to pay up or suffer the consequences. There would be no extenuating circumstances applied unless the reasons were very believable (illness) or other reasons. The fact it’s an inconvenient thing to do is not surprising. It’s something that adults have to do along with paying income tax because we have to be employed to a job ( and that matter can hit a person as early as 16. The facts are that taxes are what we pay to support our government and other services we depend upon. If an alternative could be found in both cases (government or tithing to the church), I’m sure it would be very welcome to all.

[@RLDRemembrance]

No because that's not how tax law works and quite frankly property tax should not exist at all.

[@davepowder4020]

It's been brought up elsewhere that taxing the organizations, basically all religions, not just Mormons, would also mean them acquiring more rights to influence public policy. Taxation with representation. Do you want some of the "Nationalist Christian" organizations to have more power over your life than they already do through their influence on the GOP and Trump?

[@ageofwander]

It's ALWAYS been about money. Members who don't believe that, I dare you to simply stop paying your tithing this year, and see what happens. Keep attending church, keep serving, keep wearing yourself out being a good human being ... just cut back on the money. Money doesn't matter, right? Spoiler alert: If you don't pay enough MONEY to the church ... or if your bishop doesn't "feel impressed" that you paid enough MONEY - your "FULL" allotment ... then you will not be considered "worthy" enough to have a Temple Recommend. And without a temple recommend, you can not receive your "eternal blessings", be on the "covenant path" to live with God again, or have an "eternal family". No Money = No Temple Recommend = No Celestial Kingdom. Just think about that. LDS members must literally PAY a minimum of a full 10% of their earnings TO THE CHURCH in order to PURCHASE an entrance ticket into God's highest heaven. Tithing is the Mormon version of "Indulgences". In the end, it is not about how kind or good you are, how much service you gave to your fellow man, or how much "faith" you had ... you might have all of that but you still cannot gain Exaltation WITHOUT GIVING THE LDS CHURCH YOUR MONEY! $$$$$$$$ ... and then, that same Church doesn't even use your MONEY to do good and follow the admonition of Christ [feed the hungry, clothe the naked .... etc.]!! Nope. They stash it all away in shell companies trying to hide their Dragon's hoard of hundreds of BILLIONS from their membership who are required to KEEP PAYING NO MATTER WHAT TO PROVE YOUR LOYALTY AND BUY YOUR "WORTHINESS" .... Jesus Christ taught 11 of His 39 parables about money. The love of money, and obsessive hoarding of wealth is considered one of the greatest sins against God and mankind.

[@davepowder4020]

This is a misrepresentation.

[@andycarrillo1477]

Yes, ALL churches that generate any income as a corporation should pay taxes. Mormons who wish to enter any of its temples are required to pay 10% of their ‘gains’ to obtain a worthiness temple recommend; if not, they are barred from worshipping therein. In light of the SEC’s $5M fine for concealing the true nature of church investments over a 20 year period, why should members pay a church tax/tithe?

[@margosvintagevibes5024]

The topic is very interesting indeed. I would find it helpful and also relevant to compare the Church of Jesus Christ LDS with its closest religious institutions in number of member such as the Catholic, and perhaps some non-Christian institutions. I don’t have any idea if that information is accessible to the public but would be curious to know how other religious groups handle their finances. Thank you.

[@tmanfury6452]

If you tax the Lds religion you’ll have to tax all religions. The Lds church would easily out last the other religions. Not to mention we pay property taxes. And the church is global which means we follow tax laws in other countries. And income tax is tax on money after expenses. So subtract missionary cost. Bishop storehouse cost, cost of facility maintenance, the global humanitarian cost, etc… the church would be just fine, it’s the donation amount the would be affected. Taxing churches =hurting those in need

[@austinr4405]

Nah, the money that's donated has already been taxed a dozen times already.

[@learnenglishwithstories3571]

Should they be taxed? It's like asking if someone who is bullying you should get bullied by a bigger bully. I mean, it feels good to see them hurt... but is it a good thing that people are hurt?

[@EL-IZ-At-BETH-sarim]

Please then the Watchtower organisation as well😊

[@martinlovesthailand]

? Donations that fund these temples come from money that has already been taxed upon taxed upon taxed! Also quite laughable that he is now claiming to be an expert when nearly every claim when fact checked is proven false.

[@suthatheplee2777]

Contact him and ask him to rebut your claims. He will likely be glad to elaborate and defend his position.

[@zionssuburb]

They should follow the law where the temple is

[@bettycrockett5]

Nemo, do you think the leaders have handlers and taking punishment we know nothing about?

[@jamesmorphe8003]

maybe if the govt would call it tithing, the church may be more receptive to the idea,

[@anarchisttutor7423]

In other words, which cult do you want to get that money?

[@tykiisel8801]

The Mormons and every other church should be taxed. Since they are really a business that dabbles at religion. They can deduct their charitable donations like everyone else.

[@my2cworth4U]

If members get a 100% tax deduction on tithing, that means they don't pay tithing unless they are on a pension and cannot claim a tax deduction.

[@trainwreck656]

You are confusing tax deduction with tax credit

[@my2cworth4U]

@trainwreck656 ok tax credit!

[@micheleh3851]

@my2cworth4U - You don't understand USA tax law. Charitable donations are tax deductible after you pay the donation. You don't calculate your donation on your pension. You would calculate your tithing on your pension, then you would be eligible for a tax deduction on the portion of your pension you paid in tithing or other donation.

[@kennance115]

No, of Course not at least in the Unite States The UK I don't know but the LDS Church invests in the UK and I would say the UK is getting a good deal . Keir Starmer was elected out of frustration with the conservatives or not controlling immigration. The jumped out o the frying pan and into the fire. I think they should tax their King before the Churches and get rid of Starmer..

[@jeffreybernson7978]

A Britt tell us how the church is run financially… hahah

[@marys.currie9026]

And then no doubt they will try once again when the Scottish temple gets built 👎😡👎😡👎😡

[@ZelphBallard-bg9mt]

render undo caesar that which is caesars ....

[@ErikLiberty]

Ok, so nothing. "Regarding prudence in the face of an immediate tax demand, Jesus enlightened his disciples when He said in Matthew 17:24-27 (paraphrasing) 'the children of the king don’t have to pay taxes, therefore they are free… but we don’t want to make these tax collectors angry… pay the tax for you and me.' "It is a reflection on the state of churches in this area that this scripture is almost unheard of in comparison to the 'render unto Caesar' passage. Had Jesus, in that passage, said in public what He said privately to His disciples in Matthew 17, He would have faced Roman charges of treason or sedition. In fact, He was later accused of tax resistance (Luke 23:2). Instead, His words cleverly invited the hearers to choose between the Roman-deified Caesar (Government) and the true God. What He certainly did not say is the modern church interpretation - that Caesar can decide how much is his and anyone who does not pay is a thief." - Paul Green See also: 'Caesar and God in Context' by Christopher Bevis

[@ZelphBallard-bg9mt]

@@ErikLiberty blah blah. TLDR; regardless the church should pay taxes. Especially in countries where members get a tax exemption (and they really should not) for paying tithing and that tithing money is then transferred to the LDS central USA.

[@douglaslivengood359]

All churches ahold be taxed esp the lds church with all their non religious properties

[@BobbieTaylor-yq1ei]

You bet your ass they should!!! They have their noses in politics, you don’t get one without the other.

[@johnkay8388]

No

[@UK75US]

Pay a tax yes but 20% is exorbitant and the financial size of the organization is irrelevant.

[@adamstacey7194]

I believe it means that the temple qualifies under English law as a building for charitable purposes, so the church had to pay only 20% of what it would have been if it was a non-charitable building. But the temple does not qualify as a building for public religious worship, which would have exempted it from the property tax entirely.

[@UK75US]

@@adamstacey7194 Many thanks for the clarification I obviously misunderstood the 20%. It would be informative to understand the property valuation and actual tax percentage.

[@JamazVu]

are you doing all of this just because you got excom?

[@wmdubinhad]

Nemo is not an expert and has a distorted perspective. For instance, he believes that the Church should stores treasure in heaven. However, Christ was speaking to people, not about the Church.

[@davepowder4020]

I notice that the massive amount of charity work done around the world is hand-waved away. "If I don't want to believe, then it isn't real." Said folks that hand-wave the work away aren't bothered by causing starvation among so many, are they? They seem to be happy with the idea of starving children as long as they got to "stick it to Mormons" That tells you about their true inner selves. Extremely cruel.

[@RogerBennett-q7w]

No they should not be taxed

[@ExaltedSeahawksFan]

YES they should be taxed! A multi-billion dollar corporation like them has to pay their share!

[@raymondwinn6479]

I would be interested in hearing your reasons for advocating a continuation of the LDS tax exemption in Great Britain. Pros? Cons? thx in advance.

[@bewitched3912]

They need to he taxed double just for pretending they are not a corporation

[@debbieshrubb1222]

Why do you think they should be exempt?

[@wild-west-willexplores7855]

Give your reasons please? As un biased as possible

[@my2cworth4U]

From Google: In Australia, various nonprofit organisations are exempt from paying income tax, including those that do charitable work, such as churches. These exemptions or concessions can also extend to other taxes, including fringe benefits tax, state and local government property taxes and payroll taxes. Question: who checks on their "charitable work"?

[@johneasler9967]

No church should be tax exempt

[@joemedeiros298]

Are you honest in your dealings with your fellow man?

[@gregbaker2377]

Are you this obnoxious all the time?