Thursday, November 8, 2007

Senator Investigates Megachurches

A couple of days ago, Republican (yes, Republican) Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who sits on the Senate Finance Committee, initiated an investigation of the finances of six megachurches who are suspected of misusing huge amounts of their churches' assets.

I'll let the article speak for itself, but also - it's interesting to note that in the United States, religious organizations are not required to file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. The vast majority of charitable non-profit organizations must submit a statement of their financial activities each year (usually IRS Form 990) despite being exempt from paying taxes.

I've worked for several (non-religious) non-profits during my career, and preparing tax returns for an organization is about as fun as preparing your own. Except with your own tax return, sometimes you get a refund.

Non-profit organizations usually have to have their financial activities audited by an independent Certified Public Accountant each year, since many large donors - such as foundations - require it. The tax return is usually created from the results of the audit to ensure maximum accuracy. This is a time-consuming and expensive progress. I've never been successful in getting a CPA firm to do an audit on a pro bono basis. Even for the smallest organization I worked for, the audit cost was about $3,000.

For churches to be exempt from this is unfair, at best. So unfair, that this investigation of megachurch-televangelists has inspired me to write a letter to my state's U.S. Senators. And you can do the same. Instructions on how to do so (and text for letter I wrote) are here.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Perhaps when you are on your deathbed and nothing is more certain than your fading of being here, you might then change your opinion.
Good speech on the planet,but one person=one life,and we cannot think of infinity.
Your attempt at figures shows you have come to a numerical conclusion of being here and this alone is proof of your struggle to work it all out, trust me friend,we will never work it out and God is our ONLY hope.
Keep smiling and think of what you are capable of thinking.....you will get it right I'm sure.
England K Christian 111

Anonymous said...

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I
find this matter to be really something that I
think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me.
I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang
of it!
Also see my website :: banned commercials

Anonymous said...

This design is incredible! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost.
..HaHa!) Excellent job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
Also see my web page :: Hydroponic system

Anonymous said...

Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering
if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Also visit my website ... accessori barche

Anonymous said...

Whoa! This blog looks just like my old one!
It's on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!
My web page : replica Pro beats headphones by dre

Anonymous said...

Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a
little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
my web site - Support Marcus MCA

Anonymous said...

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about
this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that,
this is wonderful blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.


my page ... quit smoking tobacco cigarettes

Anonymous said...

I was suggested this website by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You're incredible!
Thanks!

Feel free to surf to my blog post: peoples quotes
My web page :: peoples quotes

Anonymous said...

Really when someone doesn't understand then its up to other visitors that they will assist, so here it occurs.

My website - adjustable dumbbell

Anonymous said...

ComHow and when erection tablets are used and what is the difference between farmacia on line and blindness.
The trick is to know who to offer it to and how, as the country looks to combat rampant
counterfeit production, officials said.

Also visit my homepage ... http://anonimenbloger.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Greetings I am so delighted I found your webpage, I really
found you by mistake, while I was looking on Digg for something
else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a fantastic post and a all
round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don't have time to read through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the excellent job.

Here is my web site :: www.wildpartygirls.org

Anonymous said...

I just like the valuable info you provide on your
articles. I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at again
here frequently. I am somewhat certain I'll be told a lot of new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the following!

Feel free to surf to my web site www.cfnmfever.net

Anonymous said...

Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.

It will always be helpful to read through articles from other authors and practice a little
something from their web sites.

my page ... masturbation encouragement

Anonymous said...

I am not sure where you are getting your information, but
good topic. I needs to spend some time learning
more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my
mission.

My blog post http://www.onhiddencam.info