French High Court confirms 60-percent confiscatory tax measure on religious

by Dogpatch 31 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Dogpatch

  from: http://www.jw-media.org/newsroom/index.htm?content=/region/europe/france/english/releases/religious_freedom/fra_e041006.htm

  Following a tax inspection lasting 18 months, the tax department established that Association Les Témoins de Jéhovah, whose sole revenue consists of religious donations by its adherents, was run in a completely benevolent fashion, and that its activities were not commercial or for profit. Nevertheless, the tax department levied a 60-percent tax on the religious donations made over a period of four years, between 1993 and 1996. This represents, on average, five euros per donor, per month. This is the first time in their 100-year existence in France that Jehovah's Witnesses have been taxed in this manner.

  the rest is at the link.

  Randy

  http://www.watchtowernews.org
• 

  Scully

  It seems only fair that they should pay *some* taxes.

  They use the municipal water supply, just like I do. They are entitled to police and fire and sewer services just like I am. Why should I have to pay extra so they can have it for free?

  Love, Scully
• 

  avishai

  Scully, I never looked at it that way.
• 

  xjw_b12

  They use the municipal water supply, just like I do. They are entitled to police and fire and sewer services just like I am. Why should I have to pay extra so they can have it for free?

  Not to mention branch members and travelling overseers use of the public health system...
• 

  blondie

  Will or have other religious groups in France been likewise taxed, such as the Catholic Church? Or are specific relgious groups being targeted? How is it determined which groups are required to pay taxes?

  Hmmmm.....

  Blondie
• 

  Celia

  I don't know much about taxation in France, but I'd like to say that the Catholic Church is a charitable organization (hospitals, soup kitchens, clothes donations, schools, etc). What are the JWs doing for their less fortunate fellow men?
• 

  Country_Woman

  I think that this is basically wrong: 60 % taxes on donations is only fair when all the other religious groups have to pay the same percents on their income.

  But maybe this is the French way to declare war to the JW Organisation.... in that case all is permitted in war and in love.....
• 

  DaCheech

  I know some european contries allow you to take

  part of your income taxes and donate it to approved

  relegious orgs instead of the goverment! I think this is wrong and

  so is taxing only one religion, unless the others are not "selling" literature?
• 

  frankiespeakin

  I'm glad the WT has to pay,,and I hope all religions that amass wealth and property pay tax on it. The religions should not be tax free,,this allows them unfair advantage if they want to get rich over other businesses.

  I hope the WT will soon have to pay taxes on all of its property around the world.
• 

  RunningMan

  I will preface this by saying that I hate the organization as much as anyone.

  However, it is not fair that they have to pay taxes, when other similar organizations do not. I would not object to all religions paying tax, but for the government to arbitrarily tax some churches but not others is not right.

  Also, taxing 60% of their gross revenue is confiscatory. Businesses remit moderate sales taxes in most jurisdictions (5 - 15% of gross revenue is typical). They also may pay income taxes on net income. But to tax 60% of gross receipts is ridiculous.

  What France is doing amounts to specifically targeting the JWs. Which is OK with me, but wrong.