Ep 74 ~ "Faith & Taxes: A Church's Legal Battle Over Social Security"

Hello everyone, and welcome to today's episode of the Church Finance & Minister Tax Podcast. I'm your host, Michelle Brown, and today we're diving into a fascinating court case that highlights the importance of understanding tax codes and meeting filing deadlines when it comes to churches and Social Security taxes.

In this episode, we'll explore the background of Social Security taxes and churches, focusing on a pivotal change in 1983 that made Social Security taxes mandatory for churches unless they filed for an exemption within a specific timeframe. We'll then discuss a case where a church in Pennsylvania sued the U.S. government over the constitutionality of these taxes on religious grounds.

The court's decision, based on factors like free exercise of religion, the establishment clause, and equal protection, ultimately upheld the Social Security tax requirements for the church and its employees. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing your tax obligations, options, and deadlines to avoid costly legal battles.

So, grab a pen and paper, and let's dive into this intriguing case that emphasizes the critical role of understanding and complying with tax laws for churches and religious organizations.

 

xo,

Michelle

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