Can someone explain this to me?

[_asbestosman]

Pay your share of taxes, and I don't give a crap whether you're audited or not (if I'm not donating money to the religion).

Kinda hard to ensure that your fair share is taxed without being audited.

[_TAK]

Why does anyone have any right to look at them? The people who are concerned are the ones who donate. If they distrust the organization, they don't have to donate. It is a matter of choice. And for those who don't want to donate and don't, it is none of their business.

..... For religions it's a different story - we, the taxpayers, are subsidizing the religion. Thus, we deserve the right to inspect the books (have an audit performed). Pay your share of taxes, and I don't give a crap whether you're audited or not (if I'm not donating money to the religion).

Amen..

One other point.. I have always assumed it is the Government and Religions wink and a nod -- we won't tax you and in return you stay out of politics..

[_the road to hana]

I'm simply asking why this law exists? You made mention of the founding fathers earlier. Has this been a law since the founding fathers signed? If so, what was their purpose in keeping charitable organizations financials a secret? Was there some problem in the old world that they were trying to rectify?

Not all charitable organizations' financials are a secret. Only religious organizations.

Most religious organizations don't have secret finances. Do a search for church financial reports on the Internet; you'll find ample evidence that there are many religions out there that do full and faithful accounting for their members and the public.

[_Who Knows]

Pay your share of taxes, and I don't give a crap whether you're audited or not (if I'm not donating money to the religion).

Kinda hard to ensure that your fair share is taxed without being audited.

Well, the IRS would have the right to audit the organization (just as they have the right to audit you and me).

Works for me.

[_Jason Bourne]

I know I'm not the brightest crayon in the box, but can someone help me understand the reason why charitable organizations are allowed to keep their books closed to the public?

I know Charity said something about not allowing the government to destroy religions, but that makes no sense to me. Don't most other mainstream religions have a financial report available to the public? Are they in jeopardy of destruction?

How does financial disclosure open the door to destroying the religion? Why was this law enacted?

All exempt organization must report and disclose their activities except religions. It seems as Crocket noted on a another thread, rooted in First Amendment issues.

[_Jason Bourne]

Is it just idle curiosity on the part of the peole who demand to look at the books?

no

[_BishopRic]

Is it just idle curiosity on the part of the peole who demand to look at the books?

no

Exactly! There is no logic to the process that allows the organizations that are allowed to be tax-free to not be scrutinized to be sure they should have that privilege!

[_The Nehor]

Is it just idle curiosity on the part of the peole who demand to look at the books?

no

Exactly! There is no logic to the process that allows the organizations that are allowed to be tax-free to not be scrutinized to be sure they should have that privilege!

Then talk to your congressional representatives.

[_BishopRic]

Is it just idle curiosity on the part of the peole who demand to look at the books?

no

Exactly! There is no logic to the process that allows the organizations that are allowed to be tax-free to not be scrutinized to be sure they should have that privilege!

Then talk to your congressional representatives.

Ok.

[_solomarineris]

How does financial disclosure open the door to destroying the religion? Why was this law enacted

It really depends of your contribution to this institution; ie if you are stupid enough not to ask an accounting.