Request that Congress pass a law requiring religious groups to file Form 990, proving non-profit status.

The United States permits religious organizations to retain their tax-exempt status, year after year, without requiring proof of any kind that they are, in fact, not-for-profit. All other non-religious non-profits must file a Form 990 each year, to prove that they have a $0 balance and hence, no income tax due. Churches own some of the most sought-after real estate in large cities and small. They invest in businesses and receive dividends and capital gains without penalty. Also, many churches participate in political activities that should require a loss of tax-exempt status, which is no less than a government- and taxpayer-subsidy. Just as it would be unacceptable to allow government support to build a church, it should be unacceptable to subsidize one.