July 18-24, 2011
General Assembly News
PCT General Secretary reminds churches to file taxes carefully
Reported by Lin Yi-ying
Written by Lydia Ma
As government agencies audit taxpayers in the coming weeks, PCT General Secretary Rev. Andrew Chang is urging all PCT churches to be forthright in filing their taxes. Acting in his capacity as CEO of PCT, Chang urged churches that operate kindergartens, rent housing facilities, or own land or buildings to file their land taxes, property taxes, and sale taxes according to government regulations.
Chang explained that PCT is a registered foundation in Taiwan and “all” churches make up “one” foundation. Hence, when one local church is fined for misfiling or evading taxes, PCT as a whole is affected and the rights and privileges of other local churches are put on the line as well.
According to reports, some churches have begun kindergartens while others have built new buildings, but in the midst of the shuffle the National Tax Administration isn’t notified or taxes are not filed under the correct category, leading to an increased tax charge for all.
Due to such incidents, Chang is urging churches to file revenues accordingly. He also reminded churches that fit the criteria for tax-exemption to apply for documentation as well so that they don’t lose any benefits down the line.
