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From Cecil's Mailbag by the Straight Dope Science Advisory Board
Dear Straight Dope:
I live near "Amish country" in Pennsylvania, and am told by many
here (non-Amish many, that is) that the Amish do not pay taxes. Is
this true? I did work at a job where I had daily access to Amish
people, and could have asked them, but never had the nerve. Now I
am hoping you can set the record straight.
--Veggie1968
SDSTAFF CKDextHavn replies:
According to my personal CPA:
a. They are not exempt from sales taxes, because they are in direct
competition with other retail business, so it would be unfair
competition.
b. No one is exempt from income taxes
c. Church property is exempt from real estate taxes, but personal
holdings are not.
d. It is possible to be exempt from social security taxes for
religious purposes. This is probably where the confusion comes
in.
--SDSTAFF CKDextHavn
Straight Dope Science Advisory Board
Cecil's Mailbag is researched and written by members of the Straight Dope Science Advisory Board, Cecil's online auxiliary. Although the SDSAB does its best, these articles are edited by Ed Zotti, not Cecil, so accuracywise you'd better keep your fingers crossed.
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