Tax reform hits churches

-The Wshington Times- Houses of worship and nonprofit groups are crying foul as they realize that a provision in last years tax reform law requires them to pay federal taxes on some employee benefits for the first time a development that could cost them thousands of dollars. Think of it: $13 billion every decade on the backs of churches and nonprofits hindering their ability to serve their constituents" said Dan Busby president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Id say the churches have every right to be outraged" said David L. Thompson vice president of public policy for the National Council of Nonprofits. Its an oxymoron. Its horrendously unfair." The provision was in the legislation that Congress and President Trump signed in December but for months it flew under the radar while lawmakers wrestled over the main portion of the law: corporate and individual tax cuts. Now churches synagogues universities and nonprofit groups have learned they must pay taxes on employee fringe benefits such as parking and transportation under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. A certain provision calls for a 21 percent tax on some fringe benefits and expenses.