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Since its inception in 1954,the Church of Scientology has been involved in a number of controversies,including its stance on psychiatry,Scientology's legitimacy as a religion,the Church's aggressive attitude in dealing with its perceived enemies and critics,allegations of mistreatment of members,and predatory financial practices;for example,the high cost of religious training:191 and perceived exploitative practices. When mainstream media outlets have reported alleged abuses,representatives of the church have tended to deny such allegations.
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The tax status of the Church of Scientology in the United States has been the subject of decades of controversy and litigation. Although the Church of Scientology was initially partially exempted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from paying federal income tax,its two principal entities in the United States lost this exemption in 1957 and 1968. This action was taken because of concerns that church funds were being used for the private gain of its founder L. Ron Hubbard or due to an international psychiatric conspiracy against Scientology.
References
- ↑ Cohen, Patricia (December 18, 2017). "Have You Ever Felt Sorry for the I.R.S.? Now Might Be the Time". The New York Times . Retrieved December 18, 2017.
- ↑ Frantz, Douglas (March 19, 1997). "Scientology Denies an Account Of an Impromptu I.R.S. Meeting". The New York Times . Retrieved November 17, 2007.
- ↑ Staff (April 2, 1997). "Church Of Scientology Denies Impromptu Meeting With US Tax Agency". The New York Beacon.
- ↑ Ortega, Tony (June 24, 2008). "Scientology's Crushing Defeat". Village Voice. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
- ↑ Frantz, Douglas (December 31, 1997). "$12.5 Million Deal With I.R.S. Lifted Cloud Over Scientologists". The New York Times . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
- ↑ Gerstein, Josh (February 8, 2008). "Judges Press IRS on Church Tax Break". The New York Sun . The New York Sun, One SL, LLC. Archived from the original on February 10, 2008. Retrieved February 8, 2008.
- ↑ Frantz, Douglas (March 9, 1997). "Scientology's Puzzling Journey From Tax Rebel to Tax Exempt". The New York Times . Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2007.
- ↑ "Scientologists, IRS Settle Dispute", The Wall Street Journal , December 20, 1997.
- ↑ Sklar v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, No. 00-70753, Tax Court No. 1556-97, Amended Opinion, Appeal from the United States Tax Court, Amended, February 27, 2002.