After Dylan Galos’ billboard in Columbus, OH was moved the first time, off of church property, FFRF requested an investigation on whether or not the Christ Cathedral church had paid property taxes on the commercially leased portion of their property. The investigation not only revealed that the church had made a false filing on the use of the property to make them from property taxes, but they also found that the billboard wasn’t the only commercial use of the property. A few businesses lease space in a building behind the church.
If the determination is that all leased property should be taxed at the standard rates, the church’s annual tax bill could come to about $15,000. Unfortunately Ohio law doesn’t allow for collecting on back taxes in this kind of situation.
What’s so awesome about this is the billboard the pastor had removed said, “I can be good without god.” Unfortunately this church couldn’t even follow what their own holy book says, “Give unto Caesar…” Too bad the pastor won’t likely be facing criminal charges for tax fraud.
You can read more in the FFRF News Release.