Why do churches get tax breaks? It's state-sponsorship of religion --- to the tune of $17-70 billion annually.

Atheists Take On The IRS

"Under current IRS policy, churches automatically qualify for 501(c)(3) status, though nonreligious 501(c)(3)s must go through an extensive application process to get the same tax benefits. In addition, religious organizations do not have to fill out annual Form 990 returns reports, which detail charities’ finances so the IRS or nonprofit watchdogs can identify possible fiscal wrongdoing and law-breaking. Critics, who have recently renewed their calls for religious exemption reform, say that these filing differences cost the U.S. government from some $17 to $71 billion annually. "

http://www.newsweek.com/why-are-atheists-suing-irs-207091