Can I become a Hutterite colony?

[bgmb]

Any reason the average family farm cant convert over to a Hutterite Colony Business structure? Seems these changes if they come into affect will not stop the tax avoidance schemes the colonies have going on. I don't totally understand their structure but I am sure they income split evenly between all members then donate it all back to the church so they pay no tax and the church runs the business?

[blackpowder]

Along with no capital gains?

[bgmb]

I guess if you never sell you never have capital gains. Who owns a church? interesting concept? I am sure some colonies read this site, care to chime in on your business structure?

[Tucker]

I believe they have 'commune' status with Revenue Canada. This means they can split all income between colony members without any actual disbursements. Kinda bullshit if that's the way it works, I can't even do that with my kids.

[ajl]

Unfortunately thanks to conscription, we ended up with the colonies in Canada. Hutterites will never pay in taxes what they consume in government services. (Think schools on a colony, teachers paid by school district) Mind you most farmers don't either until the day they sell up. But if the day of selling never comes, then most farms are a drain on the public purse.

[perfecho]

A quick google....:
Hutterites lost their religious tax exemption status in 1961. Colonies pay taxes on net income divided by the number of colony workers older than 18. They do not collect premiums for the Canada Pension Plan or social assistance.Feb 19, 2009

[farmaholic]

Sounds like being a Hutterite is a special status.

Cradle to grave socialism.

Pros and cons to their "lifestyle".

[Braveheart]

Forget joining up. Just stand at stud there.

[bgmb]

so if a colony has 50 adult members and makes 1,000,000 per year thats only 20,000 per member income. they must enjoy all the low income handouts the government gives out. nice income splitting scheme.

I still wonder how the assets are owned? everything owned by the church?

[farmaholic]

Forget joining up. Just stand at stud there.

Do I have to be of German ancestry and speak Deutsch?