I'd like to remove my name from the church records soon. However, does that mean I won't get receipts for the donations I've made already this year for tax purposes? I'd hate to not be able to claim my donations on next year's taxes.

How does the church handle this?

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Shonto

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~Neither Sinner nor Saint, I am simply Myself~
~Je regrette rien~

"Do not meddle in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup"

Yes, like they say, "The Church never forgets".

However, if it is required by law, then they would need to do it.

No, I never save the yellow receipts. I never thought I would have a problem until the last few months when I realized the church wasn't true . Silly me.

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Shonto

Maybe so but I wouldn't put it past the church to slow the process down and make it as difficult on you as possible when they find out you're leaving. They do that sort of thing. I think Sirnya gives good advice. Welcome to keeping the other 10% of your income. The Mormons think the money belongs to god but the Mormon god is super rich already so I don't think he needs it.

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Dipsnort, sniper of truth and aspiring Harriet Tubman of Mormonism

Do you have cancelled checks?

If you can get copies of those then you have proof that the money was given just in case you were ever audited.

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I resigned from the Church of THE Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (Feb 2011)

"For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." - Luke 8:17

Yes, I do have the cancelled checks. Thanks for reminding me. I think I'll be covered. Next question, what wine goes well with sending in your name removal request?

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Shonto

Sinner, sinner!! You'd never see Joseph Smith drinking wine, would you? Oh wait, he admitted to that in his personal journal and numerous other folks had witnessed his consumption as well. But at least he quit when D&C Section 89 was revealed to him. Oh wait, he did it after that time too. But at least he quit at some point before his death--the 2 bottles of wine he ordered while in the Carthage Jail were consumed the night before he died. So, technically he followed the word of wisdom at some point before he went to reunite with all those folks he saw in his visions.

Ok, go ahead then. I say a good Merlot would be fine. But don't ask me, I keep the word of wisdom better than Joseph Smith did so I don't know much about wine.

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Dipsnort, sniper of truth and aspiring Harriet Tubman of Mormonism

I was a financial clerk just before I walked away from the church. Even if you are no longer a member you will get a receipt for your contributions. Everyone gets a receipt. They will probably mail it to you because they won't see you at church and you won't be attending tithing settlement.

I'm partial to Cabernet Savignon myself. It wasn't that long ago that I would have died before touching any alcohol. Now that I am no longer involved with the church i can be a big boy. It is so nice to live an authentic life and experience what adults have always been able to do...coffee, tea, wine, normal underwear, etc.

I hope your journey goes well.

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"It's easy to see without lookin' too far that not much is really sacred."

Bob Dylan

You can cause a little stir by suggesting yuo will report to the IRS that they are misreporting receipt of donations. You sent them $N, and they now tell you they have no record of it. The IRS will be interested.

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"Everyone has to find his own path." - Ip-Man

Abinadi - I like your style! I'll keep that in mind.

I've never had anything alcoholic, so the wine suggestions are fun. Wait a minute, you have to go to the state liquor store, don't you? I feel like such a newbie.

My wife, who is going to wait until our son gets back from a mission to leave the church, says she'll still keep the WofW. I've been drinking coffee for over a month now and it feels great.

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Shonto

I've tried several kinds of wine and a few beers and honestly, it's quite disappointing.

Coffee... I can handle it if it's got a packet of hot chocolate in it.

But that said, I raise my cup to you.

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I resigned from the Church of THE Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (Feb 2011)

"For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." - Luke 8:17

A nice petite syrah is good.

I started with sweet white wines.
I just couldn't stand red.
tasting many, many kinds from around the world,
it is now white I don't usually drink,
though I use it in cooking.
An Australian wine, Lindeman's, is pretty good.
Cabernet Sauvignon, however you spell it, is an okay red wine to start with. I guess it depends on personal taste. I was young when I started with white. I do not like sweet wines now; I like more "character". (whatever that is)

I'm partial to Mogen David and Mannischewitz. They each have two flavours: grape and blackberry. They're passover wines and they are sooo fruity. Yes, Abinadi, they are sweety wines. I think that dry wines taste like bloody saliva sucked through dental gauze.

One of my very best friends introduced me to those. We drank them in moderation. Move over, Shakespeare, you have met your match!

Mogen David is a good choice for a first-timer. That was the one I started with, probably because it is somewhat sweet. And inexpensive. With time I have grown partial to the dry wines. Everyone is different. DW tried different wines but it never clicked for her. She has no desire to drink, but she does love that morning coffee.

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"It's easy to see without lookin' too far that not much is really sacred."

Bob Dylan

The dryer the better. Has much more character.