Source: www.nationalpost.com
MISSOURI, U.S., December 22, 2009: Is it a religion or a recreation? That’s the question facing yogis in Missouri, who say they offer spiritual services that are exempt from sales tax. But the state takes a different view. The tax department has written to 140 yoga and Pilates studios ordering them to start charging the 4% levy.
Missouri puts yoga in the category of amusement, entertainment and recreation services. The decision has set off a heated debate, with some yoga instructors, studio owners and practitioners insisting it is a spiritual, even religious activity.
Ted Farnen, a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Revenue, said it is the practice of yoga in studios and gyms, not in temples or churches, that falls under the law. Anyone who believes they are being unfairly taxed can apply for an exemption. “It’s very important to note we didn’t send this to Hindu temples or places … we sent it to yoga and Pilates centers that charge for their services,” he said.
“I think that’s a really important distinction. If a business or person who runs a business truly believes that their operation is religious based, they can ask for us to look at that and we’ll look at those religious exemptions on a case-by-case basis.”