One of America’s wealthiest pastors has reportedly dodged away from paying his annual property tax.
Despite being worth an estimated $770 million, the richest pastor in the US claims his mega-mansion qualifies as a tax break, adding how it falls under the category of clergy residence.
The renowned televangelist’s mansion is reportedly owned by the church and he claims that is the real reason why it classifies as a humble clergy home, also known as a parsonage.
Based on an age-old law in Texas, Copeland is reportedly exempt from paying the mega $150,000 payment in a year in property taxes.
The mega-mansion is filled with luxury amenities, being nearly 18,000 square feet large, and also features a giant tennis court, crystal chandeliers, a giant boat dock, and a spiral staircase as well.
At the moment, the pastor has been haggled with so many county appraisers in an effort to keep the value really low, as reported recently by the Houston Chronicle.
Meanwhile, some reports go as far as stating how the 85-year-old Copeland also reportedly purchased a Gulfstream V jet from Tyler Perry in the year 2018 and that’s also when he requested all congregants to chip in nearly $17 million for his plane hangar as well as his runway.
Many people believe that this is highly unfair behavior as paying taxes is an important part of the duty of all individuals, especially when you have a huge six-bed and six-bath house that’s as luxurious as this one.
To own property of this caliber and not pay a single dime in taxes as the return is really shocking behavior, added critics following the case carefully.
Previously, the country’s wealthiest priest was also reported as stating on record how God told him to create a home for his wife Gloria and that’s exactly what he did.
“You may think that house is too big and grand but I don’t care, I heard from heaven,” he explained.