Gilmer Board of Tax Assessors vote against Southern Cherokee Nation and Red Fire People Exempt Property Application
Board of Assessors, News May 21, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer Board of Tax Assessors voted against an exempt property application filed by the Southern Cherokee Nation and Red Fire People during their meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2019.
The application was denied once before, though the chief of the Southern Cherokee Nation and Red Fire People had asked the board to take this issue up for reconsideration.
The property being applied for exemption is a tribal government property, recognized International independent sovereign neutral nation and state, used for the purpose of cultural, traditional, religious tribal government. The exemption applied for was that of a place of a religious worship. The property wouldn’t be open to the public, but only tribal members and those invited by them.
The property owner is exempt from filing federal and state income tax, as tribal members do not have to file with the I.R.S.
When asked about the religious activity involved, the chief stated that their nation believes in mother earth, preservation of the property and praying to mother earth, which is the intended use of the property.
There’s currently no structure on the property, but for religious exemption purposes, they’re not required to have a structure cited Chief Appraiser Theresa Gooch.
One member of the board wondered if the tribe was part of the state, in which Gooch replied that they are, just that they don’t follow Georgia law or tax codes as a sovereign nation.
The property wasn’t purchased, as the Southern Cherokee Nation cannot purchase property. It was donated, and as such, it cannot be re-sold without permission from the federal government.
The Southern Cherokee Nation headquarters is in White County, and they do have several court case backings that establish them as their own entity, according to Gooch.
The problem lies in the fact that the land was taxed up until it was donated, and now the board isn’t entirely sure how to proceed with the legality of the exempt property application given that it would become untaxable and used as a religious place of worship without any current proof of it being such.
Gooch cited a court case, Roberts versus Ravenwood Church of Wicca, in which it was determined a religious group doesn’t need a structure in place, as long as they go to the property, pray on the property and practice their religion. It is the Southern Cherokee Nation and Red Fire People’s belief that they wish to preserve the property, which some members of the board have difficulty accepting without any proof of it.
It is expected that the Southern Cherokee Nation may potentially file a civil action in Gilmer or in federal court to declare their exemption from the taxation process.
More to this story will be posted as it becomes known!
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6 Comments
Keep appealing you will ultimately prevail.
Thank You Bre for your comment and we believe you are correct and thank you for your support. Note, I was not even at this hearing on 16 May 2019 whereby this news is stating that I said this or that, but I was at the one today 20 June 2019 however, they voted without a proper hearing.
This group is NOT A TRIBE AT ALL. What they are is a bunch of FAKES AND WANNABES. They never have and never will be a real tribe. This group needs to stop its Cultural Appropriation. They need to stop stealing our Ancestors, history and culture. They all need tossed in federal prison for violating the law. And for identity theft.
Your statements are totally Unfounded
Angi, you are a liar and a fool. Come out and share who you really are, but I am sure you will not, but rather hide behind your lies. You are most likely afraid of being sued as you should be. You are fake news and have nothing to support your false claims. Invite you to come out into a forum, and stop hiding behind your lies.
Angi, you are a liar and a fool. Come out and share who you really are, but I am sure you will not, but rather hide behind your lies. You are most likely afraid of being sued as you should be. You are fake news and have nothing to support your false claims. Invite you to come out into a forum, and stop hiding behind your lies.