STORY SOURCE

"Bynum is seeking a tax exemption on the property and hopes to recoup the tax payment in the future, she said. The 30-acre compound with a lake view in South Georgia was purchased to house the headquarters of Juanita Bynum Ministries and the Mt. Olive Country Spa for women seeking pampering, prayer and spiritual guidance. 

Bynum said her lawyers have applied for a tax exemption on the property, but the deadline for the property taxes came before the paperwork was complete. The pastor said she had put $5,000 down on the tax bill earlier but was advised by her attorneys not to pay the full bill until the exemption came through. 

Earlier this week, the property was scheduled for auction for non-payment of taxes. Barnard filed a lien against the compound on June 7 because $32,007.56 in 2006 property taxes had not been paid. According to the lien, a $3,200 penalty and $2,240 in interest also is owed. 

Bynum provided a copy of her receipt to reporters that showed $38,904.15 had been paid on the account. "The word of God tells me my integrity shall preserve my inheritance," Bynum said. "I am not going to lose anything." 

Still Barnard said he doubts Bynum qualifies for an exemption. He said he has discussed Bynum's appeal for a tax exemption with the Georgia Department of Revenue and he does not believe that her compound should get one because it does not have a congregation and it is not open to the general public. 

"She has a gate that stays locked," Barnard said. "You can only get in that place with permission. If it's a religious [place] it has to be open to the public." 

Barnard also said for-profit businesses can not receive the religious exemptions. "It's going to be up to the Board of Accessors and the Department of Revenue to decide if she gets an exemption."... 

Bynum asked her fans to keep praying for her. She said the tax issue is not a "big deal" and that she had the money to pay for it all along. 

"How many people do you know who can say they own (a) $4.5 million in investment property," Bynum said. "The mortgage is $26,000. Stuff happens."

http://www.ajc.com/gwinnett