How to set up a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
To set up a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA to a qualifying charity, follow these detailed steps and ensure you meet all IRS guidelines, limitations, and restrictions: Steps to Set Up a QCD Verify Eligibility: Age Requirement: Ensure you are at least 70½ years old at the time of the distribution. IRA Type:…
What type of expenses qualify for clergy housing allowance
The clergy housing allowance, as outlined in Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows ministers to exclude from gross income the rental value of a home furnished to them as part of their compensation or a rental allowance paid to them as part of their compensation, to the extent that it is used to…
Appeal Process for Minister 4361 Exemption
There is an appeal process for being denied the 4361 minister exemption. If a minister, member of a religious order, or Christian Science practitioner is denied the exemption from self-employment tax under section 1402(e), they have the right to an administrative review and appeal process. Initial Administrative Review: The individual must request an administrative review in…
Why are clergy subject to Self-employment tax
Clergy are subject to self-employment tax because their earnings from ministerial services are considered self-employment income under the Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA). This classification is based on several key provisions and interpretations of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. Definition of Net Earnings from Self-Employment: According to § 1402(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, “net earnings…
Donation of public traded securities
To facilitate the donation of publicly traded securities to your church, the process involves several steps to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and maximize the donors’ tax benefits. Here’s a guide on how to handle such a donation: Establish a Brokerage Account for the Church Open an Account: The church should set up a brokerage…
IRS warns taxpayers of charity scams following recent hurricanes
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Internal Revenue Service today cautioned taxpayers of scammers who use fake charities to gather sensitive personal and financial data from unsuspecting donors. IRS Article Scammers commonly set up fake charities to take advantage of peoples’ generosity during natural disasters and other tragic events. “Many people want…
Organizer Help – Page 8
Church Meal Expense Reimbursement Guidelines All meal expenses for church pastors and staff should not automatically be reimbursed. The reimbursement of meal expenses must comply with specific IRS guidelines to ensure they are deductible and not considered taxable income. Here are the key considerations: Business Connection: The meal expenses must have a direct business connection….
Proactive Steps To Protect Yourselves From Tax-Related Identity Theft
Here are some proactive steps you can take to protect yourselves from tax-related identity theft after your Social Security numbers are exposed: Monitor your credit reports: Regularly review your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for any unauthorized activity. You can access your free annual credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com….
Do we need to write a termination letter?
Do we need to write a termination letter? There is no federal requirement for churches to provide written notice about why someone is being terminated, but we do recommend providing written notice as best practice. This reduces the likelihood of the terminated employee spinning up their own (possibly illegal) reason for the termination and then…
Impropriety Policies
Impropriety Policies A true story that is every church leader’s worst nightmare: It was a weekday, and the police had just left the church office. The officers showed up unannounced and informed the staff that their visit was for the purpose of investigating an allegation of abuse in a children’s classroom from the previous Sunday….
