Experts say this is an all-too-common problem—and one church leaders cannot ignore. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today For about five years, a financial secretary for a 200-member church quit sending payroll tax money to the Internal Revenue Service. Instead, she pocketed the funds. When the IRS came knocking on the church’s door, it owed about $350,000, including penalties and interest, recalled Frank … Continue reading When churches neglect payroll taxes

Why you need to consider employment practices liability insurance. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today Twenty years ago, employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) policies were scarce in the United States. Even a decade ago, most employers didn’t purchase that type of coverage. That has changed. In 2018, it’s estimated that half of all firms with 1,000 or more workers have in place some … Continue reading Employee lawsuits against churches are on the rise

Three experts discuss the tactics targeting churches—and why leaders must remain vigilant. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Law & Tax Report Cybersecurity breaches continue to mount, and the church is far from immune. In fact, sloppy and unmonitored systems, lack of policies and protocols, and failures to follow specific rules and government regulations can leave churches vulnerable and easy targets for cybercrime. These … Continue reading Protecting your church from cyber threats

Churches and their donors need to understand how to substantiate gifts — from cars to clothing. This article is the second of a two-part series on substantiating noncash gifts. Part one on noncash real property appeared in the August issue. What follows are substantiation considerations for “personal property” — such as clothing, cars, boats, household items, and stock. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church … Continue reading Tax rules for gifts of personal property

Special considerations for ministers who also work outside the church. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today Vince Stover left a full-time pastor’s job in 2014 and moved 250 miles with his wife, Katie, to a city where the couple didn’t know a soul. He found a job in insurance sales and planted Bible Pathway Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. The couple started … Continue reading Guiding bivocational ministers through the tax maze

Prevention, right coverage are critical to protecting churches. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today Sexual abuse of a minor is the number one reason churches end up in court. It’s a statistic that’s been true for a number of years, according to attorney Richard R. Hammar. And churches must do all they can to prevent this type of tragedy. But churches also … Continue reading The high costs of an abuse claim: Five guidelines to help churches of all sizes