I would imagine most people reading this blog are aware of the tragedy that took place yesterday at First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois. However, for those who have not read or heard the news, a gunman shot and killed the church’s pastor during the Sunday worship service. This particularly caught my attention because my […]
At our most recent monthly breakfast for church business administrators, Lawrence Swicegood offered great info on Crisis Management. He runs Clarion Call Marketing. Very insightful! Everything from how to be prepared even before a crisis erupts, how to handle and how to do a "post mortem." Topics, in outline form: Everyone is Affected by a Crisis […]
Because of our involvement in fraud prevention we make it a point to keep up with the latest news by periodically searching the web for news stories. It seems like the pace of fraud occurrence is quickening. PSK is not involved in any of these situations so I have no idea about anyone’s guilt, innocence […]
So a chaplain at the University of Dallas wanted to be kind and reach out to someone who seemed needy. And now the Chapel at the University is $100,000 poorer! See the article in the Dallas Morning News. Your church needs to have a clearly written benevolence policy – AND it needs to be followed! […]
Last week, we had a presentation here at PSK on this topic! Homeland Security and the Patriot Act are musts when thinking about your church's Mission Trips. Steve Tiemann was our speaker. He is an attorney who has lots of experience both as a lawyer and as a church member in this area. Main points […]
Are you looking for additional charitable contributions for your tax return? You – and so many other church members – very well might find a small bonanza here! According to federal law, any un-reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses incurred while performing donated services may constitute a charitable contribution. The value of your donated labor or services is […]
Just got a call that most every church bookkeeper receives most every year. At issue: how do I figure out in which period to post contributions received at year-end? Answer: charitable contributions must be applied to the year in which they are delivered. One exception is when the check is mailed: it is applied to the […]
In order for a Church member to claim a tax deduction for a cash donation in excess of $250, they must obtain written documentation from the Church acknowledging the gift. The acknowledgment from the Church must include a statement that the Church member didn't receive anything in exchange for this gift except for intangible spiritual benefits. Canceled checks or bank […]
As part of your year-end payroll processing tasks, you might have a question or two about reporting minister's earnings and allowances on Form W-2. Maybe, you just need a refresher. Here are the general topics that we receive questions about. Salary – Salary paid to minister is reported in Box 1. Federal Withholding – May […]