Blog
The Hidden Costs of Relying on Volunteer Bookkeepers
Few things reflect a church's spirit of service like a volunteer who steps forward to keep the books. It's an act of stewardship. But a willing heart and the specialized knowledge church finances demand are two different things. The costs of an under-supported...
Managing Cash Flow During the Summer Giving Slump
Every church treasurer knows the feeling. The first warm Sunday arrives, the sanctuary looks a little emptier, and a few weeks later the bank balance confirms what attendance already suggested. Summer has a way of quietly tightening a church’s finances — and...
What to Do If Your Church Receives an IRS Notice
Few pieces of mail unsettle a church office like an envelope from the IRS. An official notice can feel like an accusation — but it is not a verdict. In most cases it is a routine request: a missing form, a mismatched deposit, or a question needing a documented...
Spring Cleaning Your Church Finances: A Step-by-Step Guide to Clarity
As the days lengthen and the world outside bursts into bloom, the season of spring naturally invites a sense of renewal and tidiness. This urge to declutter and organize extends beyond our homes; it’s a powerful metaphor for how churches can approach their...
Top 3 Payroll Software for Churches: Find Your Perfect Fit in 2026
Navigating the financial intricacies of a church or ministry can be a complex undertaking, especially when it comes to managing payroll. Unlike for-profit businesses, churches operate with unique tax structures, compensation models, and a mission-driven focus...
Do All Churches Have to File a 990?
If you're a church pastor, administrator, or finance committee member, you've probably wondered whether your church needs to file a Form 990 with the IRS. Many nonprofit leaders assume all tax-exempt organizations file a 990 — but that's not true for churches....
How Do Churches Pay Their Employees?
Church payroll is unlike any other employer's. Between minister dual-tax status, housing allowances, SECA obligations, and contractor classification risks, the rules are more complex than standard business payroll — and the mistakes are common, costly, and auditable....
Is Church Tithing Tax Deductible?
Many church members wonder whether their tithes are fully tax deductible — and the short answer is: yes, but with important nuances. Church tithing is tax deductible when your church qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization and you itemize your deductions. However, the...
What Are the IRS Rules for Churches?
Churches operate under a unique set of IRS rules that differ significantly from businesses and even other nonprofit organizations. While churches benefit from special exemptions and tax advantages, they also face heightened scrutiny in areas like compensation,...
Do Churches Pay Payroll Taxes?
Tax exemption for churches may seem simple enough to some, but certain intricacies must be acknowledged. Yes, churches are tax-exempt for federal and state income tax purposes but there are tax considerations in other areas for churches. Churches are not required to...