Blog Archives

7/27/2017

Sex Abuse in Churches and Ministries

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Guest Blog by: Dr. Ronnie Shaw

As a certified counselor for almost 21 years, I have had the unpleasant task of counseling hundreds who have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of those who should have been protectors—i.e. Pastors, Ministers, and Church Chaperones.

Although the Catholic Church has come under the microscope for this very act they are not the only guilty parties. Some of the Protestant churches in this nation, and around the world, are just as guilty.

Patriarchal Cover-Up

Catholic and Protestant churches do not have much in common, but one dark secret they both share is that of Patriarchal Cover-Up. Catholics do it to protect their Dioceses and the Vatican. Protestants do it to protect their local church image.

In Protestant circles it is falsely taught that the victim should be quiet and forgive. Although, I believe in forgiving, I also believe in consequences. Unfortunately, many of the sexual abuse cases are hard to prove without several witnesses and/or victims who are willing to come forward. This creates a dilemma for a Church that does not want its name drug through the mud during any impending trials. So, what recourse may a Christian victim exercise?

Should Christians Sue Other Christians?

According to the Apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians 6, we should not sue another believer.

1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (GWT)

1 When one of you has a complaint against another, how dare you go to court to settle the matter in front of wicked people. Why don’t you settle it in front of God’s holy people?
2 Don’t you know that God’s people will judge the world? So if you’re going to judge the world, aren’t you capable of judging insignificant cases?
3 Don’t you know that we will judge angels, not to mention things in this life?
4 When you have cases dealing with this life, why do you allow people whom the church has a low opinion of to be your judges?
5 You should be ashamed of yourselves! Don’t you have at least one wise person who is able to settle disagreements between believers?
6 Instead, one believer goes to court against another believer, and this happens in front of unbelievers.

However, we are in a day where the Body of Christ will not judge itself and therefore must, in this matter, resort to the writings of Apostle Peter.

1 Pet. 4:17a (KJV)

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God. . .

The abused should have the right to pursue their case (if it is legitimate) in the courts of the land, if for no other reason, to force the guilty into ownership of their transgression. Notice, I said if it is legitimate. I have provided counsel in situations where the claims were not legitimate. For instance, I counseled one family because the daughter made false accusations that resulted in her father spending years in prison before she confessed that she had lied simply to punish her father for not allowing her to date a certain boy.

Sexual Abuse Reporting Policy

Every Church should have in its bylaws an explicit written policy that outlines the Church’s stance on reports of sexual abuse by any member or staff, and the reporting procedures that dictate how the abuse will be reported.

Although Pastors are bound to Priest/Penitent privilege, care must be taken to ensure the protection of the victims.

A Church with a valid Sexual Abuse Reporting Policy could easily save itself thousands of dollars in insurance premiums.

How We Can Help

Chitwood & Chitwood is the nation’s premier Church Management Expert. Our 79 years of experience has taught us to be proactive in Church matters by detailing everything within legally written bylaws.

Let us help you get your Church bylaws in legal order. To do so, you may call 800-344-0076. This topic is also taught in our Church Management and Tax Seminars across the USA. To register for one near you visit us at www.cmtc.org or call the above number.

By Dr. Ronnie Shaw

7/25/2017

Wrong Beginning May Result in Serious Consequences

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Every day thousands of people in the USA answer God’s call into ministry. Some are very young and some are in the latter years of their life. I know of one Pastor that began Bible College at the age of 69 and took his first Pastorate at the age of 73. Regardless of their age or any challenges, they are to be commended on the fact that they heard God’s voice and said yes to His call.

However, just because God calls an individual into ministry does not relieve that person of properly doing ministry. What do I mean by “properly doing ministry?” Many are under the impression that God’s calling instantly and miraculous qualifies and empowers them, and removes any legal steps that may be necessary for a ministry in that particular locale.

Points to Ponder

Because God called you does not mean or imply that He automatically equips you. Look at the disciples. Jesus hand-picked each of them, but before they were commissioned to engage in ministry Jesus personally mentored them for the task at hand. The Apostle Paul, probably the most learned man in the New Testament apart from Jesus, wrongly assumed that his calling meant instant qualification. Once Paul received prayer and his sight (after his Damascus Road experience), his attempts at ministry almost led to his demise. It was only after his three years in the desert and Barnabas’ desire for Paul to accompany him on a missionary journey, did Paul’s ministry excel (Acts 9; 11; Gal. 1).

Below is just a few of the things any new Minister should consider once he or she has accepted God’s call:

- Biblical instruction

This should be some formal mode of Biblical training. If the new Minister cannot afford to attend Bible College, I suggest he or she contact the International Preacher’s Academy Worldwide (IPAW) to begin a structured, 2 year self-paced study of the Scripture. IPAW is funded via scholarships under the umbrella of the International Congress of Churches and Ministers (ICCM) and may be reached by calling 800-854-5891 for further information.

- Locate your spiritual mentor

Everyone needs a mentor—Elisha had Elijah, Paul had Barnabas, Timothy had Paul. You need someone one seasoned in ministry to speak into your life. Do not get upset when they tell you things you do not want to hear.

- Search and apply applicable local, state, and federal laws pertaining to ministry

Separation of Church and State is not a “get out of jail free card.” Romans 1:1-6 clearly instructs us to obey the laws of the land. Failure to do so will initiate an unwanted prison ministry for you.

Start Right—End Right

Any minister can search out and obtain the correct Biblical training based upon their Scriptural upbringing. Anyone can search out the mentor they want speaking into their life. However, when it comes to the ministry portion that pertains to local, state, and federal laws, not having an expert in that field could result in huge financial penalties or prison time.

A new Minister in Phoenix, AZ felt impressed to begin a Church in his home. He had no clue that local law and zoning regulations imposed restrictions. He did not seek proper legal counsel, and after a few months was arrested, found guilty, and had to serve a 60 day jail sentence.

I also doubt if that Minister sought proper counsel in regards to state and federal regulations. Was he legally incorporated in Arizona? Did he obtain a legal 501 (c) (3)? Did he obtain proper bylaws? These are just some of the questions, that if were not properly answered, will result in severe consequences for him, his family, and his ministry.

You Need Us!

Chitwood & Chitwood is the number one Church Management Firm in the USA. With more than 79 years of experience, we know what others do not know.

We can properly, spiritually and legally, set up your ministry so you will not encounter devastating actions later. These and other Church Management requirements are taught weekly at our Church Management and Tax Conferences across the USA. To attend one of these conferences, or to properly set up your ministry, contact us at 800-344-0076. For conference dates, cities, and registration, visit us at www.cmtc.org.

To be the best, retain the best. God will not bless a mess!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

7/20/2017

Is How You Are Honoring Your Pastor Illegal?

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In some Church circles, congregants go beyond Biblical and legal parameters in attempts to honor and bless their Pastor, Bishop, Apostle, etc. Much of the blame for this must be laid at the feet of the Pastor, Bishop, Apostle, etc. Some of these leaders have become extreme in their demand for non-Biblical honor and have often misused Scripture to support their claims.

While it is Biblical to properly honor the man or woman of God that shepherds the flock, if parishioners are not careful they will find themselves in the proverbial “jungles of Guyana, drinking poison cool-aid from a cup” (Jim Jones and the People’s Temple, 1978). Although, the members may not commit physical suicide as those of the People’s Temple, they could be committing non-profit status suicide or facing other legal issues.

This was the case of “Saints United Church Known Forever In Sanctified Heaven” (name changed to protect the Church).

The Church arranged for the Pastor’s travel to revivals and other speaking engagements and supported his personal campaign to be elected to the Office of Bishop of the Church. Because their activities inured to the Pastor’s benefit, they now fail to qualify for section 501 (c) (3).

A Church’s primary activities consist of preaching, revivals, Bible studies, worship services, and mission outreach/trips. The role of the Pastor by default makes him or her, the director/chairman of the Church.ow You Are Honoring Your Pastor Illegal?

Activities Must Not Inure to the Pastor’s Benefit

In the case of the above mentioned Congregation, the Church begins to arrange for their Pastor’s personal ministry travel and while at the speaking engagements his members are politic and make others aware of the fact that he is running for the office of Bishop. His Church has printed advertisements and has distributed campaign materials in support of their Pastor’s candidacy. The Church’s website even solicits donations for his campaign.

The Church had filed an application for exemption under section 501 (c) (3), but the Internal Revenue Service denied the exemption because the Church was operating a substantial non-exempt purpose for the benefit of a private party – the Pastor.

The IRS explained that the Pastor is a private individual since he has a personal and private interest in the Church’s activities. The Church’s support of the Pastor’s candidacy inured to his benefit because it was designed to help advance his career.

The IRS determined that the “Saints United Church Known Forever In Sanctified Heaven” failed the operational test under Regulation Section 1.501 (c) (3) – 1(a) (1). All donations to this ministry, past and present, are now deemed to be taxable and the members are in an uproar.

Why You Need Us Now!

This is why all Churches in the USA, large and small, should retain Chitwood and Chitwood for legal guidance as to the proper operation of the Church. As the Number One Church and Clergy professional in the World we have your best interests at heart. Our 77 years of Church and Clergy Management expertise provides us with the most knowledgeable, credible, and diligent staff in the field, dedicated to the Church’s success.

The Pastor and Board Members of a Church are good people who love God, but unfortunately know nothing about operating a Church within proper legal boundaries. What they propose and vote for may be acceptable to the Congregation, but what may be considered as a blessing by them, in actuality may be a legal curse to the Church and members.

To learn more about protecting your Church so that it can properly fulfill God’s call to its community and the World, you should attend a Church Management and Tax Conference quickly. Call 800-344-0076 or go to www.cmtc.org to register for one near you. Do Not Delay! Remember, “It is not what you know that will hurt you – it is what you don’t know!”

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

7/18/2017

Recent Supreme Court Ruling May Be a Blessing or a Curse

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President Bush 41 established his Faith Based Initiatives during his tenure from 1989-1993. During that time a window opened for Churches to obtain federal grants as long as they were not issued in the name of the Church. For a Church to get a grant it had to develop an additional 501 (c) (3). This may change due to the Supreme Court Ruling of June 17, 2017.

In the case of Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer, the Supreme Court ruled that the Church’s Child Learning Center could not be denied a grant from the State of Missouri solely on the fact that it was a Church operated entity. With this ruling, the door has seemly opened that would stop Churches from being denied federal grants simply because they are a religious entity.

Pros and Cons

How many Churches good successfully operate the ministry to which God has called them if they had the money? Most Churches I know want to have more community outreach, i.e. feeding programs, emergency clothing programs, training the youth in the importance of abstinence, ex-offenders programs, etc. Unfortunately, most Churches only survive Sunday to Sunday, with many of those resorting to fund-raisers to help pay the monthly bills or to engage in any “outside the walls” ministry.

This ruling has more than likely opened the door for Churches to obtain federal and state grant funds, possibly without forming an additional 501 (c) (3).

On the flip side of the coin, this may also open a door that most Churches would rather not see opened. With the release of federal and state funds to Churches, it is possible that we see a huge campaign form to push for taxation for non-profit entities, including Houses of Worship.

Churches and Ministers have enough difficulty obeying existing IRS regulations without an added burden of having to render taxes on tithes and offerings.

You Need to Connect with Us Now!

If money is about to become readily available for Church ministry, it would be in your best interest to connect with those who have a history of getting 501 (c) (3) grants. We have the highest approval rating of anyone group of which I am aware. If we have been able to get money for ministries without this Supreme Court ruling, this ruling will put us on a fast track for any money available. We know where the money is and how to get it.

Also, since we are the number one firm in the USA for non-profit tax management, we know how to keep the books of your Church and Ministry compliant with the IRS. The last thing any Ministry should want is to get federal or state grant funding, only to later find themselves in trouble with the IRS.

We teach Wealth Conferences and Church Management & Tax Conferences all across the USA. We are the best at what we do. It would behoove every Pastor and Church Leader to attend both of these classes SOON! For conference dates visit us at www.cmtc.org or www.drchitwood.com. To register for a conference near you, call 800-344-0076. If there is not one scheduled near you, call and enquire about hosting each of these conferences privately for your community.

The sinners are getting this money and promoting their agenda. Isn’t it time we even the playing field—or would your Church rather continue “frying chickens” to do ministry?

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

7/13/2017

Relief From the “Contraceptive Mandate”

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Because of the Affordable Care Act and an Executive Order from President Obama to the Health and Human Services (HHS), Churches and religious organizations were mandated to supply contraceptives for those who received employee provided health care from those institutions.

For some, this was contrary to their long held religious beliefs. In the court case of Little Sisters of the Poor v. Price, the Catholic organization was forced to provide contraceptive care to employees according to a ruling of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. However, on May 5, 2017 the United States Supreme Court overturned the lower court’s ruling and found in favor for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Another Win for Religious Liberty

Little Sisters of the Poor had never sought to prevent employees from obtaining contraception—they just did not want to be forced by the government to provide it in insurance funded by the organization.

In addition to the Higher Court’s ruling in favor of the Catholic ran organization, President Trump issued an executive order demanding the HHS to protect all religious institutions from the HHS Contraceptive Mandate.

Good News for Churches and Religious Entities

For the past several years Churches and Religious Institutions have come under fire with multiple lawsuits attacking the very Christian thread upon which this nation was founded. Christian Liberty was the very first right protected within the Constitution, yet one by one we saw agnostics and liberals chipping away at our religious freedom.

With the Supreme Court ruling and our President’s Executive Order, not only must HHS stop enforcing those mandates on us, but other government entities must follow suit and cease their attacks on us because of what we believe.

We Are Not Out of the Woods Yet

There are other cases before the Supreme Court at the time of this writing that still need our prayers. One of those is the case of the cake baker in Colorado who was forced to bake a cake, face fines, and/ or having to close his bakery simply because he chose to exercise his religious beliefs. Since Hobby Lobby won their similar case on Individual Liberty we are in hopes that the Court will find in favor of the Colorado baker.

How We Can Protect Your Church or Ministry

Chitwood & Chitwood has been protecting Churches for more than 79 years. We know what others do not know! We stay abreast of the latest Government regulations, especially those affecting Churches and Ministries, and therefore are on the cutting edge of ways to protect our non-profits from any adverse effects those regulations may cause.

The latest regulations are taught weekly at our Church Management and Tax Conferences across the USA. To register for the nearest one to your location visit us at www.cmtc.org or call 800-344-0076.

If a conference is not currently scheduled near you, contact us at the above number to be considered for a private conference in your city.

To be the best, retain the best. God cannot and will not bless a mess!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

7/11/2017

Just Because the IRS Told You, Doesn’t Mean It Is Correct

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At our Clergy Tax Conferences all across America, I am often confronted with people who say the information they have received from the Internal Revenue Service (via phone, or internet search) is contrary to the actual Internal Revenue Code that is read aloud in the classroom. This triggers a few issues that should be addressed.

- Sincere, but Inaccurate

With more than 19,000 pages in the Internal Revenue Code, is it possible for one IRS agent to know, in detail, all of the thousands of IRS code sections, and subsections? I doubt it. One agent may speak to a taxpayer with all sincerity, but if that agent does not thoroughly know the IRS code, he or she could be providing sincere, yet inaccurate information to the Pastor or Church Treasurer.

While researching legalities in a New England state, I processed through 5 different Government employees, each providing a different answer to my question, before I connected to one who not only gave me the correct answer, but provided the code section of the law (which I looked at during the conversation) to support his answer.

Many of the IRS agents are not properly trained to answer simplistic questions, and especially the complex issues involving Church/Ministry.

- Intentional Inaccuracy

Based upon information provided by an unnamed agent, the pressure upon agents to “close the deal” drives them to “push the envelope.” The pushing of the envelope may cross the accuracy line and force an intentional inaccuracy.

- Any Erroneous Advice Administered by the IRS is not Binding

According the case of “Maser v. Commissioner,” (2011) the court ruled as follows:

The law is clear that erroneous legal advice rendered by employees of the IRS generally is not binding on the Commissioner. Dixon v. United States, 381 U.S. 68, 72-73 (1965); Schuster v. Commissioner, 312 F.2d 311 (9th Cir. 1962), affg. in part and revg. in part 32 T.C. 998 and 32 T.C. 1017 (1959); Fortugno v. Commissioner, 41 T.C. 316 (1963), affd. 353 F.2d 429 (3d Cir. 1965). In any event, the Commissioner cannot waive the jurisdictional requirements, and jurisdiction cannot be established by estoppel.

Whether the information provided by the agent is “sincere, but inaccurate,” or “intentional inaccuracy,” the bottom line is, “What does this mean for the Church, the Pastor, Trustees, and Board Members?

It does not matter who tells you that you do not have to meet certain guidelines. If the code is not provided that properly defines the answer, you will be held accountable to the law as it is written – not as it was explained to you by the agent.

In essence, if the IRS agent lies to you, intentionally (which would be difficult to prove in a court of law) or otherwise, the Church, Pastor, Trustees, Board Members, and all responsible parties, will be held liable to the written code.

Why You Need our Expertise

Before you trust the fate of your Church into the hands of any CPA or Attorney, you must ensure that CPA or Attorney you have chosen, is an expert in Church Tax Law.

Chitwood and Chitwood is the Ultimate Authority on tax laws that apply to Churches and Ministers. To register for one of our Conferences, to hear the real truth as to what is and is not required by the IRS for Churches and Ministers, visit us at www.cmtc.org or call 800-344-0076. Remember, “If you don’t know Church Law, you can’t do Church books".

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

7/6/2017

The Achilles Heel of Many Pastors

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Anyone who undertakes any task should do so with confidence. However, there is a big difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence is defined as: “full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing: We have every confidence in their ability to succeed. 2) Belief in oneself and one’s powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance. Arrogance however is: “unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people:unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people:unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people: unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people:the state of being unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than other people.”

Pastors and Ministers all across the USA have forgotten the calling in which God has placed them, and many have set themselves up as demigods. This has resulted in a lack of accountability from many of these men and women of God.

As I sat in the court room a few years earlier, I listened as a Federal Judge sentenced the Bishop that stood before him. As the Judge passed sentence his words to the Bishop were, “You are the most arrogant man that has ever been tried in my courtroom.” The Judge then proceeded to sentence the Bishop and his wife to the maximum penalties allowed by law. Men and women of God, the under-shepherds of God’s people, should never place themselves in this position.

There used to be a day when the men and women of God were confident, yet humble. Those days seemed to have vanished in this era of entertainment Christianity. We have forgotten that humility is not a bad thing and that we can be confident and humble.

An IRS Red Flag

We are now in an age in this nation where the Church is no longer exempt from the scrutinization of the Internal Revenue Service. As written in an earlier blog, the IRS is now performing random audits, many of which are on-site. The last thing any Pastor or Minister should do is demonstrate his or her arrogance to an IRS official.

Such was the case of a Pastor that hysterically called our office. The IRS had targeted him. However, one of things that brought about the audit was the Pastor’s arrogance to his Church. Some of the members had concerns with the Pastor having a Church account that was to fund his every whim. When some board members approached him, his reply was, “I bring it in; I can take it out.”

That same arrogance continued during the IRS’s initial conversations with him, until it escalated into a full-blown audit that revealed many violations. By the time we were contacted, there was nothing we could do to keep this Pastor from a stint in the Federal Penitentiary.

Every Pastor should understand that even though the offerings often are given because of his or her anointing, it is still the saints, many of which live payday to payday, that are giving the offerings, and are giving them because they love God and for the work of the Ministry. God expects every Pastor, Minister, Church, and Ministry to be good stewards of Kingdom finances. Anything less is arrogance in and of itself.

Trust but Verify

President Ronald Reagan made a statement during his years as President that I have never forgotten. When asked if he trusted the Russian Leader, Reagan replied, “We will trust, but verify.”

Every Pastor and Minister wants to be respected and trusted. However, we must realize that although respect is given, trust is verified. Trust that is not verified is the blind leading the blind. Trust never means closing your eyes. For those who desire the trust of their Church, they should earn that trust. One of the best ways to do this is in the area of Church Finances.

It should trouble every Pastor, for himself or herself to do so well, when the members in the pews are hurting so badly.

Church members have no trouble trusting the man or woman of God, when they know that the Pastor has their best interests at heart and is willing at times to sacrifice for them. Sacrifice is a two-way street. Why should our people do all the sacrificing and we do none? I have witnessed arrogant Pastors demand that the members pay their tithes (and we should tithe), but when the Pastor is confronted concerning his or her own tithing record, he or she feels that tithing is unnecessary for him or her because of the position he or she holds.

Pride Proceeds Downfall

The writer of Proverbs was adamant as he penned:

Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Pro. 16:18).

Arrogance is a powder keg that explodes into trouble no Pastor or Minister should want. This is especially true in the area of Church or personal finances.

How We Can Help

Dr. Ronnie Shaw states often: “You get what you inspect, not what you expect!” One of the greatest tools to bring any Pastor down to earth is an independent audit of the Church Financial Records.

If you are not a client of Chitwood and Chitwood it would behoove you to call our office at 800-344-0076 and request an independent compliance audit by us. As the number one Church and Clergy Financial experts in the world, we can quickly discern if there are some areas that need immediate adjustment.

Pastor, it is much better for you to call us and we tell you what is wrong, than for the IRS to tell you what is wrong. We are here to help you. We know how to fix the problems and keep the IRS off of your back. We have grace and mercy – the IRS has none. Call us now.

Please understand; if you are arrogant, you will fall. It is much better for us to cushion the fall, than for it to totally crush you, maybe costing you your ministry and your Church, and possible fines and/or prison time.

We are here for you. For Chitwood and Chitwood it is A Ministry – Not A Job!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

7/4/2017

God Expects His Churches to Obey IRS Regulations

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I continually speak to Pastors and Church Leaders throughout the USA and I am amazed at those whom feel as if they are somehow immune to the Internal Revenue Service and its codes, simply because they are a Church. Some are so naїve they almost flaunt their IRS lack of obedience. In addition to this being criminally dangerous, it is spiritually dangerous. In the context of paying taxes Jesus declared that we are to give Caesar that which belongs to Caesar (Mat. 22:21).

I wonder how many Churches struggle financially because they intentionally violate Mat. 22:21 and Romans 13:1-7? God will not bless a mess and when Church books are not in legal compliance with IRS guidelines it says to God that His Word only has clout when it is favorable to our desires.

According to the IRS tax gap report, underreporting of income is the biggest contributor to the tax gap. According to the report, there is $500,000.00 owed to the IRS and 90% of it is due to underreporting.

Churches are infamous for underreporting. This underreporting most often occurs when Churches fail to report payments made to their Pastors and staff. Pastors, Church Check-writers and Board Members think they are being creative when they give money and call it “love offering,” etc to justify not reporting it as income. Remember, anyone working on the inside of your church (Pastor, Treasurers, musicians, etc.) are employees and any funds provided to them must be reported. Anyone on the outside (independent contractors, vendors, etc.) receiving Church funds must receive a 1099 of some type.

Do not feel as if you are smart enough or saved enough to avoid the wrath of the IRS if you are out of compliance.

How Churches Contribute to the Tax Gap

- Improper Housing Allowance Payments

There are many facets that must be covered when dealing with Pastoral Housing Allowance. The Pastor cannot receive all Housing Allowance and not salary. As a matter of fact, the Housing Allowance should not exceed 50% of the Pastor’s ministerial income. Although Housing Allowance is not taxable, it is subject to Self-Employment Tax unless the Pastor has filed for and obtained self-employment tax exemption

- Improper Salary Documentation

Misreporting salary is subject to huge penalties from the IRS. The Church and Pastor better not have a salary agreement with any open-ended items. Also, the Church Leaders need to be aware of the fact that Pastor’s Salary must be set by an independent firm and not by those who have a vote. Remember all monies given to the Pastor, regardless of what the money is called (i.e. salary, love offering, etc.), with the exception of bona fide Housing Allowance, must be reported in his W-2.

- Be Careful with “Love Offerings”

If “Love Offerings” are not setup the right way, they are taxable and must be reported as income. Those who are receiving them the “old” way are going to get caught and the punishment (civil and criminal) may be severe.

Chitwood and Chitwood has been helping Pastors and Churches get the most tax free benefits available, but with our 77 years of experience, we know how to do it the right way. If you would like resources on how to properly set up a “Love Offering” program properly, contact drshaw@cmtc.org for more information.

The Last Word

The Internal Revenue Service is well aware of the lack of compliance among Churches in the USA. It is only a matter of time before you are caught and severe penalties assessed. Even if there were no IRS regulations mandating this, God’s Word does. If any organization in America is abiding by the law and doing things in excellence, it should be the Church. God always rewards good stewards and removes from bad stewards (Mat. 25).

Why take a chance? Retain the Premier Church and Clergy professionals in the world, Chitwood and Chitwood, and let us make sure you are in compliance with God’s Laws and those of the IRS. NO ONE DOES IT BETTER!

Patriarchal Cover-Up

Should Christians Sue Other Christians?

1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (GWT)​

1 Pet. 4:17a (KJV)

Sexual Abuse Reporting Policy

How We Can Help

By Dr. Ronnie Shaw​

Points to Ponder

Start Right—End Right

You Need Us!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

Activities Must Not Inure to the Pastor’s Benefit

Why You Need Us Now!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

Pros and Cons

You Need to Connect with Us Now!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood​

Another Win for Religious Liberty

Good News for Churches and Religious Entities

We Are Not Out of the Woods Yet

How We Can Protect Your Church or Ministry

By Dr. Michael Chitwood​

Why You Need our Expertise

By Dr. Michael Chitwood​

An IRS Red Flag

Trust but Verify

Pride Proceeds Downfall

How We Can Help

By Dr. Michael Chitwood​

How Churches Contribute to the Tax Gap

The Last Word

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

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1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (GWT)

By Dr. Ronnie Shaw

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

By Dr. Michael Chitwood