Description
Better understand how to assist religious organizations in keeping their exemption and what pitfalls to look.Although churches and other religious organizations are generally tax exempt, tax is a pervasive issue for religious organizations and clergy. Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the taxation of clergy and churches. Especially in regard to assisting religious organizations keep their exemption, what pitfalls to look for when representing a religious organization, and how to assist religious organizations if they are subject to tax inquire by the Internal Revenue Service. This workshop is critical for practitioners who represent churches or clergy members.
Date: 2024-07-11 Start Time: End Time:
Learning Objectives
Background Information and Definitions
• What Is a Religious Organization
• What Is a Church
• Who Are the Clergy
• Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status Under § 501
• Organizational and Operational Tests
• Public Benefit Doctrine
Clergy Wages
• Reporting Rules
• Parsonage Allowance
• Social Security
• Exemption for Clergy
• Difference Between How Wages Are Reported V Social Security for Clergy
• Church Employees
The Charitable Contribution Deduction
• What Is a Charitable Contribution Under § 170?
• Substantiation Requirements
• Planned Giving Devices
Church Audits and § 7611
• General Prohibition of Audits of Churches
• Church Tax Inquiries Under § 7611
• Prohibition Against Repeated Examinations
Pitfalls
• Unrelated Business Taxable Income
• Excess Benefit Transactions
• Excess Executive Compensation
• Restrictions of Political Activates/ Campaigning
Mark Mesler, Esq.-Asbury Law Firm, Andrew R. Vazquez, Esq. – Asbury Law Firm
