Interesting, it seems churches dont need 501c3

Apocrypha · #1 11-23-2009, 09:13 AM

Interesting article that quotes IRS regulations.

If I read this right, a church doesn't need and indeed shouldn't bother with a 501c3 status. They automatically are tax exempt by IRS special exemption rules.

http://hushmoney.org/501c3-facts.htm

So if I understand what this means... if i incorporate as a non-profit in my local state I don't need to bother with the 501c3, so I can freely discuss politics and even have local politicians at our church and the IRS can't say a thing because we aren't throttled by the 501c3.

deltaguitar · #2 11-23-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apocrypha

Interesting article that quotes IRS regulations.

If I read this right, a church doesn't need and indeed shouldn't bother with a 501c3 status. They automatically are tax exempt by IRS special exemption rules.

http://hushmoney.org/501c3-facts.htm

So if I understand what this means... if i incorporate as a non-profit in my local state I don't need to bother with the 501c3, so I can freely discuss politics and even have local politicians at our church and the IRS can't say a thing because we aren't throttled by the 501c3.

Not so fast. Just because you are automatically exempt from having to fill out the paperwork does not mean that don't have to follow the rules for tax exempt status. I would read the rules a little closer if I were you.

bishoph · #3 11-23-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apocrypha

Interesting article that quotes IRS regulations.

If I read this right, a church doesn't need and indeed shouldn't bother with a 501c3 status. They automatically are tax exempt by IRS special exemption rules.

http://hushmoney.org/501c3-facts.htm

So if I understand what this means... if i incorporate as a non-profit in my local state I don't need to bother with the 501c3, so I can freely discuss politics and even have local politicians at our church and the IRS can't say a thing because we aren't throttled by the 501c3.

While it is very true that churches are automatically considered "tax exempt" under the IRS tax code: If you (as a nonprofit entity) claim tax exemption, and if your members are going to use their contributions as tax write-offs you are bound by the rules of the 501c3 tax exemption code.

In fact the only real benefit of obtaining a 501c3 designation is if you ever want to seek grants for your nonprofit. Most private grant foundations require it and the government requires it should you seek any government grants.

There is a movement by some churches to have a community development or some other nonprofit entity that their people "donate" their tithe and offerings to, and keep their church NON-exempt so that they can speak out about any issue they feel to. I believe this model will eventually be challenged in court, and it will be interesting to see who wins.....the government/IRS or the church.

mfblume · #4 11-23-2009, 12:03 PM

I know a church that is not 501c3 and the members get charitable donations receipts for tax purposes and use them with no problem!

LT Smith's BIBLE TRUTH CHURCH in El Campo, TX. Call him up and ask him about it.

deltaguitar · #5 11-23-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfblume

I know a church that is not 501c3 and the members get charitable donations receipts for tax purposes and use them with no problem!

Correct, churches do not need a 501c3 status in order for contributions to be deductible.

U376977 · #6 11-23-2009, 12:45 PM

But try to open a bank account for your ministry without that FID tax exempt number! Try to get a paypal charity account without one. They require it and a bank statement.
I'm in that position right now, I have received a couple thousand dollars for ministry purposes and am going to have to furnish the bank with the 501c3. Fortunately, I have two different ministries that I ran operate under.

TheLegalist · #7 11-23-2009, 12:56 PM

what sheeple.... You do not and can do it without all that. 501c3 is nothing but a control method so you put yourself UNDER jurisdiction of the government. Nothing but a bait an switch thaks to lawyers and brilliant accountants being idiots feeding that masses lies.

Apocrypha · #8 11-23-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by U376977

But try to open a bank account for your ministry without that FID tax exempt number! Try to get a paypal charity account without one. They require it and a bank statement.
I'm in that position right now, I have received a couple thousand dollars for ministry purposes and am going to have to furnish the bank with the 501c3. Fortunately, I have two different ministries that I ran operate under.

Bank of America only requires the incorporation papers, dont need the 501c3.

johnny44 · #9 11-23-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apocrypha

Bank of America only requires the incorporation papers, dont need the 501c3.

they asked me for a tax i.d. num.

johnny44 · #10 11-23-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLegalist

what sheeple.... You do not and can do it without all that. 501c3 is nothing but a control method so you put yourself UNDER jurisdiction of the government. Nothing but a bait an switch thaks to lawyers and brilliant accountants being idiots feeding that masses lies.

also read in perpectives magazine that even members can be sued if not incorperated.