The Church Finance & Minister Tax Podcast- Church finances, Minister Taxes, Minister payroll, IRS Compliance
Hey there, I’m Michelle and I love all things Jesus, business and church finances! I help church finance individuals just like you go from feeling confused and frustrated with what you don’t know about church finances, to being more confident in your role while increasing your proficiency and expertise in the church finance realm. Are you tired of Google searches that result in endless pages of answers to your questions about church finances, housing allowances and clergy taxes? Do you need help with getting the right processes and procedures in place for your church office or business? Are you looking for a group of like-minded believers who understand your desire to do business and serve the local church God’s way? In this podcast, you will find practical AND biblically based business solutions for your church office or bookkeeping business that serves churches . We will give you tried and true bookkeeping tips and lessons that are specific to the church ministry and other foundational practices that you need in place to make sure that the church(es) that you serve are in compliance with current industry standards and IRS tax code. We will also lean into mindset training to help you think like the business professional God created you to be and renewing your mind through the application of truths from the Word of God that will encourage and free you to do business God’s way while learning what you didn’t even know you needed to know! My mission is twofold: #1 to help church bookkeepers/treasurers/finance individuals become more confident in their role and increase their expertise in church finances. #2 to help business owners unapologetically do business God’s way and grow a successful bookkeeping business they feel good about and that helps make the world a better place. If you are ready to walk out the calling the Lord has on your life while serving Him with excellence - then you are definitely in the right place! I tried to achieve success in the secular world but felt unfulfilled and like an outsider because of my beliefs. I finally realized that taking the risk to create a business (or businesses in my case), where I could openly express my faith and beliefs and to put God at the center of everything I did, was more exciting to me than the fear of the ”what if’s”. So, I did it! Not once, but twice! I want to share with you what I’ve learned through my 20 years of business experience in both Christian retail and my bookkeeping business to help you take that step of faith and walk in courageous obedience to God. If you are ready to serve your church with confidence and/or create a business that keeps God at the center of everything you do WHILE helping to make the world a better place all at the same time - this podcast is for you! So grab your Bible, a notebook or laptop, and the dream God gave you, because we’re doing this. It’s time to serve Him with Excellence! Learn: www.churchfinances.org Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Today I share what God has laid on my heart for a Summer Series and other podcast news/updates.
Thanks for listening!
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Since it’s summertime and the year is ½ over, in today’s episode we are going to be talking about performing a mid-year review for your church and the three areas I think you need to take a look at.
Just like many businesses do an annual performance review on their employees, churches should also do a mid-year review on three important areas that may need to be adjusted:
Budget
Minister Housing Allowance
Contributions
Let’s take a look at each one and why you should take a look at these now instead of at the end of the year.
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
In this episode, we will discuss the three main points that play a crucial role in ensuring client satisfaction. Yes – it is possible to have happy clients 😉 By listening to your clients, solving their problems, and leading them toward success, you can create long-lasting relationships and drive positive outcomes.
Episode Outline:
1. The Power of Listening to Your Clients
a. Understanding the Importance of Active Listening
b. Techniques for Active Listening
c. Building Trust and Empathy through Listening
2. Solving Client Problems: Going Above and Beyond
a. Identifying and Prioritizing Client Needs
b. Implementing Effective Problem-Solving Strategies
c. Communicating Solutions Clearly and Timely
3. Leading Clients Toward Success
a. Being a Trusted Advisor and Strategic Partner
b. Setting Realistic Expectations
c. Providing Ongoing Guidance and Support
Remember, happy clients are the cornerstone of a successful business.
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Benevolence Funds, specifically, how do you handle them when collecting for a specific person in need will be discussed in today's episode.
The IRS has set guidelines regarding this situation and we will cover those today including Revenue Ruling 62-113.
We discussed the IRS cap on benevolence being given before it becomes taxable to the receiver in 2023.
We also touched upon the fact that ANY benevolence given to employees or members of the employees family is not considered true benevolence and IS reported as taxable income.
Another point we covered was making sure that your benevolence procedures are followed in compliance with your official Benevolence policy.
Additionally, we verified that donations earmarked for an individual are NOT tax deductible to the donor UNLESS there is an understanding that all donations received will be used by the church in a manner that is consistent with their purpose and mission and may be used for a different purpose should the church decide. The church must retain total control of how the funds are spent, regardless of the donor's request.
Take a listen to learn all the details!
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Knowing who you are, what you're best at, and what you enjoy doing the most will help you to define who your business will serve. We will go over 6 things that will help you define the pillars of your business and how you will learn, market and grow your business.
Take a listen and I hope this blesses you and helps you to define the direction you want to go.
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Churches sometimes collect “love offerings” from the congregation for a pastor, visiting minister, volunteer, or staff member in recognition of services rendered.
There really is a lot of confusion over this topic – so much so that pastors from both large and small churches have been prosecuted and convicted of tax evasion over unreported love offerings.
One of the most interesting cases was Felton vs. Commissioner TC Memo 2018-168
the Tax Court held that Rev. Wayne R. Felton of Holy Christian Church in St. Paul Minn. received taxable compensation from members of his congregation rather than personal gifts, despite the contributions' designation as gifts,
Consequently, the Tax Court applied a four-factor test drawn from case law to objectively determine the donors' intent:
Whether the donations were provided in exchange for services
Whether the minister or other church authorities requested the donations;
Whether the donations were part of a routine, highly structured program and given by individual church members or the congregation as a whole
Whether the minister received a separate salary from the church, and, if so, its amount in relation to the donations
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
One of my Top 5 books of all time is Jennifer Allwood's "Fear is not the Boss of You". In this episode I go over some of the highlights of the book and how you can apply them to your business, personal life, relationships, etc.
If you're ready to get unstock and live out the calling the Lord has on your life, take a listen to this episode and see how God shows up!
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
When it comes to church finances, it's not just about balancing the books or paying the bills on time – which are absolutely very important by the way. It's also about equipping our congregation members with the knowledge and tools they need to be responsible stewards of their own finances. By building a financially literate church community, we can help individuals manage their money wisely, reduce financial stress, and enable greater generosity. So, let's dive into some practical strategies and resources for achieving this goal.
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Work with me!
Church Church Consultation:
www.churchfinances.org/consult
Business Consultation
www.churchfinances.org/bizconsult
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Welcome to the "Bookkeeping with a Purpose," podcast.
In today’s episode we are going to be talking about the Armor of God and how it applies to you as a business owner. I will give you practical examples of how to get up, dress up and never give up on the dream God has given you for your business.
We will cover each piece of the Armor:
* Belt of Truth
* Breastplate of Righteousness
* Shoes of Peace
* Shield of Faith
* Helmet of Salvation
* Sword of the Spirit
Covering it all in the power of prayer!
I am super-excited to share today’s truths with you so let’s get going!
I pray this blesses you!
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide
Learn More:
www.churchfinances.org
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
Welcome to the "Bookkeeping with a Purpose," podcast.
Today's topic is Why pledging money to your church is significant.
We will explore the principles behind church giving and its impact on the church, personal growth and your community.
Key Points:
Stewardship:
We’ll touch on how stewardship is a key discipline mentioned through the Bible.
Gratitude:
Expressing appreciation for spiritual guidance, support, and fellowship can be accomplished by contributing financially.
Compassion and Social Responsibility:
Church funds support charitable initiatives and outreach programs which can help to actively create positive change and help those in need. Pledging money as a means of expressing compassion and fulfilling social responsibilities is a great way to help make the world a better place.
The Courts are also taking charitable pledges seriously. We will briefly talk about a couple of the more recent court decisions involving pledges that individuals tried to default on. This part is REALLY interesting!
So, whether it's through stewardship, gratitude, or compassion for others, pledging money to your church can be a powerful way to align your values with your actions. It enables you to support the spiritual and material well-being of your community while nurturing your own spiritual journey.
I pray this blesses you!
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide
Learn More:
www.churchfinances.org
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax