Church Law & Tax | Lead your ministry with confidence

Can Churches Get Political? What Church Leaders Need to Know

Churches and pastors have constitutional rights to political speech—but tax-exempt status comes with restrictions. Here’s what leaders should consider before candidates, causes, and elections enter the conversation.

Matthew Branaugh

Should Churches Accept Donations Through Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App?

Digital payment apps make giving fast and convenient, but they can also create fraud risks, reporting challenges, and administrative burdens. Here’s what church leaders should consider before relying on Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App for charitable donations.

Tim Samuel

IRS Approves Mileage Rates for Business Use in 2026

The IRS announced a rare mid-year update in standard mileage rates for 2026. Meanwhile, the 14-cent rate for miles driven in service of charitable organizations remains the same.

The Editors

Legal Risks of AI for Churches: What Church Leaders Need to Know

Church leaders must understand the legal, privacy, and governance risks tied to artificial intelligence before adopting AI tools in ministry operations.

Matthew Branaugh, Rick Spruill

Does a Church Have to Keep Paying a Pastor After an Immediate Resignation?

A pastor resigns without notice and requests pay through the end of the month. Here’s what churches need to know about compensation obligations, employment contracts, accrued PTO, and potential separation agreements.

Lane Paulsen

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