Church Law & Tax | Lead your ministry with confidence

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

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

Why 2FA Matters More than Ever in the Age of AI

AI-powered scams are becoming harder to recognize. Two-factor authentication remains one of the simplest and most effective ways churches can protect ministry accounts and sensitive data online.

Jonathan Smith

Find it Fast.

Browse by topic to find the answer you need to lead your ministry with confidence.

Free Weekly Newsletter

Trusted guidance, relevant updates, and exclusive insights.

Updated Church & Clergy Tax Guide

Advantage Member Content

Searchable access to the leading resource trusted trusted by pastors, church leaders, treasurers, bookkeepers, and tax preparers.

Church Copyright Guide: How to Navigate Copyright Law in Church Practices

Advantage Member Content

This essential tool helps your church navigate copyright law with clarity.

State Property Tax Exemptions

Advantage Member Content

Find your state's property tax exemptions.

State Sales Tax Exemptions

Advantage Member Content

Find your state's sales tax exemptions.

50-State Survey of Religious Freedom Laws

Advantage Member Content

Find your state's religious freedom laws.

State Public Accommodations Laws

Advantage Member Content

Find your state's public accommodations laws.

Child Abuse Reporting Laws

Know the mandatory reporting laws for your state.

Legal Developments

Keep up-to-date on what's happening in your state.

Legal Library

Consult Pastor, Church & Law to get answers about legal issues and responsibilities

Webinars

Learn new skills, or train staff and volunteers.

Podcasts

Church Law: Practical solutions for today's leaders.

Stay informed. Keep learning.

Browse by topic to find the answer you need to lead your ministry with confidence.

Church Law & Tax Products

Church IT, 3rd Edition

This updated and expanded edition of Church IT offers practical guidance on careful, strategic approaches for leveraging IT effectively to advance the church’s mission.

Church Governance

What leaders must know to conduct legally sound church business.

Pastor, Church & Law, Fifth Edition

Learn which local, state, and federal laws apply to religious organizations.

Church Compensation 2025

Church Compensation – Second Edition

From Strategic Plan to Compliance

20 Finance Questions Churches Ask

Richard Hammar answers relevant tax and finance questions for church leaders.

2025 Church & Clergy Tax Guide

2025 Church & Clergy Tax Guide

Support your ministry with the most authoritative and comprehensive, year-round tax resource.

Ask Richie

👋 Hello! I'm Richie, your AI assistant. How can I help you today?