Some pastors and church leaders want to see their church take a stand on a certain issue or candidate during an election year but aren’t sure how it might affect their church’s tax status.
Others might hesitate, wondering whether taking a stand is the right decision, both from a spiritual and governance standpoint.
Either way, section 501(c)(3) of the tax code has something to say about tax-exempt churches that engage in political activities and speech, along with penalties for churches that run afoul of the rules, including the revocation of the church’s tax status.
While few public examples exist of the actual enforcement of these rules over the years by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), churches and church leaders still should understand the prohibitions and limitations, including any potential tax consequences triggered by them.
Resources for pastors and church leaders
This free, easy-to-understand quick reference guide is designed to help churches and church leaders make informed decisions on what they can, and cannot, engage in on the political front.
Download it here, and share it with other church leaders.
Meanwhile, dig deeper on religious freedom in the United States with our carefully curated recommended reading section on the topic.
For pastors and church leaders thinking of engaging in political discourse on their social media feeds, give this 10-point checklist a look.
Emotions often can run high whenever political issues arise. These tools are designed to help pastors and church leaders navigate the volatility and make certain any decisions they make—in response to how they believe God has called them to act—are informed ones.
