Important Question 1:
How can your church reduce risk, strengthen governance, and protect your tax-exempt status?
There are multiple things that can be done for each of these areas such as performing a risk assessment and providing governance training for your board. Think about each of these areas and consider 1) what you need to improve and have the resources to do so, 2) what you need to improve, but don’t know where to start, and 3) what areas you don’t know if they are a problem or not. Usinh the Annual Church Legal Checklist may be a good place to start.
Important Question 2:
Where are churches most susceptible to fraud and is your church protected?
Thinking that you trust your staff and not going further than that is a big red flag. You must still have good internal controls in place involving more than one person in each process. The most likely places for problems are donations that never get counted and deposited, inappropriate expense reports, and payroll fraud. Church Law & Tax has resources available from simple checklists to training for all levels within your church. Check out this resource.
Protect your church with trusted guidance.
From governance and fraud prevention to employment practices and tax compliance, church leaders face decisions that carry real legal and financial consequences. A Church Law & Tax membership gives you practical checklists, expert guidance, training, and in-depth resources to help you identify risks and take action with confidence.
Become a member today and give your church the tools it needs to stay compliant, financially sound, and prepared.
Important Question 3:
What employment practices do you have in place to meet the breadth of requirements that apply to your church?
Just because it is easier to pay someone as an independent contractor or as a salaried employee instead of an hourly employee, does not mean it will be compliant with state and federal laws. Documentation is also key from performance reviews to employee files. Review Do We Follow Sound Employment Practices checklist to determine areas that may need your attention.
Stay informed. Stay ahead of the risks.
Church laws, tax rules, employment requirements, and financial best practices keep changing. Church Law & Tax’s free newsletters deliver timely, practical guidance to your inbox so you can spot emerging issues and make better-informed decisions for your church.
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