Tax FAQ

Church reporting requirements, IRS regulations, tax issues, the clergy housing allowance, contributions, designated funds, business expenses, and a variety of related legalities?

You may wish to invest in the Church & Clergy Tax Guide. This valuable resource tool is available for $19.95 (price subject to change without notice) by calling 1-800-222-1840 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time. Edited and updated annually by an attorney who is also a certified public accountant, the Church & Clergy Tax Guide is a comprehensive, authoritative source for answers to your questions. The book includes dozens of helpful, easily understood examples; comprehensive illustrations with forms; tables and case studies. 500+ pages.

Compensation for your pastoral and support staff?

You may wish to consult Church Law & Tax Report’s 2006 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff. Currently selling for $19.95 (price subject to change without notice), this publication provides salary and benefit information on nine different positions – based on the responses of thousands of survey participants across the country. The handbook provides breakdowns by church size, budget, setting, education, years-of-service, and more. Also included is Information on base salary, average salary increase, housing allowance, retirement funds, health and life insurance coverage, paid vacation, and much more. Call 1-800-222-1840 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time to place an order.

Special Note: CB Northwest no longer compiles an annual salary survey.

How to prepare your tax returns? (If you are a licensed or ordained minister.)

You may wish to contact James Rickard’s staff with Stewardship Services Foundation. With over 90 years of collective experience and expertise in clergy tax preparation, SSF may provide just the information or assistance you need. The staff may be reached at (661) 254-4370 or visit their website – www.ssfoundation.net.

Your church’s 501(c)(3) tax exempt status?

If your church is one of CBAmerica’s affiliated churches, contact Mr. Stan Rieb, Executive Assistant, at 1-888-366-3010 for documentation of your exempt status under CBA’s group exemption letter.

Any issues involving the Internal Revenue Service?

Contact the IRS at any of the following numbers as appropriate:

1. For general questions
2. For business and specialty tax questions
3. For “exempt organization” questions

Or visit the IRS’ website – www.irs.gov – for forms and publications; filing requirements; published guidance; frequently asked questions; and much more.

Any issues involving the state where your church is located?

A good place to start is often the corporation division of your state government. Following are phone numbers and website addresses for our CB Northwest churches.

If your church is located in Alaska, call (907) 465-2534 or visit www.corporations.alaska.gov.

If your church is located in Idaho, call (208) 334-2470 or visit www.idoc.state.id.us.

If your church is located in Oregon, call (503) 986-2200 or visit www.filinginoregon.com.

If your church is located in Washington, call (360) 753-7115 or visit www.access.wa.gov.

Insurance-related issues?

If your question has to do with medical, dental, vision, life, or long-term disability insurance and you are seeking the services of a professional insurance broker dealing with these areas of coverage, you may wish to contact Jane Berg at Benefits Consulting NW, 1-877-365-8738, or visit their website – www.benefitsconsultingnw.com.

Another possible resource for a healthcare plan (medical, dental, vision, group life, and short-term disability) is the Evangelical Benefit Trust. For details, contact Joe Scheide at (866) 902-6227, or visit the Trust’s website – www.churchplan.org.

If your question has to do with property or liability insurance, you may wish to contact Jim Reed at James Reed and Associates Insurance – (503) 588-8229.