The Church Finance & Minister Tax Podcast- Church finances, Minister Taxes, Minister payroll, IRS Compliance
Education Podcasts
Hey there, I’m Michelle and I love all things Jesus, business and church finances! I help church finance individuals just like you go from feeling confused and frustrated with what you don’t know about church finances, to being more confident in your role while increasing your proficiency and expertise in the church finance realm. Are you tired of Google searches that result in endless pages of answers to your questions about church finances, housing allowances and clergy taxes? Do you need help with getting the right processes and procedures in place for your church office or business? Are you looking for a group of like-minded believers who understand your desire to do business and serve the local church God’s way? In this podcast, you will find practical AND biblically based business solutions for your church office or bookkeeping business that serves churches . We will give you tried and true bookkeeping tips and lessons that are specific to the church ministry and other foundational practices that you need in place to make sure that the church(es) that you serve are in compliance with current industry standards and IRS tax code. We will also lean into mindset training to help you think like the business professional God created you to be and renewing your mind through the application of truths from the Word of God that will encourage and free you to do business God’s way while learning what you didn’t even know you needed to know! My mission is twofold: #1 to help church bookkeepers/treasurers/finance individuals become more confident in their role and increase their expertise in church finances. #2 to help business owners unapologetically do business God’s way and grow a successful bookkeeping business they feel good about and that helps make the world a better place. If you are ready to walk out the calling the Lord has on your life while serving Him with excellence - then you are definitely in the right place! I tried to achieve success in the secular world but felt unfulfilled and like an outsider because of my beliefs. I finally realized that taking the risk to create a business (or businesses in my case), where I could openly express my faith and beliefs and to put God at the center of everything I did, was more exciting to me than the fear of the ”what if’s”. So, I did it! Not once, but twice! I want to share with you what I’ve learned through my 20 years of business experience in both Christian retail and my bookkeeping business to help you take that step of faith and walk in courageous obedience to God. If you are ready to serve your church with confidence and/or create a business that keeps God at the center of everything you do WHILE helping to make the world a better place all at the same time - this podcast is for you! So grab your Bible, a notebook or laptop, and the dream God gave you, because we’re doing this. It’s time to serve Him with Excellence! Learn: www.churchfinances.org Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Location:
United States
Genres:
Education Podcasts
Description:
Hey there, I’m Michelle and I love all things Jesus, business and church finances! I help church finance individuals just like you go from feeling confused and frustrated with what you don’t know about church finances, to being more confident in your role while increasing your proficiency and expertise in the church finance realm. Are you tired of Google searches that result in endless pages of answers to your questions about church finances, housing allowances and clergy taxes? Do you need help with getting the right processes and procedures in place for your church office or business? Are you looking for a group of like-minded believers who understand your desire to do business and serve the local church God’s way? In this podcast, you will find practical AND biblically based business solutions for your church office or bookkeeping business that serves churches . We will give you tried and true bookkeeping tips and lessons that are specific to the church ministry and other foundational practices that you need in place to make sure that the church(es) that you serve are in compliance with current industry standards and IRS tax code. We will also lean into mindset training to help you think like the business professional God created you to be and renewing your mind through the application of truths from the Word of God that will encourage and free you to do business God’s way while learning what you didn’t even know you needed to know! My mission is twofold: #1 to help church bookkeepers/treasurers/finance individuals become more confident in their role and increase their expertise in church finances. #2 to help business owners unapologetically do business God’s way and grow a successful bookkeeping business they feel good about and that helps make the world a better place. If you are ready to walk out the calling the Lord has on your life while serving Him with excellence - then you are definitely in the right place! I tried to achieve success in the secular world but felt unfulfilled and like an outsider because of my beliefs. I finally realized that taking the risk to create a business (or businesses in my case), where I could openly express my faith and beliefs and to put God at the center of everything I did, was more exciting to me than the fear of the ”what if’s”. So, I did it! Not once, but twice! I want to share with you what I’ve learned through my 20 years of business experience in both Christian retail and my bookkeeping business to help you take that step of faith and walk in courageous obedience to God. If you are ready to serve your church with confidence and/or create a business that keeps God at the center of everything you do WHILE helping to make the world a better place all at the same time - this podcast is for you! So grab your Bible, a notebook or laptop, and the dream God gave you, because we’re doing this. It’s time to serve Him with Excellence! Learn: www.churchfinances.org Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Language:
English
Episodes
Ep 62 ~ Navigating IRS Regulations: Tips for Church Financial Compliance
5/14/2024
Feeling lost in a maze of IRS regulations? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many church leaders and finance managers find themselves overwhelmed by the intricate web of rules and requirements. But fear not, because today, we're here to shed some light on the path to financial compliance. Today’s episode will kick off our 3 part series on Navigating the IRS Maze: Tips for Church Financial Compliance. I’m so happy to have you join me today!
xo
Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: Six Steps to Doing Business God's Way biz owners
A QuickStart Guide to Church Finances everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at Church Bookkeeping and Clergy Tax Facebook Group
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: Schedule Consultation
Duration:00:12:30
Ep 61 ~ Podcast Rebranding: What you can expect
5/13/2024
I'm thrilled to share that the Bookkeeping with a Purpose podcast is evolving to better support our church office crew and is rebranding to a new name “The Church & Minister Tax Podcast”. Same location, all the back episodes, just a new name and expanded focus. Alongside finance and tax tips, we're diving into admin tricks and organization hacks to make your life easier. With over three decades of office experience under my belt, I'm here to offer the best advice on running your office smoothly and ethically.
xo
Michelle R Brown, EA
Join our FREE FaceBook Community
Intro To Church Finances course waitlist
Duration:00:06:13
Ep 60 ~ Decoding the DOL’s New Independent Contractor Rule
3/7/2024
NOTE: The Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) use different criteria for determining whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor, and the criteria serve different purposes.
The DOLs criteria are primarily used for determining eligibility for wage and hourly protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), ( which we covered in Ep 57) while the IRS’s 20-factor control test is used for tax purposes.
On January 9th, 2024, the DOL unveiled its final rule, which fundamentally alters how businesses/organizations (incl. churches) determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Effective March 11th, 2024, this rule replaces the 2021 independent contractor rule issued under former President Donald Trump, introducing a six-factor test to evaluate worker classification.
But what exactly are these six factors, and how do they impact churches and workers alike? We break it down in this episode.
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: Six Steps to Doing Business God's Way biz owners
A QuickStart Guide to Church Finances everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at Church Bookkeeping and Clergy Tax Facebook Group
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: Schedule Consultation
Duration:00:17:53
Ep 59 ~ Understanding Federal Taxes for Ministers and Churches
2/28/2024
Segment 1: Tax Realities
Segment 2: Ministerial Taxes 101
Segment 3: Compliance & Penalties
Segment 4: Church Payroll Taxes
Segment 5: Payroll Tax Basics
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: Six Steps to Doing Business God's Way biz owners
A QuickStart Guide to Church Finances everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at Church Bookkeeping and Clergy Tax Facebook Group
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: Schedule Consultation
Duration:00:09:59
Ep 58 ~ How to Properly Structure a Donation Acknowledgement Letter
2/21/2024
Tax season is upon us, and with it comes the need for proper documentation. Improper donation receipts can cause headaches for both donors and organizations. In this episode, we'll dive into the essential elements of a donation acknowledgment letter to ensure compliance with IRS standards.
Main Content:
Conclusion: As we wrap up, remember the significance of accurate recordkeeping and timely acknowledgement in fostering trust and compliance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your organization meets IRS standards and cultivates strong relationships with donors.
See links below that were referenced in this episode.
IRS Publication 1771
IRS Publication 526
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: Six Steps to Doing Business God's Way biz owners
A QuickStart Guide to Church Finances everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at Church Bookkeeping and Clergy Tax Facebook Group
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: Schedule Consultation
Duration:00:13:49
Ep 57 ~ Unraveling the Mystery of Church Employees and Overtime Rules
2/14/2024
Introduction:
Segment 1: Quote of the Day
Segment 2: Understanding Fact Sheet #14A
Segment 3: Coverage Criteria
Segment 4: Application to Church Employees
Segment 5: Volunteer Guidelines
Episode Support Links
Fact Sheet #14A: Non-Profit Organizations and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: 6 Step Process to Doing Business God's Way biz owners FREE QuickStart Guide to Church Finances everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at Church Bookkeeping & Clergy Tax FaceBook Group
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ Bookkeepers Inner Circle
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: Consultation
Duration:00:09:19
Ep 56 ~ Got your budget? Great! Now here’s the next step.
2/7/2024
In Episode 42 I talked to you about 3 steps to help you create a sound budget. In today's episode I want to help you take the next step in the budgeting process - ensuring that every program you created a budget line item for is carried out with excellence so that you can actually stay within that budget! Listen in to see how you can continue to honor God in the budget process.
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:12:18
Ep 55 ~ Housing Designation and Retirement
1/31/2024
Direct from the IRS website:
A minister's housing allowance (sometimes called a parsonage allowance or a rental allowance) is excludable from gross income for income tax purposes but not for self-employment tax purposes.
If you receive as part of your salary (for services as a minister) an amount officially designated (in advance of payment) as a housing allowance, and the amount isn’t more than reasonable pay for your services, you can exclude from gross income the lesser of the following amounts:
The payments officially designated as a housing allowance must be used in the year received.
Include any amount of the allowance that you can't exclude as wages on line 1a of Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors. Enter “Excess allowance” and the amount on the dotted line next to line 1a.
If your congregation furnishes housing in kind as pay for your services as a minister instead of a housing allowance, you may exclude the fair market rental value of the housing from income, but you must include the fair market rental value of the housing in net earnings from self-employment for self-employment tax purposes.
For more information on a minister’s housing allowance, refer to Publication 517, Social Security and Other Information for Members of the Clergy and Religious Workers.
For information on earnings for clergy and reporting of self-employment tax, refer to Tax Topic 417, Earnings for Clergy.
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:13:41
Ep 54 ~ 1099's: Who do I Send them to and Which Form do I use?
1/24/2024
1099-NEC or 1099-Misc? Knowing which form to use can be confusing.
In today's episode I go over
1. who should receive a Form 1099
2. which Form 1099 do you send
3. special circumstances that determine which form to use
4. e-filing requirements
5. filing deadlines
I hope this helps!
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:14:04
Ep 53~How to Correctly Fill out those W-2's for your Ministers
1/17/2024
In today's episode we go over how to properly fill out your Ministers W-2, the new mileage rate for 2024 and 1099 filing requirements and deadlines. xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Need an extra hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:13:30
Ep 52 ~ Tips for Getting Your Tax Documents for a Smoother Tax Season
1/10/2024
The IRS has announced the tax opening date for 2024.
In today's episode I share a list of documents you need to start gathering together to help make the tax prep process smoother for you and your tax preparer.
This week's Courageous Obedience Moment is to look for God and how His character is revealed in Scripture instead of reading the Bible with the intent of looking for what the Word has to say to you. Look for God!
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
Join the BEST FaceBook group for church finances at https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Need an extra helping hand with an immediate situation? Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:16:02
Ep 51 ~ Record Retention Requirements for the Church
1/3/2024
IRS blurb for your annual contribution statements
" Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code requirements for substantiation of charitable deductions, no goods or services were provided in return for the Tax Deductible contributions"
For QuickBooks Desktop:
" Unless otherwise noted, the only good or services provided are intangible religious benefits"
Records that should be retained for 5 years:
Records to keep until Jesus comes back :-)
Courageous Obedience Moment:
From Calm Your Anxiety by Robert J. Morgan
"Equipping yourself with Scriptures will help your mind be trained to move from panic to peace, from worry to worship, and from anxiety to confident trust. Identify three scriptures that will help you make these movements. Recite them each day until you've memorized them."
Be blessed my friend.
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
You can join the BEST FaceBook group for churches at https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:13:52
Ep 50 ~ Review What Worked this Year and What Didn’t
12/20/2023
With the end of year upon us, let's take the time to review what worked well this year, and what didn't. Then take steps to make next year even better!
Here are some links to resources that can help increase your knowledge in church finances.
www.thechurchnetwork.com
www.churchlawandtax.com
www.bookkeepersinnercircle.com
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody End of year special -- ONLY $10/month! Special pricing ends 12.31.23
Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:13:19
Ep 49 ~ Communication: 3 Areas of Communication Vital To Your Success
12/13/2023
Communication. You hear it mentioned when you're in a relationship. But communication is also vital to your business success. Today I talk about 3 areas of communication that you need to pay attention to in order to experience the success you desire in your service to the local church.
I open with a story about a remarkable lady who works in her church office and has some unique challenges.
I hope this episode blesses you.
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody
Duration:00:20:32
Ep ~ 48 QuickBooks Changes Coming Soon
12/6/2023
Intuit is always changing things, and not always for the best. Many small and medium size churches still use QB Desktop and it has been my software of choice for the last 27 years. Intuit made the announcement this week that they will no longer make the Desktop version available to new customers effective July 31, 2024. As QB Pro Advisors and bookkeeping professionals, we knew it was coming, we just didn't know when. Current subscribers CAN still keep your desktop subscription, you just have to pay an annual fee. The days of purchasing the software and it being a "one and done" are gone. xo, Michelle michelle@churchfinances.org
Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
If you’re a looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:14:27
Ep 47 ~ Tax Issues for Ministers
11/29/2023
IRS linkPublication 1779 downloadI hope this information is helpful to you.
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Looking for a group of like-minded people that want to keep Jesus at the center of everything they do?
If you’re a business owner looking for help serving your clients with excellence, check out my Mastermind program The Bookkeepers Next Level @ www.bookkeepersNextLevel.com
If you’re a church staff member or volunteer looking to serve your local church with excellence, check out my membership group The Bookkeepers Inner Circle @ www.bookkeepersInnerCircle.com
Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Duration:00:14:58
Ep 46 ~ Thanksgiving: More than Just a Holiday
11/22/2023
Regardless of what's going on in your life or your business, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
In today's episode, I go over some items that we should all be thankful for this year.
Thanks for taking a listen and I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Duration:00:09:03
Ep 45 ~ What to expect when filing your W-2’s and 1099’s this year
11/15/2023
SSA.gov/BSOIf you're ready to get serious about learning church finances, you can join the Bookkeepers Inner Circle which is my paid private coaching community for all things church finances where you will have access to me each month for a LIVE Q & A session along with monthly training videos. To check it out go to, www.bookkeepersinnercircle.com and join today! xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Duration:00:14:12
Ep 44 ~ Let’s Kickoff our 4th Quarter Checklist
11/8/2023
Today we will be talking about things we want to accomplish in this last quarter. We will talk about 4 tasks I want you to do:
1. Tell your members about donation deadlines
2. Understand the $250 rule
3. Locate your 501c3 letter
4. Review your insurance policy
I hope this gets you off to a good start on checking off those year-end tasks.
As always, thanks for sharing your time with me.
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Duration:00:11:27
Ep 43~ Love Offerings and Why They are Taxable to Staff Members
11/1/2023
In todays episode I walk you through three reasons why generally all love offerings to staff members are considered taxable income by the IRS.
It can be frustrating, but the IRS is clear that "income from whatever source derived" is taxable.
Take a listen to see what else the IRS has to say on the topic.
As always, thanks for taking time to listen. I truly appreciate it!
xo, Michelle Next Steps: Grab Your Freebies: https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide everybody Schedule a Consultation: https://churchfinances.org/consult
Join the FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax
Duration:00:12:01