Recent Blog Posts
Donations to Unincorporated Ministry is Income to Pastor
I have often addressed the legal implications of a church or ministry staying unincorporated. Recently a new court case came down which should again reiterate the importance of getting incorporated. In Gardner v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 845 F. 3d 971 (9th Cir. 2017), the court of appeal recently affirmed the ruling of the district… Read More »
Contribution Statement Reminder for Church Treasurers and Administrators
Church Treasurers and Administrators are busy this time of year preparing their general annual contribution statements for 2016. Please remember to add the following phrase: “No goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution, other than intangible religious benefits.” Failure to do so may result in the church donor not being able… Read More »
EEOC expanding Title VII protections to Gender Identity
Without legislation from Congress the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has decided on its own to interpret protections against “sex” discriminations to include Gender Identification. It has recently restated its position publicly which is a concern. Does this mean stronger enforcement is around the corner? The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that… Read More »
Minnesota Supreme Court Ruling on Church Defamation Suit
A divided Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday settled the question of whether the state’s courts have any business settling claims of defamation made by church officials while excommunicating parishioners. In this case, the Court was presented with the question of whether pastors and their church can be held liable for statements the pastors made… Read More »
Governor Scott signs so called Pastor Protective Act
A rather controversial bill that protects clergy who refuse to perform gay marriages is now law in Florida. This so-called “Pastor Protection Act” was one of more than two dozen bills Gov. Rick Scott signed into law on Thursday. The state law protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing… Read More »
Florida Legislative Alert on Sexual Orientation SB 120
I am attaching a Florida Senate Bill which addresses sexual orientation. It creates the “Florida Competitive Workforce Act”; revising provisions to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression and the perception of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, handicap, or marital status as impermissible grounds for discrimination;… Read More »
Annual Report Reminder
Please be on the look out for the annual Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations reminder to renew your church corporation. They are being emailed now. This is very important. To file your 2016 Annual Report go to the Division of Corporations’ website, www.sunbiz.org and file. Please carefully review all filing data for accuracy. … Read More »
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