Tag Archives: Florida Church Lawyers
FEMA Assistance Available to Churches
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on January 2, 2018 that private nonprofit houses of worship are now eligible for disaster assistance as community centers, without regard to their secular or religious nature. These changes are effective for disasters declared on or after August 23, 2017 and for applications for assistance that were… Read More »
2018 Parsonage and Housing Allowance Reminder
Dear Clients and Friends, Now that we are in December allow me remind you, if you have not done so already, to have your Board or Congregation approve 2018 parsonage and housing allowances. Remember they must be in writing and in advance of the calendar year. They cannot be retroactive only prospective. Failure to… Read More »
Teaching Church Law to Ordination Candidates
Had a great time teaching Church Law, Finance and Administration to the Ordination Candidates of the Peninsular Florida District Council of the Assemblies of God. The locations were Sarasota, Deland, Kissimmee and Key West. Thank you to all the District School of Ministry students!
US Attorney General on Protecting Religious Liberty
Dear Clients and Friends, On October 6th the Attorney General of the United States the Honorable Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum to governmental agencies and departments on Religious Liberties. It is a most interesting read. The memorandum was issued pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13798 (May 4, 2017), which directed the Attorney… Read More »
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 »