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How to Make Your Church 501(c)(3)
This is the perfect kit for the do-it-yourself person. It will make preparing the 501(c)(3) application simple and cost effective. This kit comes with line-by-line instructions, expert guidance, and an interactive CD-ROM containing pop-up instructions. We also include a sample application that has already been filled out to make it easier for you. With all of the new changes that have taken place, know that the IRS will be scrutinizing your application to a greater degree, looking for inconsistencies and possible inurement.
If you follow this guide, you can guarantee that your application is complete and accurate. The seemingly impossible task of going through the mountain of paper work that the IRS requires of you is now easy. Included in this guide is a completed form that has already been approved by the IRS. All you have to do is follow the guide and make it specific to your church.
Featuring Our New User Interface!
With just a few clicks of the mouse you can install the new user interface and begin the work on your personal computer. Every form and attachment is only one click away.
The greatest benefit of being a 501(c)(3) is the assurance to all of your donors that their tithes, offerings and gifts are fully tax deductible. According to the IRS, the form takes between 55 and 65 hours to complete, costing you several thousand dollars if you were you to hire a CPA to do it for you. This guide will minimize the amount of time it takes you to complete the form and also eliminates the need to hire a CPA.
Why Become 501(c)(3)?
Why become a 501(c)(3)? The simple answer is three-fold. First, having 501(c)(3) status allows your church the ability to guarantee that all tithes, offerings and donations are tax deductible because you have written proof from the IRS that your church is a registered charity. Second, many states do NOT automatically guarantee tax exempt status without a 501(c)(3) letter from the IRS. Many states will not give your church sales tax exempt status without your 501(c)(3) approval. Additionally, bulk mailing rates and most grants will not be extended to your church or ministry without 501(c)(3) status. Third, IRS section 508(c) states that all churches are automatically recognized as exempt under 501(c)(3) and are therefore required to comply with all 501(c)(3) requirements. In a 1996 court case, a Federal judge ruled that just because section 508(c)(1)(a) exempts churches from applying for 501(c)(3) status, it does not exempt the church from having to meet all of the requirements of sections 501(c)(3) and 170(c). While a church is automatically exempt under section 508(c)(1)(a), the court ruled that "Nothing in section 508(c)(1) relieves a church from having to meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3) . . . its contributors must prove the church's right to an exemption under section 501(c)(3) in order to be entitled to a deduction for their contributions” (Jack Lane Taylor v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue). In fact, if your church does not apply for 501(c)(3) status, you pass the burden of proof on to your members and donors. If any donor of your church gets audited, he or she will have to prove to the IRS that your church is operating in compliance with all of the requirements of sections 501(c)(3), 4958, 107, and many more. This may discourage many (particularly large donors) from giving to your church.
The Latest Features Include
- The ability to fill out the form directly on your computer using Adobe Reader
- Additional online information
- Downloadable sample budget spreadsheets
- Automatic calculation of financial statements
- Exhibits, attachments and additional requested information already formatted in MS-Word. This gives you maximum flexibility.
- A comprehensive, question-by-question guide
- A completed IRS approved sample form for you to use as an additional guide
- Downloadable reimbursement forms
- Easier and faster printing
- Every form you will need! You will not have to look elsewhere!
