Description: Year-end is a unique time because church leaders are working to complete major tasks for the current year, such as year-end giving, while positioning the church well for the next one, such as setting housing allowances for eligible ministers. In this episode, attorney Erika Cole discusses numerous end-of-the-year legal and tax compliance matters with attorney and CPA Richard R. Hammar.

Erika and Rich review several deadline-related tasks, plus other critical must-do items that typically require attention before December 31. Learn what should be handled well to make certain no requirements are missed and no opportunities are lost.

Show Notes:

Articles on ChurchLawAndTax.com

·        Mastering Seventeen End-of-Year Tasks

·        Designating a Housing Allowance for 2022

ChurchLawAndTaxStore.com

·        2022 Church & Clergy Tax Guide by Richard R. Hammar

·        Charitable Contributions Tax Reminder 2021

IRS Resources

·        IRS Publication 1828 Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations

·        IRS Publication 526 Charitable Contributions

·        IRS Publication 1771 Charitable Contributions--Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements

Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at [email protected]

See all episodes of Church Law.

The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.

Headshot of Erika by Eagle Lens Media | Podcast Editing by Brian A. Brown

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In this episode, Erika interviews attorney Sarah Merkle, one of only five lawyers in the world to have earned the credentials of Certified Professional Parliamentarian-Teacher and Professional Registered Parliamentarian.

Together they discuss why tense moments can arise during church meetings—especially ones that include a vote on important issues. In addition, they review the importance of up-to-date bylaws and other important church documents.

In addition to her certification, Sarah is the blog editor and primary contributor for The Law of Order: A Resource on Parliamentary Procedure & the Law. Sarah is also a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax.

Show Notes:

Downloadable PDF on church bylaws.

Visit Sarah Merkle’s blog at Civility.co

Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at [email protected]

The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.

Headshot of Erika by Eagle Lens Media | Podcast Editing by Brian A. Brown

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The truth is, no one knows exactly what the post-pandemic church will look like, but what we know for sure is that it will be different. In this episode, I lay out for you several issues that church leaders around the nation have asked for help regarding (issues surrounding employees, church property, and hybrid operations, just to name a few!) These are challenging times, but there are also reasons for hope!

Send any questions you have for Erika to [email protected]

The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax, a not-for-profit publishing ministry. Learn more at ChurchLawAndTax.com.

Headshot of Erika by Eagle Lens Media

Podcast Editing by Brian A. Brown

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In this episode, I talk with Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonary and critical care medicine physician and Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. We also respond to some FAQs regarding mandatory vaccinations and what church leaders need to be thinking about during this time.

Show Notes:

Dr. Galiatsatos's Book: Building Healthy Communities through Medical-Religious Partnerships

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1421425807?tag=christtoday-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

Send any questions you have for Erika to [email protected]

The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.

Learn more at ChurchLawAndTax.com.

Headshot of Erika by Eagle Lens Media

Podcast Editing by Brian A. Brown

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We’re going to go a bit deeper to share the who, what, when, where, and why church law issues matter, especially now. This information is relevant for churches of all sizes and whether your church is a part of a denomination or association of churches, or an independent congregation.

Show Notes:

Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf

The Church Compliance Conference 2021 registration link

https://www.wtplaw.com/news-events/the-2021-church-compliance-conference

Top 5 Reasons Churches End Up in Court

https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/december/top-5-reasons-churches-end-up-in-court.html

Send any questions you have for Erika to [email protected]

Headshot of Erika by Eagle Lens Media

Podcast Editing by Brian A. Brown

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Pastors and church leaders in America face numerous challenges that are increasing in size, scope, and impact.

Whether we're talking issues of cultural forces and their effects on churches or need-to-know information about the everyday operation of a church, the legal issues affecting churches aren't going away. Now more than ever, church leaders need sound guidance to navigate anything from employment law to governance to risk management—and more.

Listen to the Church Law podcast to gain real-life insights from a real lawyer who works every day with churches. You'll gain an understanding of key issues, plus practical ways to lead your church and help it avoid common pitfalls—all from The Church Attorney® herself, along with occasional visits with recognized experts in church legal matters!

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