Getting Started, Taxes, And Start Up Funds

[Pastor Eddie Starr]

Mods, please move this, if needed.

Looking through the various topics, I went into the Legal, and the part on 501c3. While what is there is posted as true, for it's part, it's not the entire story, as my understanding from various other sources state:

Annual Exempt Organization Information Returns Every organization exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code section 501(a) must file an annual information return except:

A church, an interchurch organization of local units of a church, a convention or association of churches, An integrated auxiliary of a church,

A church-affiliated organization that is exclusively engaged in managing funds or maintaining retirement programs,

A school below college level affiliated with a church or operated by a religious order, even though it is not an integrated auxiliary of a church,

Certain church-affiliated mission societies that conduct activities in foreign countries, or activities directed at persons in foreign countries,

An exclusively religious activity of any religious order. . . .

As such, a church is already exempt, and does not need to be a 501c3...

One of many articles on the web.

Source 1

One of the churches I associate work has been doing this for a few years, and have directly spoken with the IRS on the matter, and the rep confirmed it. The church needs to be a seperate entity, which means its own EIN, and bank account.

With the above in mind, would it be possible to donate my car to my start-up ministry? Or how would I be able to "register my car under the church?" I know people can register a car for their business, so it would stand to reason it can be done for a church.

If, at some point, I want to sell the church car, is there anything special I would need to do? Forms?

On a different scenerio, can I sell a car, donating the money to the church, to provide a little "start up fund" for the ministry?

[Atwater Vitki]

It would seem to me your local County Tax Assessor's office would be able to point you in the correct direction....I've gotten a lot of help from our local branch even on personal matters. Frankly I think the rep is bored to tears as there is never anyone in the office when I've stopped by.

Blessings Be,

[aabb1234]

is good webpage

Edited December 18, 2015 by aabb1234

[SisterSalome]

So are you saying one doesn't need to become a non-profit to be a tax exempt ministry?

 

I think the purpose of incorporating might also be liability. If you're not an INC or LLC, everyone may be legally liable.