All posts by Mark Friesen

Your Guide to FSA Contributions

Reporting Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions on a W-2 depends on the type of FSA and who made the contributions. Here’s a breakdown: Where to Report FSA Contributions on Form W-2 Dependent Care FSA Box 10: Report the total amount of dependent care benefits provided to the employee, including: Amounts the employee elected to contribute…

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Matching Contributions: The 403(b)(9) Advantage

The Match Game for 403(b)(9) Retirement Plans The Match Game show started on December 31, 1962. The premise of the show was simple. The contestant with the most matching answers with the celebrity panelists won the game and moved on to the “big money round”. Contestant or celebrity, there is another match game that clergy…

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Guide to Housing Allowance Compliance

Housing Allowance Checklist for Clergy and Churches  Board Approval Ministers may exclude a designated portion of their income as a housing allowance from federal income taxes—provided it compensates ministerial services. The church board (or governing body) must determine eligibility and formally approve the allowance before the calendar year begins or prior to the minister’s start…

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New $2,000 1099-NEC Filing Threshold

 What Clergy and Churches Need to Know The IRS has announced a significant change to Form 1099-NEC reporting requirements, which will impact churches, ministries, and clergy-related organizations starting in 2026. Under the OBBB Act, the threshold for issuing Form 1099-NEC will increase from $600 to $2,000, offering welcome relief to many small ministries and nonprofits….

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Every Clergy Should Consider a 403(b)(9) Plan

Retirement planning is a vital part of financial stewardship, especially for clergy who often face unique challenges in managing income, housing allowances, and long-term savings. One of the most powerful tools available to clergy is the 403(b)(9) retirement plan—a tax-advantaged savings vehicle designed specifically for employees of churches, religious organizations, schools, and other nonprofits. What…

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Bereavement Leave Policy

What should we include in a bereavement leave policy? Bereavement leave typically allows employees to take time off to grieve, make arrangements, or attend services following the death of a loved one. If you offer bereavement leave, we recommend having a policy that sets clear expectations and processes for requesting, approving, and using leave. Here…

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Kingdom Impact 5 Podcast – July & August Recap

We’ve had a great launch of the Kingdom Impact 5 Podcast in July and August. In under 5 minutes, the Kingdom Impact 5 podcast takes a deep dive into a topic to help your ministry stay compliant, confident, and financially strong. From IRS regulations and payroll best practices to bookkeeping tips and tax updates, we…

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How to Make Your First Estimated Tax Payment After Filing an Extension

To make your first estimated tax payment by April 15th, follow these steps: Calculate Your Estimated Tax Liability Estimate Your Income: Project your income for the year, including wages, dividends, interest, and any other sources. Deductions and Credits: Estimate your deductions and credits to reduce your taxable income. Tax Rate: Apply the appropriate tax rate…

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Sample acknowledgment letter for a stock donation

[Church Name] [Church Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date] [Donor Name] [Donor Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Donor Name], On behalf of [Church Name], I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of stock. Your support is invaluable to our mission and helps us continue our work in the community….

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How should a church handle donation of stock?

Handling the donation of stock for a church involves several important steps to ensure compliance, proper valuation, and acknowledgment. Here’s a comprehensive guide: Establish a Brokerage Account Open an Account: The church must establish a brokerage account in its name to receive and manage stock donations. Choose a Broker: Consider using a discount broker (e.g.,…

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