We have employees that submit timesheets. Is it mandatory that they sign them? It is not a requirement that timesheets be signed. We recommend that employees acknowledge that their time records are accurate, either by signing them or by some other submission and acknowledgment method or technology. Having employees review and approve their timesheets prior…

Don’t Fall for Scam Calls and Emails Posing as IRS Scams continue to use the IRS as a lure. These tax scams take many different forms. The most common scams are phone calls and emails from thieves who pretend to be from the IRS. Scammers use the IRS name, logo or a fake website to…

There are several important factors to consider once you decide to file your own taxes. Unless your income and filing status remain the same every year, your tax situation is always changing. If doing the books, tracking the numbers and tax laws aren’t your forte, then professional guidance can be beneficial. While we are slightly partial…

IRS Releases Dirty Dozen Scam List: Don’t be a Victim Each year, people fall prey to tax scams. That’s why the IRS sends a list of its annual “Dirty Dozen.” Stay safe and be informed – don’t become a victim. Identity theft. Identity theft, especially around tax time, is at the top of the “Dirty Dozen”…

Aside from the training that comes with a new hire, the church is also required to report their employment to the designated state agency for which you reside. Failure to do so is a direct violation of The New Hire Reporting Program which was mandated by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. New hire…

Question: Our senior leadership team wants to focus on compensation this quarter. Currently, our raises and bonuses are tied to performance. Can you help me to understand the HR best practices for raises based on performance vs. raises based on market? Answer:  It sounds like your senior leadership team prefers to place an emphasis on…

Question: Currently, we pay our church staff $35 per day per diem for meals when they travel to attend training out of town. We have found that they sometimes eat very cheaply to save the money and pocket the difference. Do we have the option to reimburse them for the actual cost of meals using…

Clergy are subject to estimated tax payments on a quarterly basis which include federal, social security and state taxes. For example, when you receive clergy income in the first quarter of the year, the taxes are due at the end of that quarter. The year is divided into four payment periods, or due dates, for…

Check the Company’s History Ask the Better Business Bureau about the preparer. Clergy Financial Resources has been the leading provider of tax, payroll and HR solutions exclusively for religious organizations and clergy for over 37 years. BBB has provided us the highest available rating of A+. Ask about Service Fees Avoid preparers who base fees on a…

Clergy must elect optional withholdings from their wages and/or make estimated tax payments evenly throughout the year. When they do not, the IRS may impose the estimated tax penalty, commonly referred to as the underpayment penalty. There is no general reasonable-cause exception for the estimated tax penalty; therefore, it is often more difficult to get the penalty…