In a previous article “Clarifying the IRS Rules About Endorsing Candidates From The Pulpit,” we wrote about the IRS rules and regulations concerning churches/clergy officially endorsing political candidates. Throughout the election season, the IRS was inundated with complaints regarding the churches officially endorsing candidates. Recently, Bloomberg BNA talked with Russell Renwicks of the IRS Tax-Exempt and Government Entities division regarding the the numerous complaints. Renwick stated that “We are holding any potential church audits in abeyance.” This was the first official announcement by an IRS official that indicated that IRS church audits were being temporarily halted. The moratorium is in effect until the IRS determines which employees have the authority to the issue a church audit. According the Christianity Today, a 2009 court ruling in Minnesota ruled that the person originally designated to issue church audits was not a high enough ranking official in the IRS to be authorized to issue these audits. Since the 2009 ruling, the IRS has not revisited the issue of who should be in charge of issuing church audits. IRS audits on churches will most likely be on hold until IRS designates a high enough ranking official that is legally eligible to issue audits to churches. Source: Clergy Financial Resources https://www.clergyfinancial.com Clergy Financial Resources is a national accounting and finance organization serving churches and clergy since 1980. They have an unparalleled tax expertise on the complex issues associated with clergy tax law, clergy taxes, clergy compensation and church payroll. Clergy Financial Resources is a valuable resource for clergy, churches and denominations. Bloomberg BNA

http://www.bna.com/church-tax-audits-n17179870390/

Christianity Today

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/october-web-only/why-irs-has-stopped-auditing-churches-even-one-that-calls-p.html

Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.

This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.

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