Our experts will make sure all information is present and accounted for. Let us handle the busy work, so you can focus on your mission.
This is a great way to avoid this mistake in church bookkeeping. Take the time to review each person that you are paying for a church service and use the IRS guidelines link in the Misclassification article to determine if they should classified as an employee, with proper payroll tax matching and withholding.
Good financial health is dependent on accuracy and experience. A trained and qualified bookkeeper ensures that you have an expert who can make accurate entries, understand and comply with all local and federal regulations, and is able to report accurately.
We know. You didn’t enter ministry to become an accounting professional. You are a church leader because you want to make disciples and share Jesus Christ's good news.
Internal controls are a key area where churches are at risk. Having someone outside of the financial system reconciling your bank accounts, tracking, and verifying your deposits and checks means there is a second set of eyes going over all of your systems, increasing the safeguarding of your congregation’s resources.
This will prevent you from making an error in your church bookkeeping. Make sure to carefully review every individual paying for a particular service. Use the IRS guidelines (link at the Misclassification article), to determine whether or not they should be classified with the proper payroll tax and matching.
The church bookkeepers are often mistaken with accountants for a long period. They have very different responsibilities. Bookkeepers are responsible for maintaining the financial records of the church. This includes income records and expense records. They are responsible for keeping records of every transaction that the church makes. It is their job to keep track all accounts. They also verify that accounting procedures have been followed correctly. Accounting, on other hand, does all the accounting work and provides auditing and tax planning as well as financial planning, payroll processing and consulting.
In a non-profit organization, such as a church, the board is the bearer of this fiduciary responsibility and therefore should properly oversee all operations, including finances, to protect the members of the church.
seven years
Financial Records are traditionally kept for seven years. This relates to the laws of tax audits and the number of years back the IRS is allowed to look when determining an organization's tax liability.
Common Church Budget Categories
Personnel (salaries, benefits, etc.)
Administration (operating expenses)
Facilities and Equipment (utilities, insurance on property, maintenance)
Outreach (missions, evangelism, social events, etc.)