Quote:
Originally Posted by mizpeh
MOW, how do you know these ministers who take the whole tithe don't give some back to the church? It just seems that many automatically think evil of these men without knowing what they do with the money given them.
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They can give it back, but they are still liable for the entire amount. They can deduct their giving to bonafide 501 C 3's, but one can only give away so much. I think it is 50%, but I could be wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brother Strange
I understand that, but if you keep records of your own donations to other ministers for the work of God, as it is suppose to be done rather than hoarding all of the tithes, are not that then deductible from your overall income?
For instance, if I were to receive $100K in tithing then kept only $50K for myself, giving away $50K to a homemission work and a few missionaries over the course of the taxable year, would I then not pay taxes only on the $50K that I kept, minus whatever other deductions that I might be entitled to such as travel (business) expenses to conferences, etc. In the end, I may only pay taxes on nothing more than $25K.
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Again, you're liable for the entire $100K. You can deduct, but only up to a certain amount and only to 501 C 3 organizations. Just because one gives to a minister does NOT mean it is deductible. A minister is NOT a 501 C3 organization. A minister may be the head of one, i.e "The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association" but it has to go to the organization, not the minister.
I am amazed, Dan, how ignorant most pastors are of the IRS laws thus leaving themselves wide open for trouble. The worst thing is that many don't even care. These are probably the ones who don't believe if full disclosure to their congregations either. That is double trouble.
It is unfortunate that more pastors don't understand just how powerful full disclosure is to their congregations. Many don't trust their churches or boards because they can't be trusted themselves. Full disclosure really is powerful in generating trust toward the leader. Truth sets free!!!!
I am so thankful and grateful for the wonderful folks I pastor and the ministry team the Lord has blessed me with. They really are behind me, trust me and hold me accountable. They would go to the "wall" with me or take the hill with me, because they know that I would be leading the charge. Those who fear church "boards" may have good reason to do so. However, I have found that the board is my friend, defender and shield.