[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by Ehud

Brother, you must be reading more into what I am saying than I am truly saying because I am speaking *only* as an accountant. You are conflating issues, and all I have done is enumerate government regulations.

• Churches need not be incorporated to be a 501(c)(3).
• Churches that meet the requirements are automatically tax exempt under 501(c)(3) and need not apply for recognition of this status.
• If a church doesn't qualify for tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3), it likely isn't a church for federal tax purposes.

From Publication 1828:

"Churches and religious organizations may be legally organized in a variety of ways under state law, such as unincorporated associations, nonprofit corporations, corporations sole and charitable trusts."

"Churches that meet the requirements of IRC Section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS. Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because this recognition assures church leaders, members and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits. For example, contributors to a church that has been recognized as tax exempt would know that their contributions generally are tax-deductible."

"Church. Certain characteristics are generally attributed to churches. These attributes of a church have been developed by the IRS and by court decisions. They include: distinct legal existence; recognized creed and form of worship; definite and distinct ecclesiastical government; formal code of doctrine and discipline; distinct religious history; membership not associated with any other church or denomination; organization of ordained ministers; ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study; literature of its own; established places of worship; regular congregations; regular religious services; Sunday schools for the religious instruction of the young; and schools for the preparation of its ministers. The IRS generally uses a combination of these characteristics, together with other facts and circumstances, to determine whether an organization is considered a church for federal tax purposes."

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf

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p.s. If my "in over your head" comment offended you in any way, I do apologize. There was no reason to begin my statements with that jab.

I’m offended. Just kidding. What is important, is that we get to the truth of the matter. Because inquiring minds want to know. So let’s slow it down and break it down. I’ll take it from the top. Next post.