The church that my homeschool co-op meets at has agreed to take us under their “ministry umbrella” for tax purposes, etc. Can you point me in the direction of what to do next? The pastor asked me what he should do to make this happen.
Thank you so much for any help you might offer!
Jill
Jill,
Oh that’s marvelous! Really. So few churches are willing to include homeschool groups as a ministry. It’s like your group has been adopted and brought into the family of this church.
Put something in writing stating that the church grants your organization permission to use their Employer Identification Number (EIN) and sales tax ID number as one of their ministries. Also put into the agreement that the church will cover your program under their insurance plan.
Ask if all the financial transactions will go through the church’s checking account or if they prefer you set up a separate checking account using their EIN with your homeschool group’s name.
If you pay anyone (employees or ICs) ask if the church will handle the payroll filings (hopefully they will).
There may be a few other details to iron out like background checks (who pays for them, your group or the church) and details on rooms you can use, building security, cleaning up, supplies and equipment your group can use, etc.
Count your blessings!
Carol Topp, CPA
