How Accounting Services for Churches Are Different
Churches and faith-based organizations need to track money carefully. To stay compliant, you must use funds for charitable work and not personal expenses. You need to account for every dollar. Some charitable work may involve personal help to community members, so the difference between private and charitable expenses must be respected.
The IRS has its own definition of churches and faith organizations. This definition involves 14 criteria, including holding regular religious services, having a code and doctrine and an established place of worship. Organizations that meet IRS definitions can enjoy federal income tax exemption, unemployment tax exemption, exemption from filing some information returns and other benefits. However, determining whether you qualify and staying compliant with current definitions can take time and effort.
The team at Marshall Jones has more than three decades of experience helping faith-based organizations and nonprofit entities. We can handle everything from internal audits to bookkeeping. We can also advise how to free up more money for your mission while keeping you compliant.
Accountants for Faith-Based Organizations in Atlanta, GA
Marshall Jones provides bookkeeping and accounting services for:
- Churches
- Synagogues
- Temples
- Mosques
- Houses of worship
- Schools
- Retreat centers
- Seminaries
- Ministries
- Outreach entities
Benefits of Outsourced Church Bookkeeping and Accounting Services
Outsourcing your church bookkeeping services to a trusted accounting service provider like Marshall Jones has vast benefits, including:
Enhancing cash flow: Our team monitors cash flow, vendor receipts and other financial transactions. We can notify you as money becomes available for you to invest in your projects and the community.
Saving you time: Hiring a full-time accountant is time-consuming and expensive. Taking care of all incoming donations, funds, vendor invoices and bills can take a significant amount of time, even if you are a smaller faith-based organization. By outsourcing to Marshall Jones, someone else can take care of daily accounting, compliance research and other tasks, freeing you up to pursue your calling.
Ensuring compliance: Due to your tax-exempt status, the IRS scrutinizes your financials. Staying compliant can be challenging, especially with frequent changes in tax rules. Our bookkeepers understand current tax codes and work to keep you compliant. The team also keeps your financial records to prepare you for questions or scrutiny.
Providing professional guidance: With decades of experience working with faith-based organizations and their leaders, we understand your needs. We are well-versed in this sector’s financial regulations, tax codes and requirements and update our knowledge to incorporate the latest adjustments and best practices.
Offering scalable solutions: We customize services to meet your ministry instead of offering one-size-fits-all solutions. Our services can grow with your organization and are flexible to your needs, whether you require ongoing bookkeeping or occasional audit and assurance services.
Improving financial control: Outsourcing your bookkeeping to us does not mean you have to relinquish all your oversight and management of your books. Our team handles the finances so you can focus on the core of your ministry and send reports weekly, monthly or at the intervals you choose. You can also contact your dedicated advisor anytime to answer questions or concerns. We offer total flexibility for your level of involvement.
Streamline Your Processes With Outsourced Church Accounting Services
Marshall Jones has over four decades of experience helping faith-based organizations handle their bookkeeping and accounting services. Our certified public accountants (CPAs) will help optimize your processes, manage your books and ensure you maximize your resources.
Contact our team today to learn how we will support your organization.