Churches that are recognized as nonprofit according to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax-exempt. You do not have to apply for this protection if you meet the code’s guidelines. This tax exemption can provide financial and legal protection to your religion, allowing it to practice freely according to its principles.  Though tax exemption if automatic for recognized churches, you can still apply formally for it. This might be a good idea if you just want to be sure your religion qualifies for this protection, or if you think that officially applying will give it some legitimacy. If you want to apply for tax-exempt status for your religion, use IRS Form 1023-EZ. The IRS uses the term “church” broadly, taking it to mean any recognized religious group. The primary guidelines for recognition stipulate that any revenue the church earns may not be used to financially benefit an individual or shareholders, or to influence political decision-making (lobbying). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will consider whether or not a religious group officially qualifies as a church if it meets some combination of features, including:  It has a creed and worship practices It has formal leadership It has a clear history Its membership is distinct from other religious groups There is a recognized course of study to ordain leaders in the religion The religion has some form of foundational texts or literary tradition There are recognized or regular places to worship The religion has a regular congregation and services A certificate of formation (sometimes called articles of formation) is a document used in many locations to formally incorporate a religion as a legally-recognized entity. If describes what a nonprofit organization will do, how it will be managed, etc. Check your local laws to see if it is necessary to file this document. Even if you qualify for tax-exempt status, you will want to apply for an EIN number from the IRS. This number will be necessary if your religion ever has any employees. Even if your religion is tax-exempt, you must withhold income tax on its employees. Tax-exempt status allows religious organizations to have special audit protection. Nevertheless, it is very important to keep excellent records of all your finances. These may include salaries, expenditures, money collected from members of your religion, etc.
تعرف على فوائد الاعتراف الرسمي. التزم بتوفية الشروط القانونية لإنشاء دين. تقدم بطلب للحصول على شهادة تكوين. احصل على رقم تعريف صاحب العمل. احتفظ بالسجلات.