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Featured Resource:Church Computer Safety Welcome! When First Baptist (not the church's real name) hired a network engineering firm to help them with their computer system, they never dreamed they were inviting in thieves. But when employees of the firm saw the scope of information saved in the church's database, they copied it and rented the list to businesses that wanted to reach people in their community, segmenting it by various demographics—including contributions! So begins Nick Nicholaou's article, "A Vulnerable Asset," which appears in this month's issue of our sister publication, Your Church magazine. Nicholaou provides simple steps for protecting your church's critical data from loss or theft. So does our featured downloadable resource—Church Computer Safety. Also in this issue:
  Marian V. Liautaud Editor, Your Church Resources churchlawandtaxupdate@yourchurch.net advertisement
 A Vulnerable AssetSimple steps can protect critical data from loss or theft. Data is one of the most valuable assets a church has, but trying to figure out what it's worth so we can adequately protect it is challenging. Protecting data isn't difficult, but the task must be approached as deliberately as the fire and security protection we apply to our church buildings. Finish article.  Secure Your Church FinancesBecome aware of possible ways money could be taken from your ministry. Learn to prevent theft by examining your church's financial practices and establish internal controls. Only $14.95.
Brief summaries of the most recent legal updates that affect churches.
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Deadlines You Should Know About! May 10
Ask Richard Answers to your legal questions.  Richard Hammar is an attorney, CPA, and best-selling author specializing in legal and tax issues for churches and clergy. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he is the author of more than 100 books, including Pastor, Church, & Law and the annual Church and Clergy Tax Guide. He also writes the Church Law & Tax Report and has contributed to numerous journals and publications.Q:When a church staff member is suspected of viewing online pornography, do other staff or board members have the right to access that person's computer and investigate, or would the church risk being liable for invasion of privacy? A:Many states recognize "invasion of privacy" as a basis for liability. Invasion of privacy may consist of any one or more of the following: (1) public disclosure of private facts; (2) use of another person's name or likeness; (3) placing someone in a "false light" in the public eye; or (4) intruding upon another's seclusion. Read more.  Can Church Members Examine Church Records?An organization that fails to comply with a request for the inspection of tax-exempt applications may be assessed a penalty. Learn more about church records in this special report. $9.95.
 No Such Thing as a Free Lunch?A pastor takes staff members out to lunch every Tuesday. Church business is always discussed, at least briefly, during these lunches. The church treasurer does not report the church's reimbursements as taxable income to the staff members because she believes that the lunches qualify as business expenses that can be reimbursed by the church under its accountable reimbursement arrangement. Take the quiz first, then check the summary for all the details.
 The Church Guide to Planning & BudgetingTo successfully plan your budget you need the right tools. Find guidance on three approaches including incremental, zero-based, and program budgeting. Start implementing your church budget today! This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the online publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Church Law & Tax Update Delivered free via e-mail to subscribers twice a month. We encourage you to distribute this newsletter freely and ask only that you not change its contents.
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