Featured Resource:  "You Want to Donate What?"—Webinar on handling charitable contributions with nonprofit CPA, Elaine Sommerville.

Welcome!

The end of 2009 is in sight, and so is the rush for year-end charitable giving. Donations can include cash, stocks, boats, farmland, cars—even livestock. What is and isn't allowed by the IRS? What tax laws apply in these diverse cases? And what best practices should churches use?

Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, for a live webinar event with nonprofit CPA, Elaine Sommerville titled, "You Want to Donate What?: How to Handle Any Charitable Contribution." (Click on "You Want to Donate What? in the "Upcoming Seminars" box on the left side of the page to sign up). Elaine will present a sensible plan to help your church receive and document these contributions with confidence. She also will provide tips on educating members to give donations that comply with tax laws and benefit the giver as well as the receiver.

Also in this issue:

• Free article— "Nine Tips for Deducting Charitable Contributions"
• Receiving Charitable Contributions—This downloadable resource makes a great companion to Elaine Sommerville's webinar. Loaded with practical information on many aspects of receiving donations for your church, you'll be fully prepared to manage your church's year-end giving.

Blessings as you serve!

Marian Liautaud
Editor, Your Church Resources
churchtreasurerupdate@yourchurch.net

Free Article

Nine Tips for Deducting Charitable Contributions

The IRS has offered the following nine tips to use when computing charitable contribution deductions:

1. Contributions must be made to qualified organizations to be deductible. You cannot deduct contributions made to specific individuals, political organizations and candidates.
2. You cannot deduct the value of your time or services. Nor can you deduct the cost of raffles, bingo or other games of chance.
3. If your contributions entitle you to goods or services, you can deduct only the amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit received.

Church Finance Update  Recommends

God's Armor Bearer, Volumes 1 & 2
Leaders in the Bible often chose loyal "armor bearers" to assist and protect them. Terry Nance uses these examples to help Christian leaders today turn visions into reality.

Biblical Eldership
Alexander Strauch thoroughly explores the Biblical model for eldership and explains how a renewed focus on eldership is an essential component of a revitalized church.

Christianbook.com's Christmas Shop!
Shopping online for family-friendly gifts, books, movies, and music not only saves you time, but you'll also appreciate our famous low prices. Stop by today!

Keep Your Church within the Law
Known as the comprehensive legal reference for churches & clergy, Pastor, Church & Law provides answers to your legal questions on: employment, liability, property, government regulations & more.