Q & A: How Does a Church Plant Obtain 501(c)3 Status

Here’s a frequently asked question we receive from church planters:

Do you have any resources available on applying for 501(c) 3 status. when to, how to, etc.? I would like donations to our church plant and tithes to be tax deductable.

Scott Whitaker, Director of Training and Events for CLI answers:

You have a great question. We encourage church planters to file for 501(c)3 status. It assists with credibility and confidence in having tax deductible status. Here is the link from the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557. You will find the instructions and answers to any other related question on their site.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the process. You may check with a CPA, non-profit lawyer, or a denomination (if you’re affiliated with one) on having them file it for you. It can be done yourself, but it may be better for you to pay someone else depending on your church plant resources. We highly recommend these guys: http://www.churchlawgroup.com/

Thanks Scott! Hope that helps.

Nelson

P.S. If you are a Church Planter, we have over $75 in resources to give you, just click here.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.