Credit card usage

Activity at our churches is ramping back up, and as activity picks up, so do purchases and expenditures. That means it is probably a good time to revisit, or perhaps, implement card use procedures and controls. There are several examples of fraud and embezzlement taking place at churches because of lax or nonexistent controls being in place and being used. If your church has a credit card(s) or is considering acquiring one, I have several resources available on controls and best practices for using credit cards as a part of your church treasury function.

Paying guest speakers

As we approach summer and are making plans for Vacation Bible School and other summertime events, I often get asked: “We had someone in to speak at our (fill in the event). They didn’t ask for any money, but we wanted to thank them for their time. That would be a love gift and not taxable to them, right?” The correct answer is, because they performed a service for the love offering, the IRS requires the church to file and send a 1099-NEC, if you gave them $600 or more in a calendar year.

Churches and/or nonprofits are required to obtain a completed and signed W-9 from anyone that they give a love offering, honorarium, or gift if some kind of service was performed. You do not have to report reimbursements for travel expense reimbursements, if mileage and expense information is submitted and reimbursed at the IRS standard rate. I am happy to discuss your questions about how to handle guest speaker/musician payments and have resources available.

News from the Board of Pensions

1. From the Rev. Dr. Douglas Portz, Senior Church Consultant:

As you may have recently seen, the Assistance Program of The Board of Pensions provides support to all eligible members enrolled in the Benefits Plan. This includes not only ministers but also all lay staff enrolled in the plan, too. The Board is committed to providing all who serve the Church with access to these opportunities to support wholeness. We’ve expanded access to meet the growing needs and diversity of the Church, and introduced a new grant this year – Minister Debt Relief. If you know someone on your staff who might need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me to set up a time to discuss eligibility guidelines and how to apply for a grant.

You also may have recently seen that federal student loan borrowers may receive credit for past periods of repayment that would not have qualified for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Ministers enrolled in the Benefits Plan may visit the EdAssist page for more information.

2. The Care Navigation Services, through Quantum Health, provides BOP Medical Plan participants and their covered family members personalized support to help navigate their healthcare. Below are resources, available here, for care navigation to help make the most of the BOP medical benefits.

  • Overview of care navigation and how it helps employees receive the right care, at the right place, at the right time
  • Details about how to connect with Quantum Health, including instructions on registering for the MyQHealth website and downloading the app
  • Information on pre-certifying care through Quantum Health
  • A video in which Carly Price of Quantum Health discusses how Quantum Health’s Care Coordinators provide personalized guidance and support

Stewardship Kaleidoscope: Sept. 26-28

Registration is open for this year’s Stewardship Kaleidoscope, featuring more than 30 workshops spanning theology, practical stewardship planning, creative ventures, and legacy programming. Register and explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!

2022 IRS Standard Mileage

On December 17, 2021, the IRS announced the following changes to the standard mileage rates. As of January 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups, or panel trucks) is:

  • 58.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, up from 56 cents for 2021
  • 18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, up from 16 cents for 2021
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

2022 Per Capita

The 2022 Per Capita rate is $30.05 per member, according to the church’s membership in the most recently file statistical report. The 2022 Per Capita was approved at the August 2021 presbytery meeting. With the total rate at $30.05 per member, the Presbytery of West Virginia will keep $18.67, sending $8.98 and $2.40 to the General Assembly and Synod of the Trinity, respectively.

Helping us understand the importance of Per Capita to our connectional church is this excellent article, titled (coincidentally enough) “Understanding Per Capita,” in a recent issue of Presbyterians Today.

2022 Special Offerings Calendar

Here is this year’s calendar for the four churchwide Special Offerings of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), of which two remain.

PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS: Sept. 4 to Oct. 2

CHRISTMAS JOY: Nov. 27 to Dec. 18

NOTE: Donations to the four Special Offerings are accepted at any time. The dates above are for times of special emphasis on the offerings. Click here for more information or to order resources, or call the PC(USA) Store at 800-533-4371.