July 25, 2002 | Read Time: 1 minute
In time for this November’s elections, the Internal Revenue Service has published guidelines on how leaders of churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious organizations may conduct political activities without causing their groups to lose tax-exempt status.
The information is contained in a 28-page booklet that provides details on a wide range of tax issues that affect houses of worship and other religious organizations.
While little new information is included in the booklet, it pulls together a lot of information in one place for the first time.
In addition to the sections on political activities, the guidelines cover topics such as how organizations can apply for tax-exempt status, what tax returns churches must file, and how they should treat employees’ business expenses.
The booklet, titled “Tax Guidance for Churches and Religious Organizations,” is available online at http://www.irs.gov/eo. Printed copies may be obtained by calling the IRS at (800) 829-3676 and asking for Publication 1828.
