February 2011

Issue 14 (Special Edition)

Administration Matters addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and other topics of interest about day-to-day operations and management in church settings.

Help Your Employees Understand 2011 ELCA Benefits
Are employees with ELCA health benefits asking you questions about their 2011 ELCA health benefits? Direct them to the “Understand my benefits” section of the ELCA Board of Pensions’ website. It’s a great starting point for finding and understanding the information they need. >more

2011 Health Assessment Now Open — Earn your 2% discount
There is a 2 percent discount on health care costs available to ELCA synods, congregations and participating organizations. Sixty-five percent of staff and eligible spouses need to complete an online health assessment in order to earn this cost reduction. >more

Help Your Employees Understand 2011 ELCA Benefits
2011 Health Assessment Now Open — Earn your 2% discount
Clergy Tax Guide Now Available Online
2011 Social Security Tax Rate Reduction
Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Applies to Churches
Congregational Audit Guide


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Clergy Tax Guide Now Available Online
Clergy’s tax returns include requirements that are unique to their profession. The ELCA Board of Pensions has made available a tax preparation resource which pastors and other ordained leaders may find helpful as they prepare to file their 2010 tax returns. >more

2011 Social Security Tax Rate Reduction

Many clergy and staff will see their take-home pay rise during 2011 because the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 provides a two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, reducing their Social Security tax withholding rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid. >more

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Applies to Churches
The IRS recently announced that the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is available to churches and other small employers that obtain coverage through self-funded denominational church health plans. Access information about eligibility. >more

Congregational Audit Guide
An annual congregation audit is best practice for all congregations. It is part of stewarding of the gifts entrusted to your congregation. Follow this link to an audit guide which provides step-by-step instructions and can be tailored to the specific needs of your congregation’s audit committee. >more

DISCLAIMER - It is important for visitors to this Web site to understand that information on this site does not constitute legal, accounting or professional advice to anyone. People should always consult their own attorneys, accountants or similar professionals whenever legal, risk management or financial issues or problems arise.