FreeChurchAccounting Newsletter Articles

Even though each organization's chart of accounts is unique, most nonprofit and churches use a universal numbering system to avoid confusion for your staff, bookkeepers, accountants, and financial institutions.

See tips on building an effective chart of accounts...

Building a Chart of Accounts

Before you generate your financial statements, there is a process you should go through to ensure the accounting reports you give your pastor, treasurer, or governing council is accurate and complete...

Financial Statements Preparation

One of the most important accounting internal controls you can put in place is establishing clear guidelines for the handling of your organization's funds.

Included in those guidelines should be proper procedures for handling church groups opening separate checking accounts....

Accounting Internal Controls for Church Groups

If your church is embarking on the process of shopping for a new church accounting software, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make it a smart choice.

Accounting Software Tips

Does your church need an audit?

Surprisingly the answer may be "No"!

See why an audit may be a bad idea...

Need an Audit?

Every church and nonprofit should have a written accounting policy manual.

It will save you future problems down the road and serve as a valuable reference guide for your organization...

Creating an Accounting Policy Manual

Knowing WHEN to issue contribution receipts is something every organization that accepts donations should research. Knowing when NOT to issue those charitable contribution receipts may be even more important! …

Contribution Receipt Rules

Charitable contribution receipts can be a challenging part of a church or nonprofit's administrator. Since contributions are essential for a nonprofit's survival and growth, knowing how to handle those donations is very important.

Charitable Contribution Receipts Q&A

While churches are offering online giving as an added convenience for members, they are discovering a hidden benefit.

When members give online, the average amount is a little larger and their giving is more consistent.....

How to Accept Online Giving

The IRS has the authority to assess a 100% penalty against the individual(s) responsible for withholding and paying federal payroll taxes, even if the person is an unpaid volunteer such as a church Treasurer.  The IRS aggressively uses this authority...

Federal Payroll Tax Issues

Unsubstantiated business expenses and lost receipts can be a big headache for everyone involved in the financial process of the church....

Unsubstantiated Business Expenses

7 effective church budget tips for your annual budget forecasting ...

Budget Tips

Preparing a budget is time consuming and in this economy...estimating income and expenses can be very challenging.

So here are some budget tips that might make this tedious task a little easier...

Budget Tips and Online Giving

5 tips on how to cut expenses and help your church or nonprofit continue to minister to your community during these tough economic times ...

Cut Back

See 4 ways you can directly and immediately raise your pastor’s salary without paying him any more money ...

Pastor Appreciation on a Budget

7 tips on how to cut expenses by lowering your office supply cost with discounts, coupons, and even some free stuff...

7 Ways to Cut Cost on Your Office Supplies

Fundraisers can be beneficial to your church. However, there are some legal issues you should keep in mind ...

Fundraiser Tips

January is a busy month for church and nonprofit administrators. There are some important "to do" for nonprofit organizations with employees. Also review some important tasks for churches...

January To-Do List