Sales Taxes on Church Income?


Are you renting out part of the church facilities?  Does the group renting from your church have a non-profit exemption?  Do you have a copy of their sales tax exemption certificate? Are you filing a sales tax return  that reflects the rentals and then deducts them as exempt sales?  My interpretation and research reflects that every church who is renting property to other groups and organizations, should be filing a sales tax return.  If you are renting to another non-profit group you must keep a copy of their exemption certificate.  OH, you say, what’s a little rent?  A lot when your church become liable for the back taxes, interest and penalties!!  No exemption certificate? You better collect the tax. Note, that  even if the group has a Federal Tax Exemption, it is not good for state sales tax purposes. The group must have  a Florida exemption certificate. Law changes in 2000 require you to obtain that sales tax certificate for the year 2000! Keep this certificate on file for at least 7 years!

Selling tickets to Wednesday night suppers? Any event where admission tickets are sold requires the collection of Sales Tax!

These are just two more examples of  traps that the "ENEMY" can use to lessen our economic impact. Someone, in each church, must be responsible for keeping up with the rules, regulations and laws of the everyday world.   The rules, regulations and laws that the church must live with are no longer being overlooked or softened by the authorities. See my reference to Church Law and Tax Report.

Further, your church budget may even  be helped out if you are aware of some of these laws!  I hope none of you are paying sales tax directly on your purchases! 

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