Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers is a hands-on guide to the most pertinent and critical legal issues facing those who lead and manage religious tax-exempt organizations with an emphasis on tax, employment, property and constitutional law. This timely book is a response to the need for guidance, direction, and clarification of legal and tax laws affecting churches and other religious organizations.

Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers is a hands-on guide to the most pertinent and critical legal issues facing those who lead and manage religious tax-exempt organizations with an emphasis on tax, employment, property and constitutional law. This timely book is a response to the need for guidance, direction, and clarification of legal and tax laws affecting churches and other religious organizations.

Part I Creation of a Nonprofit Organization 1Chapter 1 Nonprofit Organizations--Generally 3Chapter 2 Governance: Principles and Documents 13Chapter 3 Religious Nonprofit Organizations and Churches--Generally 27Chapter 4 Administration of a Congregational Church 35Chapter 5 The Board of Directors 43Chapter 6 Conflicts of Interest 53Chapter 7 Expenditure of the Religious Nonprofit Organization's Funds 59Chapter 8 Acquiring Tax-Exempt Status 67Chapter 9 The IRS Annual Information Return 97Part II Ministers, Employees, and Volunteers 107Chapter 10 Clergy, Ministers, and Pastors 109Chapter 11 Employee Rights 127Part III Operation of a Religious Nonprofit Organization 139Chapter 12 General Operations 141Chapter 13 Charitable Giving Rules 147Chapter 14 Combinations of Entities 175Chapter 15 Liability of Religious Organizations 199Chapter 16 Insurance Coverage Considerations 207Chapter 17 Real Property and the Religious Nonprofit 213Chapter 18 Competition and Commerciality 219Chapter 19 Intellectual Property 233Chapter 20 Lobbying and Political Activities 239Chapter 21 Employee Compensation 249Chapter 22 Intermediate Sanctions 273Chapter 23 Unrelated Business Activities 293Chapter 24 IRS Audits of Religious Nonprofit Organizations 313Part IV The Constitution, Religious Freedom, and Interaction with the Government 325Chapter 25 Protection of Religious Liberties 327Chapter 26 Guidance on Partnering with the Federal Government 333Index 347