Clergy taxes advisor needed by former client

[Catherine]

Former client moved to Florida. Moved on from my practice 'cuz he needed more help than I could provide. Now he's looking for advice on starting a religious group and I know nothing about religious or clergy taxes. 

Anyone here who has a clue on those topics who'd be willing to advise him (for a fee; not free!)?

TIA.

[Lee B]

Almost all organized religions have staff at the national level that will assist with the process every step of the way.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

A few years ago I might have stepped up but don't want to take on something like this now.  If it/he was already established, it would be different.  But he would need to look into filing a 1023 for a determination as to church status after incorporating in the state.  At least that would be in the right direction to prove the religious exemption.  Our church was established in 1867 so never received an exemption from IRS because, well, it didn't exist.  Suddenly the local tax agency is asking for it.  We really do not want to pay for the filing.

Perhaps he could begin by googling and might find links such as https://www.remixtures.com/how-to-start-a-religious-organization/ and https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-to-form-a-religious-nonprofit-organization.html 

 

[Margaret CPA in OH]

I agree with cbslee but was assuming, perhaps in error, that this person was not affiliated with a national group, sort of starting a free standing church.  Could be wrong.

[Lion EA]

Is he actually clergy?

[jklcpa]

Maybe try a PM to @JJStephens through this site. I was just reminded of him because he recently posted in that topic entitled "What will happen to Drake".

Checking his profile shows that he has, or had, a website :  http://ministryconsulting.net