Chitwood & Chitwood, 5746 Marlin Road Suite 500, Chattanooga, TN (2026)

07/20/2026

The 2026 election year is approaching, and the IRS is paying close attention to church activities. Pastor, do you know the line between addressing social issues and making prohibited political endorsements? Protecting your ministry’s tax-exempt status is vital.

You can lead your congregation with confidence while staying fully compliant with federal law. Our team at Chitwood & Chitwood specializes in keeping churches safe from IRS penalties. Don't risk your organization’s future by guessing on the guidelines. Let us provide the clarity you need to navigate this season.

Call now.

07/20/2026

Pastor, is your housing allowance resolution actually on the books for the second half of the year?

We are officially halfway through 2026, and now is the critical time for Church Boards and Trustees to conduct a Mid-Year Housing Allowance Audit. Waiting until December is a mistake that could cost your ministry and your clergy significantly in taxes and penalties.

The IRS is strict: housing allowances must be designated in advance and in writing. If your expenses have changed or if you haven’t formally reviewed your board minutes recently, you are at risk. Are your designations properly calculated? Are they legally recorded in your official records?

Don't leave your financial stewardship to chance. Our team at Chitwood & Chitwood specializes in church compliance and tax law. We help you ensure every "T" is crossed and every "I" is dotted so you can focus on your mission.

Take a moment this week to review your resolutions. If you aren't absolutely confident in your compliance, let's talk.

Contact us today to ensure your ministry is protected.

07/20/2026

Hey Pastors, are you still relying solely on the passing plate? Gen Z is passionate about supporting the Kingdom, but they are digital natives. If your ministry doesn’t offer seamless digital tithing options, you are likely missing out on their generosity. These young givers value transparency and convenience. Transitioning to modern stewardship isn't just about technology: it’s about ensuring your ministry’s future and staying compliant with new financial laws. Our team at Chitwood & Chitwood specializes in helping churches modernize their financial systems without the headache. Let’s get your ministry prepared for 2026 and beyond.

Call now: https://chitwoods.com/

07/20/2026

Pastors and Church Admins, are you absolutely confident in your worker classifications? Misclassifying an employee as a volunteer or independent contractor is a major IRS red flag that can lead to costly penalties and back taxes.

With the mid-summer season in full swing, now is the perfect time to review your ministry’s records before the busy fall season begins. Compliance isn't optional: it’s protection for your mission. Our team specializes in the unique tax laws governing religious organizations to keep you safe.

Don't wait for an audit to find out you're at risk.

Learn more: https://chitwoods.com/

07/16/2026

Attention Denominational Leaders and Ministry Executives: The IRS has officially shaken up Group Exemptions.

Rev. Proc. 2026-8 has been released, and the clock is ticking. This is not just another update: it is a complete overhaul of how your organizations must maintain tax-exempt status. If you oversee multiple locations or subordinate ministries, this is the most critical compliance hurdle you will face this decade.

The 2027 deadline is approaching faster than it appears. These new rules demand stricter oversight, updated documentation, and specific reporting protocols that many ministries are not currently prepared to handle. Are you absolutely confident that every subordinate organization under your umbrella is fully compliant?

At Chitwood & Chitwood, we specialize in the unique financial and legal needs of the church. We have seen how IRS shake-ups can lead to devastating penalties and loss of status for those who are unprepared. Do not let your ministry be the example.

Now is the time to audit your group exemption records and implement the required changes before the 2027 cutoff.

Secure your ministry’s future today. Call us to schedule a comprehensive compliance review.

07/16/2026

Hey Pastors and Church Admins, are you absolutely confident in your compensation structures? The new IRS excise tax on excessive compensation for tax-exempt organizations is a major shift you can't afford to ignore. Now is the time to review your leadership team’s pay to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties.

We specialize in helping ministries navigate these complex new laws with confidence. Don't wait until the IRS comes knocking: get ahead of the changes today. Our family has been protecting ministries longer than anyone else. Let’s make sure your church is prepared.

Learn more.

07/16/2026

Hey Pastors and Ministry Leaders, the IRS is turning up the volume on Form 990 transparency! Are you absolutely confident your fiscal sponsorships and grant tracking would survive an audit? With new laws and increased scrutiny, missing even one compliance detail can lead to costly attorney fees and IRS penalties. Our family has been helping ministries stay protected longer than anyone else. Don't leave your ministry's future to chance: documentation and audit readiness are non-negotiable in 2026. Ensure your financial stewardship is beyond reproach before the IRS comes knocking.

Learn more: https://chitwoods.com/

07/13/2026

Hey Pastors and Ministry Leaders! Are you absolutely confident your church’s financial data is safe? When we think about stewardship, we often focus on the budget: but in 2026, cybersecurity is one of the most critical ways you protect the resources God has entrusted to your ministry.

Cyber threats are blowing up, and new compliance laws are changing the game every single day. Your donor information, payroll records, and ministry accounts are prime targets for those looking to exploit vulnerabilities. One breach could lead to massive IRS penalties, legal fees, and a devastating loss of trust from your congregation. Protecting this data isn't just an IT task: it's a spiritual and financial stewardship responsibility!

Our family has been doing this longer than anyone else, and we specialize in the unique financial and compliance needs of religious organizations. Don't wait for a crisis to find out you were vulnerable. Get ahead of the new laws and ensure your ministry is on a solid, secure foundation before it's too late.

Give us a call today. Let’s make sure your ministry is compliant, secure, and protected!

07/13/2026

Hey Pastors and Church Administrators, are you ready for the big shift? The 1099 threshold has officially jumped to $2,000 for 2026, and you cannot afford to miss this update. With so many new laws blowing up, staying compliant is more critical than ever. Don’t risk hefty IRS penalties or attorney fees because of outdated records. Our family has been the authority in clergy tax law longer than anyone else, and we are here to protect your ministry’s financial integrity. Are you absolutely confident in your process? Don’t wait( ensure your stewardship is secure today.) Call now.

07/13/2026

Pastors, are your donors leaving money on the table that could be going to the Kingdom?

The OBBBA Above-the-Line Charitable Deduction is a powerful tool to encourage consistent tithing. Many donors think they only get a tax benefit if they itemize, but this "secret" break allows a direct impact on tax liability for everyone.

This is a game-changer for stewardship! When your members see their faithfulness recognized by law, it removes barriers to generous giving.

Are you absolutely confident your ministry is communicating these benefits? With new laws and compliance shifts, you can't afford to be in the dark. Our family has been helping ministries navigate these financial waters longer than anyone else.

Don't wait for tax season to update your strategy. Compliance isn't just about rules: it’s about fueling your mission.

Let’s get your house in order.

Chitwood & Chitwood

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