This section gathers the core legal documents and compliance requirements every church or ministry needs to qualify for 501c3 501(c)(3) tax exemption. It explains how faith-based organizations formalize their structure through incorporation, bylaws, and written policies, and how those documents satisfy both IRS and state requirements.
Each guide focuses on one essential piece of the foundation: how to file Articles of Incorporation, draft bylaws that define leadership and accountability, adopt a Conflict of Interest Policy that prevents abuse, and handle clergy pay and offerings under tax law.
These resources appear throughout the site, but this directory brings them together for clear, uninterrupted study. It is designed for pastors, administrators, and founders who want to understand how to turn belief into compliance, and compliance into lasting protection for their ministry.
Applying for 501(c)(3) as a Church
An in-depth explanation of a church 501(c)(3) tax exemption application & it's benefits vs. churches' automatic exemption and its transparency issues.
Church Articles of Incorporation
Learn how to write legally sound church Articles of Incorporation with required IRS 501(c)(3) clauses. Protect your ministry, assets, and tax-exempt status.
Church Bylaws & Board Policies
The IRS expects more than sermons. Discover why bylaws, boards, and structure matter for church tax-exempt status—and how to get it right.
Church Conflict of Interest Policy
Holiness without transparency is corruption. Every scandal that destroys a ministry doesn't start with sin. It starts with silence, unspoken...
Church Love Offerings & IRS
Church “love offerings” aren’t tax-free gifts. Learn how the IRS defines them, what records you need, and how to keep your pastor and your books out of trouble.
Church Ministers Compensation Laws
An explanation of Church ministers compensation laws and regulations such as church minister housing allowance, expense reimbursements & income tax.