Tag Archives: Taxes
Tax Time!
Posted on 12. Jan, 2012 by Kenny.
On Tuesday, the IRS opens for another business year… collecting your money! So, what does this have to do with Kidmin? Well, nothing, but over the years I’ve been committed to sharing resources to those who serve in ministry. So, here’s one of those ways.
Over the years I’ve learned that most people I know in ministry have one of a few tax arrangements:
- They attempt to do their own taxes
- They pay a CPA
- They’ve got their own sweet hook up
The truth is that if you’re in ministry, your taxes are not straight-forward. Clergy tax is unique and the average H&R Block employee is not going to have any idea how to file your taxes (they may attempt it but there’s no telling if it done right). Unless you have a tax and accounting background, you’re probably not knowledgable enough to do it right and the amount of time you’ll spend staying up to date on clergy tax law probably isn’t worth the time you’ll spend on it. Finding a CPA who actually is up to date on clergy tax will cost you, probably $300 or more. That’s probably a reasonable price, but there are a lot of things I’d rather do with $300. Plus, just because you have a CPA doing your taxes doesn’t mean they’re up to date on clergy tax.
So, I’m suggesting a better option for you. TC Tax Service out of Valdosta, GA. They’ve been doing my taxes for more than a decade and I’ve always been pleased with the job they’ve done. I’m also amazed by the level of service that they provide. Not only do they do an incredible job on my taxes, but they’ve even watched my kids while Sara and I went out on a date and they’ve fed us many meals. Yes, they’ve done all those things for me, but probably not because I’m a great client, but because I’m also their son. 
All jokes aside, I’ve sent many co-workers and others in ministry from all over the US their way and I always get BIG thanked for the recommendations. My mom loves giving back to those who give of their lives and she absolutely loves helping people who know me. So, the deal she offers ministers is $100. Typically with the time she puts into it, she’s not making any money, but she loves it. Last year I sent her 10-12 new kidmin people. So, be sure to check out TC Tax. Even if you’re happy with where you’re at, she’d be glad to answer your questions or take a look at past returns to make sure they were done right.
So, check out their website and contact them from there. Remember, tell them that Kenny sent you! You can read more about what they offer here.
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Tax cut for many pastors: In case you hadn’t heard
Posted on 12. Jan, 2011 by Kenny.
I was catching up on emails over the holidays and almost forgot about this one. The big tax bill passed on December 16th benefits ministerial and non-ministerial social security taxes. If you’re a minister who has exempted out of Social Security, then this doesn’t apply to you as you don’t pay Social Security anyway. For everyone else, look forward to saving some money this year! Woo Hoo!
Click here to read more about the changes.
If you have questions, contact whoever does your taxes. If you don’t have someone who does your taxes (or if you’re not confident in who does do your taxes), I’ve got a recommendation. It’s unlikely you’ll find someone less expensive who is as knowledgable in church and clergy tax. But I am biased though… they are my parents. Give them a call and tell them Kenny sent you.
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Random design question
Posted on 15. Nov, 2009 by Kenny.
Okay, my design question isn’t really random, it just doesn’t have anything to do with kids or church ministry.
My parents own their own tax business. They’ve been a part of a franchise for the last 5-6 years, but now they’re out on their own. They’ve selected their name, but now they’re working with a design company to develop their logo. They’ve got several really good options on the table and they’re needing to select one concept that they’re going to take further. My good friend Matt McKee had some really good advice that I think they’ll take into consideration in the revision process. However, I wanted to get some feedback from a general audience as well. Most of the readers of this site aren’t in the “tax business” but everyone has to pay taxes. So, as a general tax payer, which of these concepts do you connect with most.
Oh, let me give you the context. The franchise my parents were with last had a logo that was Red, White and Blue. Matt asked if my folks were doing taxes or running for office! My parents have a strong presence in their city and felt it was good to incorporate those same colors to continue to connect with their previous clients although their name has changed. Their company is in South Georgia in the same town as a large Air Force base with many military clients, which also is reason for the star and the patriotic colors.
Okay, now that you know the context, what do you think? What would stand out the most to you as someone looking for a company to do your taxes?
Option 1:
Option 2:
Option 3:
Option 4:
Option 5:
So what do you think? What option do you like and why? What would you revise to the option you like?
BTW, you may say “I wouldn’t really know about this because I got to a CPA for my taxes.” If that’s you, you’re probably paying too much to have your taxes done. Clergy taxes are more complicated and unfortunately CPA’s are usually better equipped to handle our taxes, but we pay for it in the end. My parents are experts in tax law, especially dealing with clergy. So, if you think you’re paying too much to have your taxes done, you should give them a call. Contact me and I’ll connect you with them. Read more about this here.
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