Legal Counsel > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you have suggestions to help my congregation develop a sexual misconduct policy?
    
2. Where can I find out more about our tax issues and our exemptions?
    
3. What should I consider when our congregation leases its property?
    
4. We have a convicted sex offender who is wishes to become a member of our congregation. Do you have any resources that may assist us in addressing this?
    
5. Can you recommend a policy or procedures for the use of the internet and computers at our congregation?
    
6. Where can I find resources that provide information on child abuse reporting and clergy reporting laws relating to child abuse in my state? For general information see:
    
7. I recently read that my congregation needs to put up posters explaining certain laws to the staff? Where can I get more information?
    
8. We were approached by a third party with a request for the congregation to sponsor, endorse, or promote a product or service. Is there a list of legal and practical concerns to be reviewed by a congregation considering such a request?
    
9. What political activity for a congregation  is permissible and what is not in order to maintain itself as a tax exempt organization?
    
10. Is there a sample Electronic Communication Policy Statement we may review?
     
11. Are there resources to administer a foreign exchange visitor program, commonly know as the J-Visa program?
     
12. Are there resources for e-mail and telephone IRS scams and advance fee fraud schemes?
     
13. Do you have resources relating to cellular towers on our property?
     
14. Does the IRS provide special resources just for churches and clergy?
     
15. What is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and where can I learn more about it?
     
16. Is our church allowed to use a 15-passenger van for youth trips? Reducing the risk of rollover crashes in 15 passenger vans
     
17. What legal protections exist if our church wants to expand the sanctuary or remodel the exterior of the building and is having problems with local government zoning and landmarking commissions?
     
18. Is there a requirement under United States immigration law that church organizations complete Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 forms for staff?
     
19. How can I find out more about my congregation’s rights and restrictions for use of special U.S. Post Office rates for religious organizations?
     
20. How can I explain to potential donors that my congregation (or other organization) is exempt from federal income taxes because the ELCA holds a group ruling exemption from the IRS?
     
21. What resources exist to help me understand the telephone excise tax refund from the IRS?
     
22. Where can I get insurance and risk management resources to assist my congregation?

  Additional questions regarding:

• Congregation's Administration
• Tax Issues
• Insurance and Risk Management
• State and Federal Laws
• Litigation and Misconduct

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