The 2018 Ultimate Year End Checklist for Church Leaders

By Raul Rivera

As the holidays approach, it’s also a new season for many churches—the start of a new year. 

This is an amazing time to reflect on all the things God has done for your church as well as dream and plan for what is to come.

With the upcoming year, it’s important to wrap up 2018’s tax and administrative responsibilities so you can start your new year off right.

For your convenience, we have created a checklist of 28 things your organization should do before entering the new year. 

Thousands of churches and ministries use this tool to establish a strong year-end, and you can too!

Call us to receive your 2018 Year End Checklist!

There are a couple of new things to note from this year that will be important to implement in your 2018 records:

New Law

First, there is a law that was passed earlier this year that no longer allows employees to write-off unreimbursed expenses on their personal taxes. You can find this law change from the IRS here.  

To make sure you and your employees are in compliance with this new law, it is highly recommended that you have an Accountable Reimbursement Policy. 

Without an Accountable Reimbursement Policy in place, reimbursements are considered non-accountable; this means employees will not be able to count their business expenses on their individual tax returns. 

For more information on implementing policies for your organization, call us at 877-494-4655.

Financial Security

Secondly, the end of the year is a great time to reconcile your church books. This ensures that everything is accounted for, including reimbursements, and sets your church up for a great financial future. 

If you don’t have a bookkeeper of your own, we have a bookkeeping service that will help get all of your church finances in order. 

Digital Presence

Lastly, another great start to the new year is to have your church website updated, or if you don’t have one, to get a siteup and running. 

Building a website has never been easier, and with StartSITES, you can have your new ministry website up in an hour—just in time for the new year!

Having an online presence in this day and age is so crucial. It also helps you to receive donations online. 

Our StartCHURCH team is here for you if you have any questions about making sure your church has a solid foundation for the new year. 

Call us at 877-494-4655, and we will be happy to help. 


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