After more than a decade in legislative limbo, state churches will soon be exempt from paying power bills. Churches will no longer be required to pay sales tax on utilities such as electricity, water, or natural gas as of Sunday.
House Bill 582, which establishes the tax exemption, received a 121-1 vote in the House before being unanimously approved by the Senate. Rep. Gary Chism (R-Columbus), who introduced the bill more than a decade ago, believes the time is appropriate to revisit it.
“About ten years ago, I was approached by Grant Mitchell about churches having to pay taxes on utilities you don’t pay sales tax on your home or for personal use, but it is applied to businesses and churches,” Chism remarked. “Grant is the pastor of Caledonia United Pentecostal Church and works for East Lowndes Water. After speaking with Grant, I began working on this bill, but I was never successful. I chose to file it again because Representative Jeff Smith (R, Columbus) is on the Ways and Means Committee. We were able to get Governor Bryant to sign it this time. All churches will gain from this.”
A church must send a copy of its 501c3 paperwork to the utility company in order to qualify. If the church is unable to locate its documents, it can fill out an affidavit claiming 501c3 status. According to Chism, the tax advantage is available to any church that operates a non-profit organization, but it does not apply to any commercial premises that a church may own.
What are some of the ways that churches make money?
The simple lesson here is that when people are in need, they respond. This is especially true for members of your church who help to ensure the success of your ministries.
Money is necessary not only for specialized ministries, but also to keep the lights turned on. There are no services, no gathering places, and no church without it.
We should contribute generously (Mark 12:41-44), but we should also be prudent with the gifts we have (Mark 12:41-44). (Matthew 25:14 – 30). Make sure to emphasize the importance of donors to the church’s purpose in every fundraising project you initiate. The work of the churchthe work of Godis made possible by them.
Plate Offering
Most churches, with a few exceptions, can incorporate a ballpark plate offering in their annual budget. You may already keep track of plate giving so that you may estimate how much members gave in previous years.
In 2020, in-person services were no longer available. This is regrettable for many church members, because traditional donation methods are crucial. It’s a concrete link to the church, and it could even have ritualistic significance for them.
However, now is a good opportunity to let them know that you appreciate their participation while also proposing alternate plate-offering options. Many churches have established weekly online giving campaigns to replace conventional in-person donating.
Will a church provide funds to me?
Before giving funds, a church will frequently request proof. Senior persons, the ill, and the defenseless are also given preference. Churches make an effort to provide short-term assistance. They went as a “hand up,” not a “hand out,” to help pay rent, provide food, or provide a hotel room in an emergency.
Is the Catholic Church able to assist me financially?
Financial support for paying bills and other basic needs may be available through Catholic Charity associated parishes. Of course, resources must be available, and applicants must meet certain criteria before Catholic Charities may give emergency financial aid.
Program Dates
Open from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, for services that have been suspended or are about to be suspended.
Grants are awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available.
Sincere Effort of Payment
In the three months before to applying for a grant, applicants must have paid at least $75 on their Cal Water account.
Senior citizens, aged 62 and up, must have made a $50 payment on their accounts during the previous three months to be eligible for a grant.
Other grants and pledges made on an applicant’s behalf do not count toward the sincere attempt of payment. Exceptions may be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
Maximum Grant
Each utility is only eligible for one grant each program year. (October 1, 2021 September 30, 2022)
Grants are awarded based on need, and each family’s situation is unique. The amount of each grant is established on a case-by-case basis.
The application will be denied if a customer’s utility service is off or about to be turned off when they apply, and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or prevent termination. Utility review determines the amount required to restore service or stop a termination. The customer will be notified that their application has been declined and that they must make an additional payment in order to be considered for assistance.
Additional Guidelines
Clients who are income-eligible must apply for all federally supported programs as soon as they become available.
The account must be for a single family home or an apartment. There will be no “kitchen only,” commercial, industrial, or shared utility service apartments.
Income Guidelines
The total gross household income must be less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
To see if your gross (before tax) income falls within the area of eligibility for our programs, use our Income Calculator.
How to Apply
Calling your utility provider for information on a variety of various assistance programs offered to low-income utility customers is the best place to start looking for aid.
A network of Community Based Organizations works with the Cal Water Cares Hardship Program. Clients can use these dedicated agencies to get their applications processed. You will be referred to an agency in your region after interacting with a Cal Water employee. This organization will complete your help application.
Is it necessary for pastors to pay taxes?
All of your earnings, including salary, offerings, and fees you receive for performing marriages, baptisms, funerals, and other ministerial services, are subject to income tax, whether you’re an employee or a self-employed minister.
How do you go about requesting funds from the church?
Look for any links to services provided by the church on its website. They may run their own programs or administrate those run by the municipal, state, or federal governments. You should be able to discover instructions for applying for help if you find this type of material on the website.
How can I make quick cash?
Most installers charge twice as much to install lights on a second level, according to Thumbtack. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of moving. Thumbtack also mentioned that you can charge roughly half of what you charged for the installation. You can also choose to wrap exterior trees in lights and charge anything from $60 to $1,200 per tree, depending on size.
Many high-paying seasonal employment are available, but you’ll need to rotate through them if you want to keep your money year-round or work extremely hard during that one season.
