As we build the GMC in Florida, there are many questions that we often receive. Today, I want to share answers to two of them in hopes of helping as many as possible. Please feel free to share this information widely.

The first question deals with whether a local church needs to apply to the IRS for status as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The answer is no. Local churches are automatically exempt under section 501(c)(3) and also automatically qualify for people to make tax-deductible deductions. If you would like to read a bulletin prepared by the IRS on this topic, click here. IRS Applications for tax-exempt status are cumbersome and often get returned for various reasons, sometimes multiple times and taking many months. There is no need to prepare one. 

The Global Methodist Church will apply to the IRS for what’s called a “group ruling” allowing all churches to be under one tax-exempt number. For excellent information about all of this (and many other helpful topics), please click here to be directed to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of the GMC website. Go down to question four about churches not needing to file for tax-exempt status. There is also a letter from the GMC’s legal counsel that you can give to anyone inquiring about the matter. 

Lastly, you will want to make sure that your church applies for a sales tax exemption certificate from the Florida Department of Revenue. As you have created a new corporation, you will need a new certificate with the new name of your church on it. This will keep you from paying sales tax in Florida when the church purchases items. For more information, please click here. 

The second question deals with whether the Global Methodist Church has a policy to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults, and the answer is yes! Two weeks ago the GMC announced an exciting new partnership with MinistrySafe. You can read the announcement by clicking here. This new resource will help create policies that are contextual to the size of your church and the type of ministry you have. It includes training videos you can share with volunteers. It also includes a resource for discounted background checks. We encourage every church to begin using MinistrySafe. It’s an outstanding resource, and we believe will be far superior to what you have been used to. Membership in MinistrySafe is free for GMC churches. To sign up, click here. 

MinistrySafe is just one of the many ways the GMC is trying to create a value-add to our local churches and help empower them to do effective ministry. 

Lastly, we want to make you aware that we have a new mailing address: 

11250 Old St. Augustine Road Suite 15-114

Jacksonville, Florida 32257

God bless you!