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The CARES Act: 4 Must-Know Provisions for Churches

The CARES Act: 4 Must-Know Provisions for Churches

Discover four key provisions of the CARES Act relevant to church and ministry leaders.

CHURCH TECH PODCAST
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Modern Church leader
Category
Church Growth
Publish date
April 1, 2020
Author

If COVID-19 is teaching us anything it’s that the church is not a building. 

In Acts 8:1–4 and 11:9 persecution came to the church and it was forced to disperse. But through this, more people were saved, more disciples were raised up, and more churches were planted. So what was a challenge and an obstacle ended up being an incredible opportunity for the early church.

In much the same way, while the effects of COVID-19 may be challenging, this season may in fact, also be the greatest opportunity of our generation to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ!

One element to come out of this season is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.

Here are four key provisions of the CARES Act relevant to church and ministry leaders:

Key provision #1

PAYROLL PROTECTION LOANS/GRANTS

The CARES Act modifies section 7(a) of the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program to allow churches, schools, and nonprofits to qualify for such loans.

No personal/corporate officer guarantees are required on these loans.


No fees are required, loan payments can be deferred for six months to a year, the maximum interest rate is 4% and the loan term is 10 years.

A portion or all of this loan will be forgiven if the loan is used to pay employee benefits and payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, interest on prior debt obligations, rent, and utilities. In summary, if the loan amount is used for these purposes, this loan essentially transforms into a grant.

How to analyze this program for your church:

Step #1: Discuss with your bank

The SBA is working with local banks to administer this program, and loan funds are limited ($349 billion has been appropriated). We recommend contacting your bank or a participating bank as soon as possible.

Step #2: Calculate the loan amount

The loan amount for most organizations will be 2.5 times their average monthly payroll cost for the year prior to the loan.


Payroll costs (for this loan calculation) include salaries and wages, paid leave, health benefits, retirement benefits, and state and local taxes. Payroll costs exclude federal payroll taxes, salaries in excess of $100,000, and leave benefits that qualify for reimbursement under other relief measures (for example, reimbursement of payroll expenses for COVID-19 related leave). Also, note that housing allowances are probably not included in payroll costs.

For example, if ABC Church paid a total of $240,000 in qualifying payroll costs from March of 2019 to February of 2020 and averaged $20,000.00 ($240,000/12 = $20,000) in payroll costs each month, the loan amount would be: $20,000 x 2.5 = $50,000.00.

Step #3: Consider the conditions of the program

Participants must certify that current economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 crisis necessitate the loan application.


Participants must certify that the loan amount will be used to fund payroll costs and employee benefits, interest on mortgage obligations, interest on prior debt obligations, rent, and utilities. Currently, there is no explicit statement that prevents a loan participant from being considered a “recipient of federal funds.”

Several faith-based organizations are currently seeking clarification on this issue. Review the loan paperwork carefully for such language and consult with your attorney if you have questions. This is especially important for Christian educational institutions!

Step #4: Calculate the feasibility of maintaining full-time equivalents

The purpose of this loan program is to assist organizations in maintaining their full-time equivalents (“FTEs”; note that two part-time employees working 20 hours each equal one FTE). If ministries do not maintain the 2019 level of FTEs, a portion of the loan must be repaid.

For example, if ABC Church had 4 FTEs in 2019, obtains a loan under this program and then drops to 3 FTEs in 2020, ABC Church must repay 25% (1/4 = 25%) of the loan amount over the 10-year term. The remaining 75% (3 out of 4 FTEs remain) of the loan will be forgiven.

Key provision #2

CHANGES TO CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS

Prior to the CARES Act, individual charitable deductions were limited to 60% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. The CARES Act changed that provision and allows for deductions of up to 100% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. Further, this act increases the deduction limit for corporations from 10% to 25%. Finally, the CARES Act provides for an above-the-line deduction in the amount of $300 for the 2020 tax year. The big takeaway from this change is that major donors may be inclined to give larger gifts in 2020.

Key provision #3

PAYROLL DEFERMENT AND TAX CREDITS

The CARES Act allows churches and nonprofits to defer 50% of the employer’s portion of payroll taxes attributable to 2020 until December 31, 2021, with the remaining 50% due on December 31, 2022. Also, ministries can take advantage of a payroll tax credit of up to $5,000.00 of social security tax liability per employee if particular conditions are met.

Key provision #4

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR MINISTRY WORKERS

The CARES Act also provides funding to states to reimburse nonprofits for up to half of their expenses related to unemployment benefits during 2020. Because many churches do not participate in unemployment programs, it is important to note that church employees who face unemployment due to COVID-19 related issues may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

NOTE/DISCLAIMER

This article is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is being provided to church and ministry leaders with the understanding that the authors are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and the specific application of laws to particular facts requires the advice of an attorney. 

Coronavirus tool kit for pastors and church leaders:

Editor's note: This is a guest post by Josh Irmler and Josh Hershberger. Josh Irmler is a husband, father, team member of the Idea Network, and the lead pastor of Fresno Church. Josh Hershberger is an attorney, minister, speaker, and the executive director and general counsel for The Good Citizen Project.

AUTHOR

If COVID-19 is teaching us anything it’s that the church is not a building. 

In Acts 8:1–4 and 11:9 persecution came to the church and it was forced to disperse. But through this, more people were saved, more disciples were raised up, and more churches were planted. So what was a challenge and an obstacle ended up being an incredible opportunity for the early church.

In much the same way, while the effects of COVID-19 may be challenging, this season may in fact, also be the greatest opportunity of our generation to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ!

One element to come out of this season is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.

Here are four key provisions of the CARES Act relevant to church and ministry leaders:

Key provision #1

PAYROLL PROTECTION LOANS/GRANTS

The CARES Act modifies section 7(a) of the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program to allow churches, schools, and nonprofits to qualify for such loans.

No personal/corporate officer guarantees are required on these loans.


No fees are required, loan payments can be deferred for six months to a year, the maximum interest rate is 4% and the loan term is 10 years.

A portion or all of this loan will be forgiven if the loan is used to pay employee benefits and payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, interest on prior debt obligations, rent, and utilities. In summary, if the loan amount is used for these purposes, this loan essentially transforms into a grant.

How to analyze this program for your church:

Step #1: Discuss with your bank

The SBA is working with local banks to administer this program, and loan funds are limited ($349 billion has been appropriated). We recommend contacting your bank or a participating bank as soon as possible.

Step #2: Calculate the loan amount

The loan amount for most organizations will be 2.5 times their average monthly payroll cost for the year prior to the loan.


Payroll costs (for this loan calculation) include salaries and wages, paid leave, health benefits, retirement benefits, and state and local taxes. Payroll costs exclude federal payroll taxes, salaries in excess of $100,000, and leave benefits that qualify for reimbursement under other relief measures (for example, reimbursement of payroll expenses for COVID-19 related leave). Also, note that housing allowances are probably not included in payroll costs.

For example, if ABC Church paid a total of $240,000 in qualifying payroll costs from March of 2019 to February of 2020 and averaged $20,000.00 ($240,000/12 = $20,000) in payroll costs each month, the loan amount would be: $20,000 x 2.5 = $50,000.00.

Step #3: Consider the conditions of the program

Participants must certify that current economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 crisis necessitate the loan application.


Participants must certify that the loan amount will be used to fund payroll costs and employee benefits, interest on mortgage obligations, interest on prior debt obligations, rent, and utilities. Currently, there is no explicit statement that prevents a loan participant from being considered a “recipient of federal funds.”

Several faith-based organizations are currently seeking clarification on this issue. Review the loan paperwork carefully for such language and consult with your attorney if you have questions. This is especially important for Christian educational institutions!

Step #4: Calculate the feasibility of maintaining full-time equivalents

The purpose of this loan program is to assist organizations in maintaining their full-time equivalents (“FTEs”; note that two part-time employees working 20 hours each equal one FTE). If ministries do not maintain the 2019 level of FTEs, a portion of the loan must be repaid.

For example, if ABC Church had 4 FTEs in 2019, obtains a loan under this program and then drops to 3 FTEs in 2020, ABC Church must repay 25% (1/4 = 25%) of the loan amount over the 10-year term. The remaining 75% (3 out of 4 FTEs remain) of the loan will be forgiven.

Key provision #2

CHANGES TO CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS

Prior to the CARES Act, individual charitable deductions were limited to 60% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. The CARES Act changed that provision and allows for deductions of up to 100% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. Further, this act increases the deduction limit for corporations from 10% to 25%. Finally, the CARES Act provides for an above-the-line deduction in the amount of $300 for the 2020 tax year. The big takeaway from this change is that major donors may be inclined to give larger gifts in 2020.

Key provision #3

PAYROLL DEFERMENT AND TAX CREDITS

The CARES Act allows churches and nonprofits to defer 50% of the employer’s portion of payroll taxes attributable to 2020 until December 31, 2021, with the remaining 50% due on December 31, 2022. Also, ministries can take advantage of a payroll tax credit of up to $5,000.00 of social security tax liability per employee if particular conditions are met.

Key provision #4

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR MINISTRY WORKERS

The CARES Act also provides funding to states to reimburse nonprofits for up to half of their expenses related to unemployment benefits during 2020. Because many churches do not participate in unemployment programs, it is important to note that church employees who face unemployment due to COVID-19 related issues may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

NOTE/DISCLAIMER

This article is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is being provided to church and ministry leaders with the understanding that the authors are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and the specific application of laws to particular facts requires the advice of an attorney. 

Coronavirus tool kit for pastors and church leaders:

Editor's note: This is a guest post by Josh Irmler and Josh Hershberger. Josh Irmler is a husband, father, team member of the Idea Network, and the lead pastor of Fresno Church. Josh Hershberger is an attorney, minister, speaker, and the executive director and general counsel for The Good Citizen Project.

podcast transcript

(Scroll for more)
AUTHOR

If COVID-19 is teaching us anything it’s that the church is not a building. 

In Acts 8:1–4 and 11:9 persecution came to the church and it was forced to disperse. But through this, more people were saved, more disciples were raised up, and more churches were planted. So what was a challenge and an obstacle ended up being an incredible opportunity for the early church.

In much the same way, while the effects of COVID-19 may be challenging, this season may in fact, also be the greatest opportunity of our generation to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ!

One element to come out of this season is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.

Here are four key provisions of the CARES Act relevant to church and ministry leaders:

Key provision #1

PAYROLL PROTECTION LOANS/GRANTS

The CARES Act modifies section 7(a) of the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program to allow churches, schools, and nonprofits to qualify for such loans.

No personal/corporate officer guarantees are required on these loans.


No fees are required, loan payments can be deferred for six months to a year, the maximum interest rate is 4% and the loan term is 10 years.

A portion or all of this loan will be forgiven if the loan is used to pay employee benefits and payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, interest on prior debt obligations, rent, and utilities. In summary, if the loan amount is used for these purposes, this loan essentially transforms into a grant.

How to analyze this program for your church:

Step #1: Discuss with your bank

The SBA is working with local banks to administer this program, and loan funds are limited ($349 billion has been appropriated). We recommend contacting your bank or a participating bank as soon as possible.

Step #2: Calculate the loan amount

The loan amount for most organizations will be 2.5 times their average monthly payroll cost for the year prior to the loan.


Payroll costs (for this loan calculation) include salaries and wages, paid leave, health benefits, retirement benefits, and state and local taxes. Payroll costs exclude federal payroll taxes, salaries in excess of $100,000, and leave benefits that qualify for reimbursement under other relief measures (for example, reimbursement of payroll expenses for COVID-19 related leave). Also, note that housing allowances are probably not included in payroll costs.

For example, if ABC Church paid a total of $240,000 in qualifying payroll costs from March of 2019 to February of 2020 and averaged $20,000.00 ($240,000/12 = $20,000) in payroll costs each month, the loan amount would be: $20,000 x 2.5 = $50,000.00.

Step #3: Consider the conditions of the program

Participants must certify that current economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 crisis necessitate the loan application.


Participants must certify that the loan amount will be used to fund payroll costs and employee benefits, interest on mortgage obligations, interest on prior debt obligations, rent, and utilities. Currently, there is no explicit statement that prevents a loan participant from being considered a “recipient of federal funds.”

Several faith-based organizations are currently seeking clarification on this issue. Review the loan paperwork carefully for such language and consult with your attorney if you have questions. This is especially important for Christian educational institutions!

Step #4: Calculate the feasibility of maintaining full-time equivalents

The purpose of this loan program is to assist organizations in maintaining their full-time equivalents (“FTEs”; note that two part-time employees working 20 hours each equal one FTE). If ministries do not maintain the 2019 level of FTEs, a portion of the loan must be repaid.

For example, if ABC Church had 4 FTEs in 2019, obtains a loan under this program and then drops to 3 FTEs in 2020, ABC Church must repay 25% (1/4 = 25%) of the loan amount over the 10-year term. The remaining 75% (3 out of 4 FTEs remain) of the loan will be forgiven.

Key provision #2

CHANGES TO CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS

Prior to the CARES Act, individual charitable deductions were limited to 60% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. The CARES Act changed that provision and allows for deductions of up to 100% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. Further, this act increases the deduction limit for corporations from 10% to 25%. Finally, the CARES Act provides for an above-the-line deduction in the amount of $300 for the 2020 tax year. The big takeaway from this change is that major donors may be inclined to give larger gifts in 2020.

Key provision #3

PAYROLL DEFERMENT AND TAX CREDITS

The CARES Act allows churches and nonprofits to defer 50% of the employer’s portion of payroll taxes attributable to 2020 until December 31, 2021, with the remaining 50% due on December 31, 2022. Also, ministries can take advantage of a payroll tax credit of up to $5,000.00 of social security tax liability per employee if particular conditions are met.

Key provision #4

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR MINISTRY WORKERS

The CARES Act also provides funding to states to reimburse nonprofits for up to half of their expenses related to unemployment benefits during 2020. Because many churches do not participate in unemployment programs, it is important to note that church employees who face unemployment due to COVID-19 related issues may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

NOTE/DISCLAIMER

This article is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is being provided to church and ministry leaders with the understanding that the authors are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and the specific application of laws to particular facts requires the advice of an attorney. 

Coronavirus tool kit for pastors and church leaders:

Editor's note: This is a guest post by Josh Irmler and Josh Hershberger. Josh Irmler is a husband, father, team member of the Idea Network, and the lead pastor of Fresno Church. Josh Hershberger is an attorney, minister, speaker, and the executive director and general counsel for The Good Citizen Project.

VIDEO transcript

(Scroll for more)

If COVID-19 is teaching us anything it’s that the church is not a building. 

In Acts 8:1–4 and 11:9 persecution came to the church and it was forced to disperse. But through this, more people were saved, more disciples were raised up, and more churches were planted. So what was a challenge and an obstacle ended up being an incredible opportunity for the early church.

In much the same way, while the effects of COVID-19 may be challenging, this season may in fact, also be the greatest opportunity of our generation to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ!

One element to come out of this season is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.

Here are four key provisions of the CARES Act relevant to church and ministry leaders:

Key provision #1

PAYROLL PROTECTION LOANS/GRANTS

The CARES Act modifies section 7(a) of the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program to allow churches, schools, and nonprofits to qualify for such loans.

No personal/corporate officer guarantees are required on these loans.


No fees are required, loan payments can be deferred for six months to a year, the maximum interest rate is 4% and the loan term is 10 years.

A portion or all of this loan will be forgiven if the loan is used to pay employee benefits and payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, interest on prior debt obligations, rent, and utilities. In summary, if the loan amount is used for these purposes, this loan essentially transforms into a grant.

How to analyze this program for your church:

Step #1: Discuss with your bank

The SBA is working with local banks to administer this program, and loan funds are limited ($349 billion has been appropriated). We recommend contacting your bank or a participating bank as soon as possible.

Step #2: Calculate the loan amount

The loan amount for most organizations will be 2.5 times their average monthly payroll cost for the year prior to the loan.


Payroll costs (for this loan calculation) include salaries and wages, paid leave, health benefits, retirement benefits, and state and local taxes. Payroll costs exclude federal payroll taxes, salaries in excess of $100,000, and leave benefits that qualify for reimbursement under other relief measures (for example, reimbursement of payroll expenses for COVID-19 related leave). Also, note that housing allowances are probably not included in payroll costs.

For example, if ABC Church paid a total of $240,000 in qualifying payroll costs from March of 2019 to February of 2020 and averaged $20,000.00 ($240,000/12 = $20,000) in payroll costs each month, the loan amount would be: $20,000 x 2.5 = $50,000.00.

Step #3: Consider the conditions of the program

Participants must certify that current economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 crisis necessitate the loan application.


Participants must certify that the loan amount will be used to fund payroll costs and employee benefits, interest on mortgage obligations, interest on prior debt obligations, rent, and utilities. Currently, there is no explicit statement that prevents a loan participant from being considered a “recipient of federal funds.”

Several faith-based organizations are currently seeking clarification on this issue. Review the loan paperwork carefully for such language and consult with your attorney if you have questions. This is especially important for Christian educational institutions!

Step #4: Calculate the feasibility of maintaining full-time equivalents

The purpose of this loan program is to assist organizations in maintaining their full-time equivalents (“FTEs”; note that two part-time employees working 20 hours each equal one FTE). If ministries do not maintain the 2019 level of FTEs, a portion of the loan must be repaid.

For example, if ABC Church had 4 FTEs in 2019, obtains a loan under this program and then drops to 3 FTEs in 2020, ABC Church must repay 25% (1/4 = 25%) of the loan amount over the 10-year term. The remaining 75% (3 out of 4 FTEs remain) of the loan will be forgiven.

Key provision #2

CHANGES TO CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS

Prior to the CARES Act, individual charitable deductions were limited to 60% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. The CARES Act changed that provision and allows for deductions of up to 100% of an individual’s adjusted gross income. Further, this act increases the deduction limit for corporations from 10% to 25%. Finally, the CARES Act provides for an above-the-line deduction in the amount of $300 for the 2020 tax year. The big takeaway from this change is that major donors may be inclined to give larger gifts in 2020.

Key provision #3

PAYROLL DEFERMENT AND TAX CREDITS

The CARES Act allows churches and nonprofits to defer 50% of the employer’s portion of payroll taxes attributable to 2020 until December 31, 2021, with the remaining 50% due on December 31, 2022. Also, ministries can take advantage of a payroll tax credit of up to $5,000.00 of social security tax liability per employee if particular conditions are met.

Key provision #4

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR MINISTRY WORKERS

The CARES Act also provides funding to states to reimburse nonprofits for up to half of their expenses related to unemployment benefits during 2020. Because many churches do not participate in unemployment programs, it is important to note that church employees who face unemployment due to COVID-19 related issues may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

NOTE/DISCLAIMER

This article is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is being provided to church and ministry leaders with the understanding that the authors are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and the specific application of laws to particular facts requires the advice of an attorney. 

Coronavirus tool kit for pastors and church leaders:

Editor's note: This is a guest post by Josh Irmler and Josh Hershberger. Josh Irmler is a husband, father, team member of the Idea Network, and the lead pastor of Fresno Church. Josh Hershberger is an attorney, minister, speaker, and the executive director and general counsel for The Good Citizen Project.

AUTHOR
Category
Church Growth
Publish date
April 1, 2020
Author
Category

The CARES Act: 4 Must-Know Provisions for Churches

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