Question: Can we require a pastor to retire at a certain age? Answer: When it comes to non-pastors, there are many rules about age discrimination. For pastors, the rules are different. Based on legal precedent, the church has been exempt from EEOC discrimination claims when it comes...
Question: An employee let us know they changed their name. What documentation do we need, and what changes do we need to make? Answered by the HR Experts: When an employee informs you that they’ve changed their name, it’s important to handle the update properly—both to...
Question: We’d like to start giving cost of living raises to employees on their anniversary dates. What’s the best way to calculate these pay increases? Answered by the HR Experts: When the information is available, employers typically use the consumer price index (CPI) to calculate cost...
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service highlighted several resources to help taxpayers who missed the April 2025 federal income tax return filing deadline and owe taxes, interest and penalties. Taxpayers who owe taxes should file their tax return and pay as soon as they can. Interest and penalties will continue...
Question: An employee says that the stress of the job is affecting their mental health. How should we handle this? Answered by the HR Experts: This employee may just need to talk through their concerns and get your help prioritizing or delegating. They may, for example,...
Question: "A longtime employee forged a timesheet. We've terminated others for this. Do we have to do the same?" Answer: Yes, otherwise you leave yourself open to significant risk. This is a tricky situation many ministries face: balancing the need for consistent policies with the desire...
Question: I read that FMLA entitles eligible employees to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. What does “job-protected” mean? Answered by the HR Experts: When a leave of absence is “job-protected”, you can’t terminate or demote the employee, or take away any benefit they earned or...
Understanding the New Federal Tax Law on Tips and Overtime: What Employers Need to Know and How to Prepare The federal income tax exemption for tips and overtime pay—part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed on July 3, 2025—is not just a policy...
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB Act), signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, introduces broad revisions to federal tax law—impacting individuals, employers, and payroll practices nationwide. Here’s a summary of key major tax changes you need to know: 🔒 Individual Income...
Question: One of our employees interviewed a candidate today and emailed me afterwards. He was impressed by the candidate, but grew concerned after the candidate mentioned having social anxiety. He wondered whether the anxiety could affect the candidate’s ability to do the job. I reminded...