In December we notified you of several new procedures to begin January 1, 2019. (Click here to read those details.) As we continued working with our CPA and tax attorneys throughout December, we were able to find solutions to alleviate some of the changes. Please review the following information and contact our office if you have questions.
Update for Non-Resident Aliens (Non-US Citizens)
We have learned the requirement to withhold 30% in taxes on US source income paid to Non-Resident Alien missionaries (NRAs) only applies when the individual is present in the United States. Therefore, no withholding will be taken while missionaries are overseas. Because of this change, there is no longer a need to have a single pay date each month for all NRAs. Missionaries will continue to receive funds on their regular schedule.
Our CPA still encourages NRAs to have their ministry recognized as a foreign non-profit organization (FNPO), as this will provide greater protection to World Wide and to the individual missionary.
We request that all NRAs notify the Office in advance of any travel to the United States so that we can be prepared to comply with IRS regulations. In addition, there are visa stipulations for those conducting ministry while in the US. Travel to the US under the wrong visa status could impact others within the World Wide family, as Homeland Security looks to us to ensure those associated with us are in the US legally. Thank you for helping us with this so we can remain in compliance!
Update on Payments to Individuals
WWNTBM recognizes that part of the ministry the Lord has called you to may include assisting individuals on the field, whether by giving charitable assistance to those in need or by paying a salary to a secretary or assistant pastor. Unfortunately, these situations can create employment and tax issues both in the US and on the field.
When missionaries pay any form of compensation to an individual in exchange for services rendered for their business (ministry), WWNTBM becomes the de facto employer of the individual. WWNTBM is then liable for employment laws and for issuing tax documents to the recipient. We have learned the requirement to withhold 30% in taxes for compensation paid to non-resident aliens (non-US citizens) only applies if they are in the US. However, due to the other difficulties created with compensating NRAs, missionaries may not list salaries (i.e., any compensation for services rendered) as reimbursable expenses on their MFRs, except those for individuals who have been previously approved by our Executive Board, (e.g., their spouse or children.)
Please click here to review information on Payments to Individuals and the changes that will apply as of January 1, 2019.
Foreign Non-Profit Organization Status
Thank you to those who have begun the process to register your ministry as a Foreign Non-Profit Organization (FNPO.) We realize this takes a lot of time to gather the necessary documents. If you have an FNPO and have not yet started the process of obtaining this recognition with our CPA, we recommend beginning this as soon as possible. Please contact Laura or Naomi with any questions you may have.