Group's study of housing allowance, love offerings could impact churches

Jan 19, 2011
 by Michael Foust

WASHINGTON (BP)--In a move that could have a major impact on the tax status of churches and pastors nationwide, an independent national commission of religious and financial experts will review several church-related tax issues -- such as the limitations of the pastoral housing allowance and the IRS' power to investigate churches -- and issue its recommendations to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley.

The commission, formed by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) at the request of Grassley, will examine church-related tax issues in the wake of a mostly unsuccessful Grassley investigation into the financial records of six television ministries, most of whom have ties to what is known as the "health and wealth gospel." At least some of them have been accused of using donor money to live luxurious lifestyles. the rest