A church organization is a branch of a church, including: a men’s or women’s group, a religious school, a mission society, or a youth group.

For tax purposes, a “church” may refer to any organization claiming to be a church or any convention or association of churches. The word “church” also includes temples, mosques, and other houses of worship. To be considered a church for tax purposes, a group must be part of an organized religion, must have a mission statement, and must be formally organized as a distinct legal entity. Certain characteristics are generally ascribed to churches. They include:

• A distinct legal existence and religious history
• A familiar creed, form of worship, and literature of its own
• A definite and distinct ecclesiastical government including a formal code of doctrine and discipline
• An organization of ordained ministers, selected after completing set courses of study
• Established places of worship with regular congregations, religious services, and/or religious instruction for members