By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor WASHINGTON (LBM) – The Employee Retention Credit is a tax refund that is available to churches who kept employees on the payroll during the pandemic of 2020-21. Initially, eligible employers had to choose between the Paycheck Protection Program or the Employee Retention Credit. Then in 2021 Congress allowed eligible employers to apply for both. So, the two programs can be used together to maximize benefits, but they cannot be used to compensate churches twice for the same wages in any quarter of either 2020 or 2021. Importantly, the PPP was a loan that converted to a grant if certain conditions were met. However, the ERC is a refundable payroll tax credit. The Louisiana Baptist Message has compiled the following information from multiple sources, and it is provided on a general information basis only. Churches should consult with their respective accountants for specific financial advice. ELIGIBILITY The timeframe includes March 13, 2020, through December 31, 2021, if a state mandate was in effect. The following Louisiana proclamations were issued by Governor John Bel Edwards: -- On March 13, 2020, all public gatherings of 250 or more persons were … [Read more...]

By Lexi Rachal, Wildcats Media PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) – Kylee Vanhoof, a senior at Tioga High School in Ball, was awarded the Smith Scholarship for 2023. Vanhoof, who will receive a four-year scholarship that covers tuition and room and board at Louisiana Christian University, won the Jan. 28 competition against 12 other students. All contestants were evaluated by LCU faculty members based on their leadership qualities and Christian character in their written responses and the on-sight interview portion of the competition. The Smith Scholarship began in the 1970s after Tom and Beverly Dunham began an endowment donation to honor Beverly’s mother, Elizabeth Smith. “One of the highlights each year at LCU is the Smith Scholarship competition,” said LCU President Rick Brewer. “These high achieving students are impressive and full of promise for the future. Kylee Vanhoof proved to be the best of the best this year. I am confident Kylee and the other Smith Scholarship contestants will make a significant difference in and out of the classroom over the coming years at Louisiana Christian University.” Vanhoof, a member of First Baptist Church, Pineville, said she was honored to win the Smith Scholarship. “I feel … [Read more...]