Enhancing Our Ministries, Stretch The Budget

by Lisa P. Sierk, Director of Endowment Ministries
LSierk@rrumc.org | 216.926.1702

by Lisa P. Sierk, Philanthropic Advisor, Director of Endowment Ministries

A Guide to Using Our Tax-Exempt Status

Every dollar we spend on sales tax is a dollar that could have gone toward our ministries. Please remember that Rocky River United Methodist Church (RRUMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is exempt from paying state sales tax on most purchases. When we all use this benefit, we can stretch our budget and best leverage the vital funding for our important work.

Why It Matters

When you make a purchase on behalf of RRUMC, paying sales tax is often an unnecessary expense. By providing our Sales Tax-Exempt Certificate at the time of purchase, you ensure that 100% of the funds are used for appropriate ministry expenses.

Our Updated Reimbursement Policy

To encourage fiscal responsibility and maximize our resources, please note the following policy regarding expense reimbursements:

RRUMC will only reimburse the net cost of purchased items. We will not reimburse the sales tax paid on purchases when our tax-exempt status could be applied.

If you choose to pay sales tax out-of-pocket, that portion of the expense will be considered a personal contributionand will not be included in your reimbursement check.

How to Make a Tax-Exempt Purchase

• Get the Certificate
  Pick up a physical copy from the church office or request a digital copy by emailing Lisa Sierk at lsierk@rrumc.org.

• Present at Checkout
  Before the cashier begins scanning items (or at the “Review” stage of online checkout), notify the vendor that the purchase is tax-exempt.

• Verify the Receipt
  Ensure the tax line shows $0.00 before finalizing the payment.

• Submit for Reimbursement
  Attach your itemized receipt as usual.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Lisa Sierk at lsierk@rrumc.org or 216.926.1702 (call or text).

THANK YOU!
Your attention to these details allows us to better leverage our funds and focus on our mission to help people meet Jesus Christ in the midst of their story.