Parish & School Finance

The Office of Parish & School Finance assists and monitors church parishes and schools in the stewardship of finances.
 
The main goal of the Lafayette Diocese’s Parish & School Finance Office is to provide the necessary support for those who oversee the financial operations on the parish and school level.  The Parish & School Finance staff is comprised of an Internal Auditor and Trainer, and five Senior Accounting Clerks who bring a combined 125 years of experience to the team.  It is the duty of these individuals to work closely with the parish and school bookkeepers—and other financial representatives — and guide them in complying with the accounting practices, policies, and procedures that have been established by the diocese.
 
The Parish & School Finance Office provides training to all diocesan priests, parish and school bookkeepers, and office personnel to help them achieve a full understanding of these methods.  These training sessions may be offered through group settings, or through individual support as needed.
 
To further assist the parishes and schools, representatives of the Parish & School Finance Office also conduct monthly reviews to help the locations maintain the most accurate level of financial reporting.

1. How do I know if a person is an employee or Independent Contractor?
A number of facts need to be considered in deciding whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.  Three main categories determine this: behavioral control; financial control; and relationship of the parties.  Further information can be obtained at: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1779.pdf.
 
2. Should I wait for Parish Finance to close a month before I send my assessment check in?
No, assessment checks are due the 15th of the following month whether a month has been closed or not.
 
3. Who do I make the Priest’s retirement check to?
Priest Welfare Trust
 
4. When should Priest Retirement check be sent to Priests’ Welfare Trust?
Check should be sent on the 1st of the month.

5. When should the Priest’s Health Insurance be paid to the Diocese?
Check should be sent on the 1st of the month.
 
6. If a Priest is in a parish for only part of a month, who is responsible for his Retirement and Health Insurance payment?
Whatever church the priest is assigned to on the 1st of the month is responsible for full payment of both.
 
7. Is my parish tax exempt?
A parish is exempt from Federal and State Income Taxes but is subject to sales tax. 
 
8. Should I pay sales tax on my gift shop?
Yes, any item sold is subject to sales tax. http://www.revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/business/sales.aspx#sales
 
9. Should I pay use tax on any item I buy if sales tax is not charged?
Yes, you should fill out a sales tax return and send the return and check to the State of Louisiana.
http://www.revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/business/sales.aspx#sales
 
10. How do I register for sales tax?
You can go to the Department of Revenue website for the State of Louisiana to register.
http://revenue.louisiana.gov/forms/taxforms/16019(5_08)F.pdf

• May 2017:  Parish Remittance Form has been revised to include Collective Intentions.