Expert guides on business formation, nonprofit compliance, church incorporation, and more — written by Dawn Hardwick, DLB Consulting Group.
Many churches unknowingly misclassify their pastor — triggering IRS penalties. Learn pastor dual tax status (SECA vs FICA), the housing allowance, Form 941 requirements, common church payroll mistakes, and everything your ministry needs to stay compliant in 2026.
Bylaws are the legal backbone of every nonprofit — and the IRS requires them for 501(c)(3) status. Learn the 10 required sections every nonprofit needs, church-specific governance considerations, sample conflict of interest policy language, and the 5 most common mistakes that trigger IRS delays or rejections.
One decision could save you thousands in taxes every year. Most small business owners overpay self-employment taxes because they never evaluated the S Corp election. Here's the real tax math, when to make the switch, and how to file Form 2553 — explained simply by a 35-year Fortune 500 payroll veteran.
Most nonprofits fail not because of a bad mission — but because of weak governance. Learn how many board members you need, what each role does, IRS fiduciary duties, church-specific rules, meeting requirements, and the 5 most common mistakes that trigger IRS scrutiny.
A complete guide for pastors and faith leaders on how to start a church legally in 2026 — from choosing a name and incorporating with your state, to obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, drafting bylaws, opening a bank account, and meeting ongoing compliance obligations.
Miss the Form 990 deadline and your nonprofit risks losing its 501(c)(3) status automatically. Complete step-by-step guide: which version to file, 2026 deadlines, required schedules, common IRS red flags, and when to hire help.
Choosing the wrong IRS form can delay your church's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by 6–12 months. Learn the exact difference between Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ, who qualifies for the short form, cost breakdown ($275 vs $600), and the 5 signs you need the full application.
Churches get broad federal exemptions — but UBIT, property tax, and sales tax rules vary. Here's what pastors get wrong and how to protect your church.
Housing allowance, SECA taxes, W-2 vs. 1099 — clergy payroll is unlike any other. Here's what your church needs to get right before writing the first check.
IRS Form 1023 approval can take 6–12 months — but churches and small nonprofits that qualify for Form 1023-EZ can get approved in as little as 2–4 weeks. Here's the full breakdown: which form to file, the 7 documents you need, common rejection reasons, and a month-by-month timeline.
Church bylaws are your ministry's rulebook — and the IRS requires 501(c)(3) organizations to have them on file. Learn all 10 required sections, the common mistakes that trigger IRS rejections, and how to protect your tax-exempt status.
Most new business owners don't realize their personal credit score doesn't help them get a business loan. Here are 8 foundational steps to build a business credit profile — separate from your personal credit — that opens doors to loans, vendor terms, and government contracts.
You filed your LLC. Now the state is asking for a 'registered agent.' Here's what that means — what they do day-to-day, whether you can be your own, and how to choose the right service for your business or church in 2026.
The penalty for missing your BOI filing can reach $591 per day. Learn exactly what civil and criminal consequences apply, who is at risk, whether any extensions exist, and the step-by-step process to get back in compliance today.
Your church is changing lives — but the IRS still wants a report. Learn which Form 990 your organization needs, the auto-revocation trap that ends 501(c)(3) status, and how to file correctly in 2026.
Learn how to write a business plan step by step. DLB Consulting Group breaks down all 8 core sections — executive summary to financial projections — with tips to avoid the most common mistakes.
Everything faith leaders, community organizers, and mission-driven founders need to know to form a nonprofit and apply for 501(c)(3) status.
You started making money on the side — now someone's asking if you have an LLC. Here's the real difference between LLC and sole proprietorship: liability, taxes, banking, and when to make the move.
An EIN is your business's federal tax ID — and most businesses need one. Here's what it is, who needs it, and how to get one free in minutes from the IRS.
Before a bank, government agency, or major corporation agrees to do business with you, they're going to check one number. It's not your credit score. It's your D-U-N-S number. Here's how to get it.
Every LLC and corporation is required by law to have a registered agent. Learn what they do, who qualifies, and how to protect your privacy.
Most people spend months thinking about starting a business. The ones who actually do it follow a checklist. Get your LLC, EIN, BOI report, D&B number, and more — done right from day one.
Does your business have a federal filing obligation you don't know about? Learn who must file a Beneficial Ownership Information report with FinCEN, the deadlines, penalties up to $500/day, and how DLB handles it for $199.
Ready to start your business? Follow this 10-step checklist to launch the right way in 2026 — from choosing your structure to getting your first customer. Your complete roadmap from idea to first sale.
Grants can transform your organization — but only if you know how to ask. Master the 7 components of a winning proposal.
The BOI report deadline is here. Learn who must file, what information is required, penalties for non-compliance (up to $500/day), and how DLB Consulting Group can file your BOI report for a flat fee of $199.
Every LLC is required by law to have a registered agent — here's what they do, whether you can serve as your own, and why a professional service protects your privacy and keeps your business in good standing.
Incorporating your church protects you and your leadership from personal liability. Learn the six core steps to establish 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status — from articles of incorporation to IRS approval and ongoing compliance.
Whether you're forming an LLC, incorporating your church, or filing for 501(c)(3) status — DLB Consulting Group is here to handle every detail.