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Summary
Occasionally Reliant missionaries (both employed and associate missionaries) are given gift cards by ministry donors, their local church, or even by people they are ministering to. However, both legal and ethical factors govern the use of gift cards, and so our missionaries must be aware of specific standards.
Some gift cards are required be sent to Reliant for processing as anonymous gift. Others likely do not have to be submitted—e.g. a card under $100 sent at Christmas. Required details are below.
Reason for Policy
Missionaries receiving gift cards can be an administrative and ethical challenge. For example, the IRS has rules regarding gift cards because it can be seen as income (de minimis fringe benefits) . For Reliant specifically we note that:
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Gift cards given to a missionary for the performance of work would be taxable. However, the majority of gift cards are given for reasons other than the performance of work. Instead they’re given out of affection, respect, admiration, or as a show of goodwill towards the missionary.
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Gift Cards That May Be Kept By Missionary
"ELIGIBLE"A gift card that meets all the above criteria and therefore may be kept by the Reliant missionary. Goodwill Gift vs Ministry GiftThe following are examples of how some common attributes that might demonstrate affection and goodwill gifts (which might be kept), versus a ministry motivation for giving the gift card (which should be sent to Reliant)
Family Member Who is Also a DonorIf the gift card is given to the staff by a donor who is also a family member or a very close friend, and the donor (family member/close friend) would likely have given the same gift card regardless of the Reliant missionary’s employment in ministry, then the gift card may be kept by the employee without submitting it to Reliant and does not fall under this policy. Gift Cards Given by a Missionary’s Local Church or Another Church/Ministry
Gift Cards That Must Be Turned In To Reliant
Treatment of Gift Cards Turned In To ReliantAll gift cards that are turned in to Reliant by missionaries will be recorded as a charitable contribution to Reliant under the category of "anonymous donor".
As with all Reliant policies, if a missionary has any questions they can ask their supervisor or contact the Reliant office. |