contributions

[mocat]

want to make sure this is proper procedure
we got a refund check for sales tax, when entering it in contributions, should we set up a new contribution fund number and then in fund accounting set up an account number for sales tax refunds under an income account?
Also got a contribution for Missions 4 Jesus. We set up a contribution fund number for Missions 4 Jesus
and under fund accounting set up account number under missions for Missions 4 Jesus as an expense
account. When we run reports it doesn't show up.

[NeilZ]

want to make sure this is proper procedure
we got a refund check for sales tax, when entering it in contributions, should we set up a new contribution fund number and then in fund accounting set up an account number for sales tax refunds under an income account?
Also got a contribution for Missions 4 Jesus. We set up a contribution fund number for Missions 4 Jesus
and under fund accounting set up account number under missions for Missions 4 Jesus as an expense
account. When we run reports it doesn't show up.

in the first situation, I would NOT enter this via contributions. This sounds like something that needs to be done entirely in Funds Accounting. Since this is a refund, you must have already paid out the tax,thus you have an account that was charged this tax. You need to show the refund in that account, as well as your checking account.

In the second situation, not knowing what 'Missions 4 Jesus' is but it sounds like an external (to the church) ministry, I would have created a Pass Through account.

That said, which reports are you running that the account does not show up in ??

[mocat]

we are new to power church need step by step instructions.
How to setup pass-thru contributions.
When entering sales tax refund in fund accounting and not entering in contributions
Is power church set to run from Jan to Dec.? and can you change to run from Sept to
Aug. without having to run new set-up.

[NeilZ]

we are new to power church need step by step instructions.
How to setup pass-thru contributions.
When entering sales tax refund in fund accounting and not entering in contributions
Is power church set to run from Jan to Dec.? and can you change to run from Sept to
Aug. without having to run new set-up.

I'm sorry to say that trying to do this by forum is not a good idea, especially since every situation is different and trying to use a one size .. fits all answer doesn't often work.

My advice is to take a good look at the Powerchurch manual. The manual can assist you in setting up such accounts.

That said, I would get with your bookeeper/accountant and get advice on how to enter such refunds directly into funds accounting. Again, the reason I believe it should be done this way is due to the fact that you are getting a refund, which implies that you had already paid the tax out of an expense account. The money you get back is not a contribution, nor is it 'new money', it is money that the church had already received via a contribution, spent, and is now getting back.

During your accounting setup you should have decided what your accounting year is, the default is January to December, but you can change this if your starting month changes. I would consult with an accountant who understands funds accounting before you do this however.