Tax-Exempt Certificate: When and How to Use It

Crosspoint Church is a tax-exempt organization and may make qualifying purchases without paying sales tax when using the official Tax-Exempt Certificate.

State of Florida: DOCUMENT HERE

Payment Method Requirement

Tax-exempt purchases must follow strict payment guidelines to remain compliant:

  • Cash may never be used for tax-exempt purchases
  • Only approved church payment methods (church credit card or church check) may be used
  • Personal funds may not be used for tax-exempt purchases under any circumstance 

Purchases made with cash or personal funds are not eligible for tax-exempt treatment and will be treated as non-compliant.

When to Use the Tax-Exempt Certificate

The Tax-Exempt Certificate should be used when making purchases on behalf of Crosspoint Church that directly support ministry activities.

Common examples include:

  • Ministry supplies
  • Office supplies
  • Equipment and furniture
  • Ministry-related merchandise for resale or distribution 

Purchases That Should NOT Include Sales Tax


  • Merchandise purchased for ministry use or resale
  • Operational supplies and materials
  • Equipment and approved budgeted purchases 

Ministries are expected to not pay sales tax on these types of purchases when the certificate is properly provided.

Food Purchases – Important Distinction

Food purchases vary depending on the type of transaction:

  • Catering or large food orders (events, conferences, group meals):
  • → Typically tax-exempt when the certificate is provided
  • Individual or small food purchases (restaurants, fast food):
  • → Sales tax is often charged and generally acceptable 

When possible, vendors should be asked whether the tax-exempt certificate will be accepted prior to purchase.

How to Use the Certificate

  • Provide the Tax-Exempt Certificate to the vendor at the time of purchase
  • Some vendors may require the form to be completed or kept on file
  • For frequent vendors, the certificate should be submitted and kept on file
  • Online vendors may require submission of the certificate in advance 

Important Guidelines

  • The certificate may only be used for official church purchases
  • The certificate may not be used for personal purchases under any circumstance
  • Not all vendors are required to accept tax-exempt certificates; contact the Business Office if clarification is needed
  • Some companies may require an updated version of the certificate; the most current form should be printed from this page or requested from the Operations team 

Reimbursement Policy

Sales tax paid on purchases that should have been tax-exempt will not be reimbursed. Use of the Tax-Exempt Certificate at the time of purchase is expected whenever applicable.


Where to Find the Certificate

The current Tax-Exempt Certificate is attached to this page for download and use.

Questions

For questions or assistance, contact: Accountant Accounts Payable