The Office of Finance serves the Diocese of Madison by ensuring careful stewardship of the Church’s financial resources. Our team provides the technical expertise, resources, and guidance needed to support parishes, schools, and diocesan offices in managing both daily operations and long-term planning.
Led by the Diocesan Finance Officer, the office oversees the overall financial strategy for the Diocese and its affiliates. This includes investments, risk management, tax compliance, external financial reporting, and the administration of the priest pension plan. We also manage key operational functions such as accounting, treasury management, budgeting, auditing, payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
By combining sound financial practices with a spirit of service, we work to protect the temporal goods of the Church and ensure they are used effectively to advance the mission of the Gospel.
The Diocese of Madison and all its parishes are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).
The IRS Group Exemption Number 0928 has been issued to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), whereby the Diocese of Madison and its subordinate organizations (parishes) are recognized as non-profit organizations. Accordingly, donors may deduct contributions to parishes (and schools) as provided in Section 170 of the Code. Subordinate organizations under the Group Exemption do not receive individual exemption letters (sometimes referred to as a determination letter). Donors may verify that a subordinate organization is included in the group exemption by referring to the Official Catholic Directory or contacting the USCCB.
Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statue 187.19, parish corporations are a non-stock, not-for-profit business organization.
A parish corporation should use its own Employer Identification Number (EIN) when submitting forms to the taxing authorities, not the EIN of the USCCB.