Clergy Tax Facts

Avoiding and Coping with the IRS

BUILD A TRAIL
When you sit down with your information at the end of the year and determine the numbers you are going to deduct, take one extra step: Build an audit trail from the numbers in your return to the supporting details.

USE CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
You should mail your tax return by certified mail with return receipt requested. If the Postal Service loses your return, this is proof that you mailed it.

MAKE SURE IRS CAN READ YOUR RETURN
An illegible tax return creates the impression of sloppiness and increases your chances of undesirable contact with the IRS.

DON'T CLAIM UNALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS
Make sure that you do not claim a deduction that is not allowable. For example, claiming sales taxes as an itemized deduction put IRS on notice that you are unaware on the new rules.

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
IRS programs its computer to flag your return when you fail to answer the questions on Form 1040.

ENGAGE A COMPETENT PREPARER
The IRS keeps a list of all tax preparers including those on a black list, "problem preparers".

MATHEMATICAL ACCURACY
Before you mail your return, check the math a final time. Math errors get the attention of the IRS