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Clergy Tax Facts |
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Clergy Dual Status
Employment and Tax Status of Clergy - Download |
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Employment Status for Other Tax Purposes
Even though for social security tax purposes, you are considered a self-employed individual in performing your ministerial services, you may be considered an employee for income tax or retirement plan purposes. For income tax or retirement plan purposes, some of your income may be considered self-employment income and other income may be considered wages.
Common-law employee. Under common law rules, you are considered either an employee or a self-employed person depending on all the facts and circumstances. Generally, you are an employee if your employer has the legal
right to control both what you do and how you do it, even if you have considerable discretion and freedom of action.
If you are employed by a congregation for a salary, you are generally a common-law employee and income from the exercise of your ministry is considered wages for income tax purposes. However, amounts received directly from members of
the congregation, such as fees for performing marriages, baptisms, or other personal services, are considered self-employment income.
Example.
A church hires and pays you a salary to perform ministerial services subject to its control. Under the common-law rules, you are an employee of the church while performing those services.
Employee
For services provided to hiring entity (Church, Conferences, etc.)
Self-Employed
For services provided to other than the hiring entity (i.e. weddings, funerals, baptisms)
Using the wrong classification can lead to some big tax bills and leave you vulnerable to huge penalties and interest for the unpaid payroll taxes. So do the right thing for your church and make sure you properly classify your staff, and then follow through with the proper tax obligations. When it comes to the IRS, doing it right the first time is the key to fewer tax headaches.
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Get a better understanding of U.S. tax laws as they relate to pastors and churches with the Church & Clergy Tax Guide |
Every church and its employees want to feel confident that their compensation plan is reasonable and fair. |
To accomplish your church's mission and vision for ministry you need to effectively manage your church's finances |
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Clergy should not view this information as a substitute for professional advice. This information is subject to change, due to administrative rulings or interpretations and or technical corrections by the IRS. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent clergy tax professional person should be sought.
