When churches want to express appreciation to their pastors or staff—especially around holidays or ministry milestones—gift certificates often seem like a simple, generous solution. However, under U.S. tax law, gift certificates given by a church to its employees are almost always taxable, regardless of intent. Understanding why requires looking at how the IRS classifies employer‑provided gifts to employees, including clergy.
Churches frequently assume that a gift certificate given “out of appreciation” or “as a blessing” can be treated as a nontaxable gift. According to IRS rules:
- A gift given by an employer—including a church—cannot be considered a tax‑free “gift” if it represents compensation for services, even if it is labeled as a gift.
- Since 1987, federal law has explicitly stated that employer gifts do not qualify as tax‑free gifts, with only very narrow exceptions for inexpensive, non‑cash items.
This means that when a church gives a staff member a gift certificate, the IRS treats it as taxable income, not a personal gift.
IRS guidance clarifies that cash, checks, gift cards, and gift certificates—regardless of amount—are always taxable to the employee.
- This applies even if:
- The amount is small
- The church describes it as a “love gift”
- It is given during Pastor Appreciation Month
- It is meant as a benevolence gesture
Gift cards and gift certificates are never treated as de minimis (trivial) fringe benefits because they can be exchanged for cash or used like cash.
For pastors and ministers (clergy):
- “Love gifts,” bonuses, and gift certificates must be included on the minister’s Form W‑2 as taxable income.
- Ministers do not escape taxation on gift certificates just because they pay SECA tax instead of FICA.
For non‑minister employees:
- Gift certificates must be added to Form W‑2, Box 1 as wages, just like any other employee.
Independent contractors:
- If a church gives a contractor a taxable gift, it must be reported on Form 1099‑NEC, assuming total annual compensation reaches reporting thresholds.
Churches sometimes give financial help or prepaid cards to staff experiencing hardship. While benevolent gifts given directly to non‑employees may be nontaxable, gifts to staff members usually are not.
- Benevolence given to employees—even for legitimate needs—is generally considered taxable compensation and must be reported on the W‑2.
This is because a church, as an employer, cannot provide tax‑free financial benefit to someone who performs services for it.
The only time a staff gift may be nontaxable is when it meets the IRS standard for a de minimis fringe benefit:
- Low-value
- Infrequent
- Non‑cash
- Not a gift card, certificate, or anything convertible to money
Examples that are usually non‑taxable:
- A fruit basket
- A holiday ham or turkey
- Flowers
- A mug or book
Gift certificates never qualify for this exception.
Gift certificates given by a church to its staff—whether clergy or non‑clergy—are taxable income under federal law. While churches may intend these as tokens of appreciation, the IRS treats all cash‑equivalent gifts as compensation for services.
Best Practice:
If a church wants to give a non‑taxable appreciation gift, it must choose a tangible, low‑value item that cannot be redeemed for cash.
If a church wants to give a taxable gift (like a certificate), that’s perfectly legal—just ensure it is properly added to the employee’s W‑2 at year‑end.
Original content by clergyfinancial.com. This information is provided with the understanding that Payroll Partners is not rendering legal, human resources, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from a lawyer, HR consultant or other professional.
