A common method for determining the fair rental value of clergy housing is using a fixed percentage, like 12%-15% of the current home value. However, this method may be inaccurate. The IRS and tax courts typically recommend using methods such as the comparable fair rental...
Ministry dues can qualify as a professional expense under the Internal Revenue Code if they meet certain criteria. According to the Internal Revenue Code and relevant regulations and rulings, the deductibility of such expenses depends on whether they are considered ordinary and necessary business expenses. ...
When your board declares your annual clergy housing allowance, they must declare a specific dollar amount or percent as the housing allowance. The designation must be made in advance of the payment. A general declaration that you have a housing allowance without naming a specific...
There is an appeal process for being denied the 4361 minister exemption. If a minister, member of a religious order, or Christian Science practitioner is denied the exemption from self-employment tax under section 1402(e), they have the right to an administrative review and appeal process. Initial...
California youth service organizations are now required to comply with newly amended regulations under California Penal Code §11105.3 which builds upon the foundation of California Business and Professions Code §18975 (AB 506). Key legislative changes include: Mandatory national (FBI) criminal history checks Annually signed waivers authorizing...
Most churches will issue a Form W-2 to a minister for their compensation if the minister is considered an employee of the church. The determination of whether a minister is an employee or an independent contractor is crucial in deciding whether to issue Form W-2...
Giving gifts to our employees can be one of the best ways to express our gratitude for a job well done. On the other hand, the laws surrounding what we give (and to whom) can make it a tricky business. Yes, it’s unfortunate that our...
Question: Our minister would like to increase his housing allowance due to higher expenses than expected. Can our board amend it? Answer: Yes, your church can amend the housing allowance, but you must pay attention to the following rules: Proper authorization: The amended housing allowance...
Clergy are subject to self-employment tax because their earnings from ministerial services are considered self-employment income under the Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA). This classification is based on several key provisions and interpretations of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. Definition of Net Earnings from...
It isn’t a question of if your staff is experiencing burnout, but how many of them are already burnt out. Most people don’t even know it. They think they don’t have time to look closely and deal with it; they ignore warning signs, writing them off...