Q: The Church & Clergy Tax Guide says that a pastoral housing allowance is not subject to Social Security tax if the minister receiving it is retired. I am retired, but I am paid a housing allowance while serving part-time as an associate pastor in my...
Tithing, the practice of donating a portion of one’s income to a religious organization, is a common tradition in many faiths. While tithing fulfills spiritual obligations, it also has potential tax implications that can be beneficial for taxpayers. Here’s a detailed look at how tithing...
Question: How do you address a staff member whose actions don't align with your spiritual expectations? Answer: As a ministry, you want to extend grace, which is crucial, but also uphold your core values. Your Staff Lifestyle Agreement is the most valuable tool in situations such...
Burnout is a serious issue in the ministry world, often leading to high turnover as staff seek relief from the exhaustion of their demanding roles. The relentless nature of ministry can leave staff feeling emotionally and physically drained, however, offering extended breaks like sabbaticals can...
Employees vs. Independent Contractors: What Ministries Need to Know Religious ministries frequently engage independent contractors for various services, including musicians, athletic coaches, and other specialized roles. However, proper classifications of workers is crucial to ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws. Misclassification can lead...
Question: When and how do I pay employees that travel? Answer: It depends! Paying employees for travel time depends on the type of travel and their work schedule. Here’s a quick breakdown to help guide you: Home-to-Work Travel: Regular commuting to an employee’s usual worksite—like driving...
When a church provides a health care allowance to its pastor, the tax implications can vary based on how the allowance is structured. Here’s a detailed explanation: Direct Payments to the Pastor: If the church pays a health care allowance directly to the pastor to cover...
Crafting compensation packages for church pastors is a process distinctly different from setting salaries and benefits in the for-profit sector. What is Social Security Allowance? A Social Security allowance is an additional payment made by churches to clergy to help cover their Social Security tax burden....
Honoraria income for clergy refers to payments received for services where a set fee is not legally or traditionally required. These services often include weddings, funerals, baptisms, and guest speaking engagements. Here are some key points to understand: Definition and Nature Honorarium: A voluntary payment...
If you missed a quarterly estimated tax payment, here are some steps you can take: Make the Payment as Soon as Possible: Even if it’s late, making it as soon as possible will help reduce any potential penalties and interest. The IRS may charge a penalty for...