Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Week 13: Minister's Taxes
2. Ministers do NOT pay income taxes on housing expenses
a. LIMITATION #1: It must be DESIGNATED IN ADVANCE by the church
b. LIMITATION #2: It is also limited to the "Fair rental value of the house plus utilities
3. However, ministers DO pay Social Security taxes on housing
4. Ministers buying a house also get to take their housing interest as a regular deduction—so called “double dipping.”
Tax preparers can provide assistance by verifying that an individual meets the definition of a minister under IRC section 107 and by maintaining adequate documentation to ensure that valid housing-allowance claims are upheld. This information can also aid those serving on church boards or as advisors to churches. These preparers can enhance tax-law compliance by educating church leaders and employees on the requirements of IRC section 107 and by providing advice in cases where an employee’s right to a housing allowance is less clear.
Application of IRC Section 107
IRC section 107 allows a tax-free housing benefit for a “minister of the gospel” in two situations. First, the employer can allow the minister to live rent-free in a home (parsonage) owned by the church. The minister can exclude this benefit from gross income up to the home’s fair rental value. The value of the parsonage must be clearly distinguished from other compensation, and includes items such as furniture, insurance, utilities, and taxes.
If a parsonage is not provided to the minister, a nontaxable housing allowance can be provided so that the minister can rent or buy a home. This is the option used most frequently. It provides ministers with the freedom to choose their preferred type of housing. The allowance covers items such as mortgage payments (principal and interest), insurance, repairs, utilities, and other expenses to keep the home in working order.
Week 13: Ministers Taxes
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Week 12: Learning Leadership
Week 13 singleness and Ministry
Week 13 Singleness and Ministry
5 items I intend to practice to avoid sexual impurity and impropriety in thought, words and deed
1. I will tell my wife, the same day, if another woman begins to come on to me.
2. I will not spend time alone with members of the opposite sex, I will always make sure there is at least one or (preferably) two other people there.
3. I am going to keep an accountability partner that I will get a hold of and talk to at least once a week.
4. I will not allow myself to get overworked and be away from home for too much time, I will always make family time a priority.
5. I am going to get an accountability program for my computer and let my wife content advisors on my computers.
Week 13 Minister’s taxes
Week 13 Minister's Taxes
Most important things that I need to Remember about Ministers and Taxes
1. Buy a tax program to use such as Turbo Tax, do not use the free internet service, but actually buy the program.
2. Minister's do not have to pay income tax on housing allowance, but they do have to pay social security tax on the housing allowance.
3. Don't be unethical when it comes to filing taxes even if you have to pay more.
4. Most Churches reimburse the Social Security tax you pay on your housing allowance, or at least part of it.
5. You can deduct the interest you pay on your house if you own it, (the "double-dipping" principle)
6. Go to the DS with tax issues because this is his/her job.