Year-End Church Payroll and Tax Planning: 3 Steps to Take Before January
Before closing the books on another year, churches should review clergy housing allowances, compensation decisions, and taxable fringe benefits.
Housing Allowance
Can Ministers Claim a Double Deduction for Housing Expenses?
Federal tax law allows qualifying ministers to exclude housing allowances from taxable income while still deducting mortgage interest and real estate taxes. Here’s how the “double deduction” works—and where its limits apply.
Housing Allowance Resolution for Pastors
A housing allowance is a the most important tax benefit for pastors. Use this resolution to help set a housing allowance for pastors in 2026.
Designating a Housing Allowance for 2026
Designating a housing allowance is a critical part of every church's pastoral compensation package and a key tax benefit for pastors.
Is Your Housing Allowance Process Up to Speed?
This housing allowance checklist for pastors and church leaders will ensure your church stays on track when taking advantage of this important tax exclusion.
Asked, Answered: The Clergy Allowance and Part-Time Ministers
Do part-time ministers qualify for the clergy housing allowance? Matt Branaugh helps you answer hat critical question.
Advantage Members
Video: Seven Common Tax Errors
In this exclusive video, Matt Branaugh and Rich Hammar discuss the seven common tax errors many churches and pastors make.
Tackling Big-Ticket Repairs on a Housing Allowance
So, you’ve done the hard work of setting a housing allowance and, SURPRISE!, the septic tank fails. What now?
On-Demand Webinar
Avoiding Unexpected Surprises with Church Compensation
Asking and answering key questions about housing, love gifts, sabbatical plans, expense reimbursements, and other situations that churches face.
Advantage Member Exclusive
Tripping Points of Pastoral Compensation
On-Demand Webinar: 7 common mistakes churches make when planning and executing church compensation.
Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Housing Allowances
Understand how to properly set this significant pastoral benefit.
Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors
Insights to help you successfully navigate the complexities of church administration.
Mastering Eighteen End-of-Year Financial Tasks
Mastering eighteen end-of-year financial tasks before January 1, 2026, will help churches and ministers thrive with the upcoming tax season.
The 10 Commandments of Church Management
The 10 commandments of church management cover everything from intellectual property to unrelated business income.
Home Equity for Pastors: Helping Your Pastor Build Financial Stability
How equity allowances help pastors build financial security while living in church-provided housing.
Payroll Rules for Housing Allowances: Can a Pastor Set Up a Housing Allowance on Two Payrolls?
Can pastors set up housing allowances on multiple payrolls? Learn the rules and requirements here.
Can a Church Reject a Minister’s Housing Allowance Request?
Can churches reject a minister’s housing allowance request? Learn the rules and best practices to handle these situations.
Can a Retired Minister Receive a Housing Allowance?
Discover how retired ministers can receive housing allowances and navigate IRS rules for maximum benefit.
What if Our Minister Requests a Housing Allowance that Exceeds His Total Salary?
What should churches do if a minister’s housing allowance request exceeds their salary? Find IRS-compliant solutions here.
Can an Interim Minister Receive a Housing Allowance?
Can an interim minister receive a housing allowance? Learn IRS guidelines and eligibility requirements here.