Let’s assume you’ve decided to have your tax return prepared by a professional. The next step is to find someone who is experienced and competent in the preparation of ministers’ tax returns. Here are some tips to help you find such a person:
- If possible, stick with a CPA or tax attorney. These professionals have completed a rigorous educational program, passed a difficult qualifying examination, and are subject to a comprehensive body of professional ethics.
- Try to use someone local.
- Find other ministers in your community who have their tax returns prepared by a professional, and ask questions. Who do they use? Are they pleased? What is the cost? How many ministers’ tax returns does the person prepare?
- Call CPAs listed in your telephone directory; ask if they prepare ministers’ tax returns and, if so, ask how many they prepare.
When you find one or more possible candidates, consider asking a few simple questions that should be answered easily by anyone with any experience in handling ministers’ tax returns. Here are four examples:
- Are ministers employees or self-employed for Social Security purposes? Ministers always are self-employed for Social Security purposes with respect to their ministerial income.
- Can I claim my housing allowance exclusion in computing my self-employment taxes? No.
- If I report my church wages as an employee, are my wages subject to FICA taxes? No. Ministers pay the self-employment tax rather than FICA taxes on their ministerial income.
- If I report my church wages as an employee, are my wages subject to income tax withholding? No, unless a minister elects voluntary withholding.
- What is the minister’s housing allowance?The portion of a minister’s salary designated in advance by an employing church for housing expenses. This amount is not taxable in computing a minister’s income taxes to the extent it is used to pay housing expenses and does not exceed the home’s fair rental value.
Persons who are familiar with ministers’ taxes should be able to answer these questions.
Adapted from chapter 1 of the Church & Clergy Tax Guide. Order it now for tax help throughout the year.