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Trusted Guidance for Pastors and Church Leaders
Clergy tax, church payroll and HR guidance from the team at Clergy Financial Resources, updated as the rules change.
Latest articles
2027 Social Security Figures Are Out: What They Mean for Ministers
The Social Security Administration has announced its 2027 figures, including a $192,300 wage base and a 3.6% cost-of-living increase. Here’s how the changes affect ministers’ self-employment tax, retired pastors who keep serving, and planning for the year ahead.
Retired Ministers and the Housing Allowance: Keeping a Valuable Benefit in Retirement
Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of the minister’s housing allowance. Here’s how retired pastors can exclude church retirement income from tax as housing, the limits that apply, and the mistakes to avoid.
Church Treasurers: How Voluntary Withholding Can Spare Your Pastor an April Surprise
Ministers’ pay isn’t subject to mandatory withholding, which often leads to a large tax bill in April. A voluntary withholding agreement lets the church help the pastor cover both income tax and self-employment tax through payroll.
Congress Passes the Clergy Act: A Second Chance at Social Security for Ministers
If you’re a minister, you may have seen the headlines about a bill that could change the retirement picture for clergy. The good news is that there’s no need to panic. Ministers who opted out of Social Security years ago may soon get a one-time chance to opt back in. On September 30, 2026, the…
Year-End Payroll Checklist: Preparing Your Pastor’s W-2 the Right Way
Ministers’ W-2s follow special rules, from blank Social Security boxes to optional housing allowance reporting in Box 14. Here is a year-end checklist to help church treasurers get 2026 forms right before the February 1, 2027 deadline.
Accountable Reimbursement Plans: A Year-End Tune-Up for Ministers and Churches
Unreimbursed ministry expenses no longer reduce a pastor’s income tax, which makes a properly run accountable reimbursement plan more valuable than ever. Learn the three IRS requirements, the safe-harbor timelines and the 2026 mileage rate.
The Minister’s Housing Allowance: What Every Pastor Should Confirm Before 2026 Ends
The housing allowance is still one of the most valuable tax benefits available to ministers. Here’s how the lesser-of rule works, what expenses count, and the three steps to take before December 31.
Dual Tax Status: Why Ministers Are Both Employees and Self-Employed
Ministers are treated as employees for income tax but self-employed for Social Security. Here’s what dual tax status means, how SECA tax works in 2026, and how to avoid an April surprise.
2026 Tax Law Changes Every Minister Should Know
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brought new deductions, a higher standard deduction, and changes to charitable giving and 1099 reporting. Here’s what matters for ministers and churches in 2026.
September on Kingdom Impact 5: Missionary Checks and a Surprise from the DOL
Two episodes dropped on Kingdom Impact 5 this month, and both tackle situations that quietly happen in almost every church without anyone stopping to ask “wait, is this a tax thing?” Spoiler: it usually is. Can Our Church Employees Volunteer at Our Church? Released September 22 | Listen here Picture a normal Saturday: a few…
What If You Can’t Afford to Pay Your Taxes?
What If You Can’t Afford to Pay Your Taxes? If you’re unable to pay your tax bill in full, the most important thing to know is this: you should still file your tax return on time. You can file your income tax return even if you don’t have the money to pay what’s owed. Once…
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