What is an exit interview?
What is an exit interview? An exit interview is a conversation with a departing employee about their time at the church and the reason for their departure. It’s completely optional, but some employers conduct them to learn about workplace issues they may want to address. Exit interviews can be a good opportunity to get the…
Reporting Group life Insurance
Reporting Group life Insurance Group-term life insurance, or group life insurance, is an insurance policy that covers a group of people, like employees in a church, rather than individuals. A group-term insurance plan is a fringe benefit, which is a benefit offered in addition to an employee’s regular wages. There are taxable and nontaxable fringe benefits….
Generosity at Year’s End
Generosity at Year’s End The end of the calendar year is a time when donors often give generously to churches and other charities. Now is the time for churches to think about how this time of year can help with revenue. Many churches and other religious charities have joined in the global generosity movement known…
W-4 Withholding Calculator for Clergy
W-4 Withholding Calculator for Clergy According to IRS rules, income tax withholding for ministers is voluntary. If you do not complete a W-4 form, or if you indicate “exempt”, no federal tax will be withheld, and you should make quarterly estimated tax payments. Alternatively, you can complete Form W-4 so that your church withholds a…
Ministry Mileage
Ministry Mileage Documentation of expenses is vital to an acceptable accountable reimbursement plan. Pre-Covid, ministry mileage driven is generally the minister’s greatest expense. Some ministers have contended that every mile they travel is in the furtherance of their ministry – and thus reimbursable. Their contention is based upon the fact that they never stop being a…
Retirement 403(b) Plans for Ministers
Retirement 403(b) Plans for Ministers While it is true that ministers, and other church employees, may earn less than those performing similar jobs requiring similar skills in the secular world, there are unique tax advantages that can help offset the compensation differences. One of the greatest advantages for church workers is the 403(b) retirement plan….
Is it Vacation or Paid Time Off?
Is it Vacation or Paid Time Off? Traditionally, churches offered separate paid time off benefits to employees, such as paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days. However, in the past decade, many churches have moved to a more flexible Paid Time Off or “PTO” benefit that incorporates all policies into one all-inclusive PTO plan. The…
Expense Reimbursement Policy
Expense Reimbursement Policy The Church should set up a written Expense Reimbursement Policy to cover all reasonable, ministry-related expenses. The policy should outline any item that may be considered a qualified expense for the church. Any expense that does not fall within your guidelines must be approved by the appropriate supervisor before the expense is incurred….
Understanding Form 941
Understanding Form 941 Churches file Form 941 four times a year to report income taxes, social security tax, or Medicare tax withheld from employees’ paychecks. As the IRS explains: “Federal law requires you, as an employer, to withhold certain taxes from your employees’ pay. Each time you pay wages, you must withhold — or…
Should I have a Social Security Allowance?
Should I have a Social Security Allowance? While ministers are employees for federal income tax reporting purposes, they are self-employed for Social Security purposes with respect to services they perform in the exercise of their ministry. This means that they must pay both the employee and the employer share of social security tax under the…