Back-to-School Tips for Students and Parents Paying College Expenses
Whether you’re a recent graduate going to college for the first time or a returning student, it will soon be time to get to campus – and payment deadlines for tuition and other fees are not far behind. Clergy Financial Resources reminds students or parents paying such expenses to keep receipts and to be aware…
Beware of emails claiming to be from IRS
Bogus email scams are resurfacing, including one involving payments allegedly rejected by the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. The email has a link that may download malicious software. Information on what to do if you receive a suspicious IRS-related communication is available on IRS.gov. Source: IRS.com Clergy Financial Resources https://www.clergyfinancial.com Clergy Financial Resources is a…
IRS Adjusts 2011 Mileage Rates
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today (June 23, 2011) announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2011. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other purposes. The rate will increase to 55.5 cents a…
Department of Justice Appeals “Multiple Home” Housing Allowance Ruling
On May 24, 2011, the United States Department of Justice appealed the tax court decision made in the Philip Driscoll housing allowance case. In December 2010, the United States Tax Court ruled that clergy could use the parsonage allowance exclusion for two homes as long as they are both used exclusively as personal residences. Related…
Missing a W-2? Here’s What To Do….
Ministers working for a church or church agency should receive a Form W-2 by January 31, 2011. Ministers who report their federal income taxes as self-employed on Form 1099, may face a significant risk of additional taxes and penalties, if they are audited and reclassified as employees by the IRS. Before you file your 2010…
Five Important Facts about Dependents and Exemptions
Some tax rules affect every person who may have to file a federal income tax return – these rules include dependents and exemptions. Here are six important facts you should know about dependents and exemptions that will help you file your 2010 tax return. 1.    Exemptions reduce your taxable income. There are two types of…
IRS Updates Mileage Rates for 2011
2011 Standard Mileage Rates The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2011 standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for ministry, business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2011, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, or pickups ) are listed below….
Payroll for Churches and Religious Organizations
The end of the year is the perfect time to switch payroll companies. Clergy Financial Resources offers an easy online payroll management service that specifically meets the requirements of religious organizations. We have an unparalleled tax expertise on the complex issues associated with church payroll and clergy compensation. Sixty percent of churches do not follow…
Am I allowed to deduct a fundraiser as a charitable contribution?
The topic of today’s post comes from a reader. Remember, if there’s a tax topic you’d like to see covered in an upcoming edition of the Clergy Tax Law Blog. E-mail your topic to our office and it may be included in an upcoming edition. Dear Clergy Financial, Just a question on deducting charitable donations. …
Top 10 Question of a New Call
The proposed salary package will normally represent the previous pastor’s salary package or the guidelines set by your organization. 1- Does the church provide a social security allowance? 15.3% or 7.65% of salary and housing. 2- Does the church provide for the supplemental medical insurance? 3-Does the church provide a 100% professional accountable reimbursement plan?…