Since 1980serving 2,500+ clients per yearAll 50 statesserving churches nationwideA+ ratingfrom the Better Business Bureau ↗4.9 ★customer satisfaction score ↗
Church payroll

Complimentary church payroll audit

A second set of eyes on your church’s payroll. Our clergy payroll specialists review your 941s, W-2s and clergy compensation, then show you what to fix before it becomes an IRS problem.

Request my payroll auditCall (888) 421-0101

Why churches ask for a payroll audit

Church payroll follows rules most payroll software doesn’t handle well: ministers’ dual tax status, housing allowances, voluntary withholding and accountable reimbursement plans. Small mistakes can mean penalties for the church and corrected forms for your staff. Whether you run payroll yourself or use another provider, a complimentary review gives you peace of mind.

Check your payroll before W-2s are due

W-2s and 1099-NECs for 2026 are due February 1, 2027. A complimentary payroll audit now can catch errors before forms go out, so you avoid filing W-2c corrections later.

Request my payroll audit

What we review

A full look at your payroll reporting

  • Form 941 quarterly returns and tax deposits
  • W-2 and W-3 forms, including box 12 codes such as 403(b) contributions
  • Clergy compensation: dual tax status, housing allowance and voluntary withholding
  • Taxable and nontaxable pay: bonuses, gifts, allowances and reimbursements
  • Worker classification and 1099 reporting for contractors
  • IRS or state payroll notices you’ve received
Common errors we find

Mistakes we see on church payroll

  • Social Security and Medicare withheld from a ministerMinisters pay self-employment tax instead.
  • Housing allowance paid to non-ministersOnly ministers can receive a tax-free housing allowance.
  • 403(b) contributions missing from box 12Salary reductions belong in box 12 with code E.
  • Bonuses, gifts and fees left off the W-2Love gifts, wedding fees and bonuses are taxable pay.
  • Allowances without an accountable planCar allowances and undocumented reimbursements are taxable.
  • Missing or late filingsUnfiled 941s, W-2s or 1099s, or late tax deposits.
How it works

Three simple steps

1

Request your audit

Fill out the short request form (or call us). Tell us your church’s name, a contact person and who runs your payroll today.

2

Send your payroll reports

We’ll send a secure link for your recent 941s, W-2s and W-3, a payroll register and your housing allowance resolution.

3

Go over the findings

A payroll tax specialist walks you through what’s right, what needs correcting and how to fix it, such as a corrected 941 or W-2c. If corrections are needed, we’ll explain what they involve before any work begins.

Request my payroll audit

Got an IRS or state payroll notice?

We help churches respond to payroll notices, penalties and audits.

Tax and payroll resolution

Want payroll done right every time?

CFR runs church payroll, quarterly filings and W-2s, with clergy rules built in.

Church payrollGet a free quote
FAQ

Common questions

Is the payroll audit really complimentary?
Yes. The review is complimentary and there’s no obligation. If we find something that needs correcting, we’ll explain your options before any work begins.
Do we have to be a CFR client?
No. Any church can request a payroll audit, whether you run payroll yourself or use another provider.
What should we have ready?
Your recent Form 941s, W-2s and W-3, a payroll register showing each person’s pay, and your board’s housing allowance resolution for any ministers.
Do you review personal tax returns too?
Yes, through our separate Complimentary Second Opinion for ministers’ tax returns.
More from CFR

Related resources

Ready for a second look?

We’re glad to help.

Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM CT
Payroll services
Church Payroll
Request auditCall us