⏱ About 15 minutesEVERYONE COMPLETES THIS PAGE
WHO COMPLETES ITEveryone. Every other page in the organizer is filed under this one.
WHAT THIS PAGE DOESCollects the names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, filing status, address and dependents we need to prepare your return.
WHY IT MATTERSMost IRS rejections start here: a name or number that doesn’t match Social Security records.
Taking a few extra minutes on this page helps prevent delays, IRS rejections and follow-up questions later.
1 · Before you begin
Gather these first and tick them off as you go. Most errors on this page happen when information is entered from memory instead of from official documents.
IMPORTANTSave the organizer to your computer before you begin, and save your work as you go. Nothing is sent to our office until you return the completed organizer.
2 · Completing the page
Work from the top of the organizer page to the bottom. Each section below matches a section on the page.
1Referral informationNew client and who we should call
New clientSelect “I am a new client” only if this is your first year working with us. If you’re new, tell us how you heard about Clergy Financial Resources.
Tax review appointment contactUnder “Who should we contact for your tax review appointment?” choose Taxpayer, Spouse or Joint. Pick whoever is easiest to reach during the day. This will be our main contact for scheduling your review.
2Filing statusSingle, married, head of household
Choose the status that fitsSingle, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse.
Married taxpayersIf you were legally married on December 31, you’re generally considered married for the entire year.
Head of householdYou may qualify if you were unmarried at year-end and paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for a qualifying person.
Qualifying surviving spouseMay apply for the two years after a spouse’s death if you have a qualifying dependent child.
Marital status changesIf you married, divorced, legally separated or lost a spouse during the year, mark “Yes” and enter the date. This is essential for choosing the correct filing status.
CLERGY TIPFor most clergy households, Married Filing Jointly gives the most favorable result. If you’re considering Married Filing Separately, please contact us before choosing it.
3Taxpayer informationName, SSN, birth date, IP PIN, contact
Full nameExactly as it appears on your Social Security card, including your middle initial. If your name changed but Social Security hasn’t updated its records, use the name on your card.
Social Security numberEnter all nine digits carefully.
Date of birthCheck it carefully. It affects eligibility for several tax benefits and deductions.
Date of deathComplete only if the taxpayer passed away during the tax year.
OccupationFor clergy, for example: Pastor, Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Chaplain, Worship Pastor, Executive Pastor.
Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)Select “Yes” only if the IRS issued you an IP PIN for this year. Enter the six digits exactly as shown on this year’s IRS notice. Don’t use a PIN from a prior year.
Contact informationThe phone number and email you want us to use about your return.
Mobile text messagingSelect “Yes” if we may text you about your return.
Legally blindSelect “Yes” if it applies. It may increase your standard deduction.
Presidential Election Campaign FundChecking this box doesn’t change your refund or the tax you owe.
4Spouse informationSame guidelines as the taxpayer
If you’re filing as marriedComplete the Spouse section the same way. Double-check the name, Social Security number, date of birth, IP PIN and contact information.
5Current addressWhere we and the IRS should write to you
Mailing addressThe address where you want all mail about your return sent. In most cases use your home address, not your church or employer’s address.
County and school districtComplete these when asked. They can affect state and local filings.
If you moved during the yearCheck “This is a new address” and enter the date you moved.
6DependentsOne person per row
Who to listEach dependent you plan to claim, including children born during the year and dependents who passed away during the year. Don’t include anyone you aren’t claiming this year.
For each dependentFull name (as on the Social Security card), date of birth, grade in school, Social Security number (required), relationship, and months lived at home. For a child born or who died during the year, enter 12 months. Check College Student if full-time, and Disabled if permanently and totally disabled.
Dependent IP PINIf the IRS issued a dependent an IP PIN, enter the dependent’s name and the six-digit PIN below the dependent table.
Did any dependent provide more than half of their own support?Answer Yes if a dependent paid more than half their own living expenses. If you’re unsure whether they still qualify, answer Yes and we’ll review it with you.
Did a child under 19, or a full-time student under 24, have investment income over $2,700?Investment income includes interest, dividends and capital gains. If Yes, additional tax calculations may be needed.
3 · Common mistakes that cause delays
The issues we see most often on this page.
Name doesn’t match the Social Security cardAlways use the name the Social Security Administration has on file.
Missing or incorrect Social Security numberEspecially for a dependent. This can cause an IRS rejection.
Using last year’s IP PINThe IRS issues a new IP PIN every year. Prior-year PINs won’t work.
Incorrect date of birthIt can affect deductions, credits and eligibility.
Church address instead of your mailing addressIRS and state letters should go where you’ll receive and read them promptly.
Missing marital status change dateIf your marital status changed during the year, include the date.
4 · When you’re finished
- Save your completed organizer to your computer.
- Continue to Page 4.
- Complete the remaining organizer pages and any state worksheets.
- Return all completed documents together.
For your protection, please don’t send tax documents by regular email, which isn’t encrypted. If something won’t fit in the space provided, add it to the comments section of that page.