MinistryCPA

A service of Corey A. Pfaffe, Certified Public Accountant and Christian ministry financial consultant
Top 10 Questions that Pastors Ask
Tax Preparers

Based on my experience, following are frequent questions asked by pastors, church treasurers, and others serving in ministry positions as licensed or ordained ministers. My answers are not intended to be exhaustive. Accordingly, you must consult your own tax professional for assistance in applying this information to your specific tax situation.

  1. Am I an employee of the church or am I self-employed?
  2. What can I deduct for a housing/parsonage allowance?
  3. What are my retirement plan options and what are the advantages/disadvantaged of each?
  4. Do you think I should suggest that the church set up a car allowance?
  5. What reports does the church need to file with the government regarding my compensation?
  6. Do you have any ideas that the church can consider to control its rising health care costs?
  7. Can a church give non-taxable gifts to its minister?
  8. How can the church and I work together to sell the parsonage and to get my family into a home of our own?
  9. Should I "opt out" of the social security system?
  10. What bookkeeping system can out Treasurer use to keep the church books?
  11. How do you respond to my fellow pastor's comment: "I do ___________ and the IRS has never questioned me?"

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Copyright © . Corey A. Pfaffe, CPA. All rights reserved.

This information is provided as a service of MinistryCPA.org to ministers and Christian ministries. Please contact me or your personal professional advisor to determine how this information may apply to your own situation.