Income Tax Withholding for Ministers
I am the new treasurer for one of the C&MA churches in Michigan. I would like to know whether our church, which is a typical C&MA church, is required to withhold income taxes for an ordained minister on our payroll. According to the following article on the internet, it seems that we are not supposed to withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes for the minister. Also, according to the article, our church is not required to withhold income taxes for the minister. The church, however, can withhold income taxes for the minister if the minister voluntarily asks us to do.
http://www.clergysup...ing-for-clergy/
Can anyone share his or her experience with what you do at your church with regard to income tax withholding?
Thanks and have a blessed day!
Dan Leung
Dan,
I'm sure you received your answer by now... The article is correct. Clergy are considered self-employed for income tax purposes. Churches should not withhold FICA tax from ministers' compensation.
Trish Santos
The Alliance Southeast