Tax Preparer Study Guide on Income for Clergy Member Tax Returns

When IRS registered tax return preparers perform work for clergy members, some extra steps are often required to accurately report taxable income. In most cases, ministers are employees of their churches. However, exceptions do exist. For example, traveling evangelists are taxed as independent contractors.

In addition, clergy members normally receive fees for performing special services at weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Knowing the tax treatment of these fees is necessary for answering tax preparer exam questions. Fees received directly from congregation members are taxed separately from wages paid by the church.

A tax preparer study guide reveals that fees for ministerial services are self-employment income reported on Schedule C along with associated expenses. The expenses a minister deducts on Schedule C are those that are ordinary and necessary to earning fees received for the special services. This includes, for example, an auto deduction for mileage driven to perform a wedding ceremony. Other expenditures incurred as a minister employed by a church are deductible as unreimbursed employee expenses. The registered tax return preparer work for these expenses is only necessary if the minister itemizes deductions.

In rare cases, ministers are given such compete control over church activities that they are self-employed and compensated as independent contractors. But most situations involve a church having control over the functions of a minister, although the clergy member is given considerable discretion. Despite receiving wages that are taxed just like any employee, a minister is considered self-employed for all compensation. This means that a tax preparer job involves calculating self-employment tax on a clergy member’s W-2 wages along with other ministerial income.

Another source of income a minister may have is a housing allowance. This category includes the fair rental value of a parsonage provided. A housing allowance or fair rental value of a parsonage – including utilities – is normally excluded from taxable income. However, this amount is included in the calculation of self-employment tax. Read more

2011
10/17
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Taxes
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Wind Energy Tax Credits – Why You Should Have A Look Before Buying

Wind energy tax credits can definitely change the amount you bottom line pay for your household wind device. At this time, the government is offering a 30% tax credit for alternative systems you put in at your home.

It is a large advantage to all of us as homeowners due to two reasons:

  1. It is just a CREDIT, not just a deduction – this is actually the best benefit. The reason being that a credit signifies the money is taken directly off the quantity of tax you of at the end of 12 months. Whilst, a deduction means the amount is taken off your own gross income. That can produce a big difference in the money you’re able to keep for yourself.
  2. Wind energy credits cover your complete mounted price of the wind system – not just the purchase price of the unit – the sticker price tag of a new wind turbine is often surprising. However, hold off until you receive the final invoice for installation and hookup to your dwelling or to the electricity grid. That may be as much as the price of the turbine again. Thus, the credit you obtain will depend on the entire installed expense of your renewable power device.

There are a number of other discounts available for you, too. Check out DSIREUSA.org to get the latest updates for your area, but here is an outline of what is available and what you should be looking for:

  • Federal tax credit – this of course, is the credit we were just discussing. It is valid for 30% of the installed cost of your wind turbine. Use IRS form 5695.
  • State credits and other County and City credits that may be offered – many times, cities and counties also offer credits that mimic the federal credits are available. You just have to check and see because these tend ebb and flow and don’t strictly correlate with the federal credits.
  • Utility rebates and credits – believe it or not, electric utilities, which stand the most to lose from you buying a renewable energy device, also offer incentives for you to buy wind turbine. Many times these will come in the form of a rebate once you purchase and install the system.
  • Wind Turbine Manufacturer credits – the makers of wind turbines also offer incentives for you to buy their product versus someone else’s. You have just got to check and see what you’re manufacturer offers. Often, if you don’t bring it up though, neither will they.

With wind energy tax credits you can end up paying a lot less for your turbine than you might think. If you are going to buy your wind turbine through a dealer, they will likely have the scoop on all of the available credits and rebates.

2011
10/16
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