Questions for the panel content

<p>I recently have left an organization and have been isolated from those who once called me a friend. I chose to leave the organization and was not forced out and&nbsp;I did not do anything wrong. What can I do about this?</p>

Posted Wed, 03/24/2010 - 14:00 by Anonymous
Unfortunately too many preachers today use organization affiliation as their only means of fellowship with other preachers. There is no one organization that is the “body of Christ” so to speak. It is important of course that you fellowship with men of like precious faith but no preacher should be rejected on the basis of the organization he belongs to.

Is cell ministry a good idea for a local church?

Posted Fri, 01/15/2010 - 17:40 by Anonymous

 

Another way to look at cell ministry is small groups. Small groups are very effective and biblical. In fact, Sunday school is about small groups. Often times, small groups or effective because it brings people together who share common interest, experiences, and needs. It also allows for more one-on-one personal interaction and establishing ties and friends within the church.

As a minister do I have not own a home in order to take advantage of the housing allowance?

Posted Mon, 01/04/2010 - 18:35 by Anonymous

A parsonage (or rental) allowance includes church provided parsonages, rental allowances with which the minister may rent a home, and housing allowances with which the minister may purchase a home. A minister can receive a parsonage allowance for only one home. The term home means a dwelling place, including furnishings, and the appurtenances (e.g., garage)
Ministers are allowed to exclude a parsonage allowance from gross income. To be excludable, the fair rental value of the parsonage or the parsonage allowance must be reasonable in amount.

What is a parsonage allowance?

Posted Mon, 01/04/2010 - 18:34 by Anonymous

A parsonage (or rental) allowance includes church provided parsonages, rental allowances with which the minister may rent a home, and housing allowances with which the minister may purchase a home. A minister can receive a parsonage allowance for only one home. The term home means a dwelling place, including furnishings, and the appurtenances (e.g., garage)
Ministers are allowed to exclude a parsonage allowance from gross income. To be excludable, the fair rental value of the parsonage or the parsonage allowance must be reasonable in amount.

How much is the IRS mileage allowance for travel per mile?

Posted Mon, 01/04/2010 - 18:33 by Anonymous

Mileage allowance for 2009 was 55 cents per mile. For 2010, it is 50 cents per mile.

How much does an employee of the church, or an evangelist, need to be paid in one year before it should be reported to the IRS?

Posted Mon, 01/04/2010 - 18:32 by Anonymous

$400 for an independent contractor (evangelist) and any amount of income paid to an employee should be reported.

When an evangelist preaches for a church is it advisable to pay him in two checks? One check for pay and another for travel expe

Posted Mon, 01/04/2010 - 18:31 by Anonymous

For recordkeeping and accounting purposes, It might be cleaner to pay in two checks. However, for 1099 purposes the expense reimbursement would not be reported as income as this would be an expense of the church.

Should a pastor withhold taxes etc. from an employee of the church of give them a 1099 at the end of the year?

Posted Mon, 01/04/2010 - 18:29 by Anonymous

A specific review of all the relevant facts would need to be made to be sure one way or the other, but generally speaking, If considered an employee and not a licensed minister, you should withhold taxes and file a W-2.

If the individual is considered an independent contractor, you should file a 1099. What are the advantages of disadvantages? Unless the church has elected out of FICA (at the initial point of incorporation and filing its first information return), FICA taxes are paid by the church and employee.

On independent contractors, the church does not pay FICA tax.

Should a pastor receive a W-2 form from the church each year or should he receive a 1099?

Posted Mon, 01/04/2010 - 18:27 by Anonymous

It largely depends on whether the minister (pastor) is considered an employee or independent contractor (as determined by the common law control test). Essentially, Ministers receiving a salary from a congregation are generally considered employees under the common-law rules, with income from ministerial duties considered wages for income tax purposes.

However, a minister’s wages are not subject to FITW (federal income tax withholding), FUTA, or FICA. The wages are considered self-employment income subject to self-employment tax.

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