On September 24 and 26, 2013, over 60 people from 32 congregations attended workshops for clergy and treasurers to better understand the complex issues surrounding clergy compensation and tax impacts on clergy and lay employees, as well as things to consider when churches rent some of their properties.
The Rev. Canon Bill Geisler, CPA, led the workshops which covered topics such as:
- Maximizing tax benefits for clergy (including Housing Allowances, business expense reimbursements and discretionary funds)
- Complying with Federal Payroll Tax requirements
- Employee or independent contractor determination
- Reporting group term life insurance
- Implications of renting church space or rectories
- Renting your parking lot
Paul Shackford, diocesan Chief Financial Officer, assisted in the presentations. “Clergy compensation is a complex subject,” Paul said, “and not understanding the important parts of it can lead to overpayment of taxes by clergy. One of the goals of these workshops was to help clergy understand a number of the issues of which they need to be aware to maximize the tax benefits available to them.”
In addition, Bill answered a number of questions of treasurers and clergy regarding the proper ways to complete Form W-2, and discussed the impact of renting space in church properties.
Plans are underway for similar web conference workshops in February.
