228k views
2 votes
Which of the following correctly completes the sentence regarding the tax treatment of a housing allowance received by an ordained minister? The housing allowance is purposes.

O Included in; included in.
O Included in; excluded from.
O Excluded from; included in.
O Excluded from; excluded from.

User FreshWoWer
by
8.8k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The housing allowance for an ordained minister is excluded from federal income tax but is included when calculating self-employment taxes. The correct completion of the sentence is: 'Excluded from; included in.' This reflects the unique dual-status tax treatment of housing allowances for ministers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question posed requires knowledge of the U.S. tax code as it pertains to the housing allowance for an ordained minister. Ordained ministers may receive a housing allowance, which is an amount designated by their church or employer to cover housing-related expenses. According to the IRS, the housing allowance for ministers is a provision that has unique tax implications.

For federal income tax purposes, the housing allowance can be excluded from gross income, but it must be included when calculating self-employment taxes. Therefore, the correct option in regards to the treatment of a housing allowance for an ordained minister is: 'Excluded from; included in.' This indicates that while the allowance is excluded from gross income, it is included in self-employment tax calculations.

To provide further clarity, it is essential to note that the housing allowance is excluded from federal income tax if the allowance is used for housing-related expenses and does not exceed reasonable compensation or the fair rental value of the home. However, for self-employment tax purposes, such as Social Security and Medicare, the allowance is included in the minister's self-employed income and subject to tax.

User Pulkit Malhotra
by
8.9k points