Instructions
What is the purpose of this form? The Internal Revenue Code Section107 has a provision that allows ministers of the Gospel to exclude from their reportable income some costs of living in a parsonage or their own home. The church uses the Parsonage or Housing Allowance Exclusion form.
Does this cost the church anything? No. The pastor's salary is not increased or decreased as a result of the resolution. It merely designates a portion of the pastor's salary as being excluded from the amount of compensation the church reports to the IRS on the pastor's W-2.
When should this form be filled out? At least annually and whenever there is a change in pastors. It must be done before the pastor incurs the expenses. The exclusion cannot be made retroactive.
How much should the exclusion be? The pastor establishes the amount in consultation with the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee. For a church-owned parsonage, the amount should not exceed the fair rental value of the parsonage or house. A rule of thumb for the annual "fair rental value" is to take 5% - 8% of the market value of the parsonage or house. If a housing allowance is paid to the pastor, the exclusion should include the amount of the allowance as well as other anticipated expenses.
What is included in the exclusion? Any expenses the pastor may incur in living in the parsonage or home. The following is a partial listing and not meant to be inclusive of all items that may be excluded.
1. Rent or principal payments, cost of buying a home, and down payments, if paid by the pastor.
2. Real estate taxes and mortgage interest for the home, if paid by the pastor.
3. Insurance on a home, if paid by the pastor.
4. Improvements, repairs, and upkeep of the home and/or contents. New roof, room addition, carpet, garage, etc.
5. Furnishings and appliances: dishwasher, vacuum sweeper, TV, VCR, DVD, piano, computer for personal use, washer, dryer, sewing machine, cookware, dishes etc.
6. Decorator items: drapes ,throw rugs, pictures, knick- knacks, painting, wallpapering, bedspreads, sheets, towels, etc.
7. Utilities: heat, electric, cable TV, etc. (ONLY IF PAID BY THE PASTOR)
8. Misc: anything that maintains the home and its contents that you have not included in repairs or decorator items: cleaning supplies for the home, brooms, light bulbs, expense to run the lawnmower, landscaping tools etc.
These may be excluded even if they become the pastor's personal property, as long as they are paid from money received as salary. Major appliances such as refrigerators and ranges purchased with church funds may not be excluded.
DO NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Maid (or any labor hired for maintenance such a lawn care), groceries, personal toiletries, CD's etc. What if l have other questions? Speak with the Presiding Elder or the Conference Treasurer's office.