With the current quarantine situation in many states, many more people are working from home. While most non-clergy employees can no longer deduct unreimbursed employee expenses on Schedule A, Clergy still have the ability to deduct these expenses on Schedule SE, their self-employment tax schedule.
If you had to buy a computer, purchase software, buy headphones, buy a microphone or webcam, or subscribe to a web-conferencing program, you can deduct these expenses on your self-employment taxes. Keep in mind the following important points:
- Keep the receipt. If IRS asks for proof, you want to be able to show what you paid.
- Only unreimbursed expenses can be deducted. If your church reimbursed you for the expense, you cannot deduct it.
- If you use these items for work and for personal use, only a portion of the expense will be deductible. You will have to determine the percentage of time you use the items for work and the percentage of time you or others use the items for personal use.
Our clergy tax organizer is a great way to keep track of these expense throughout the year, as well as being the first step in preparing your tax return. To order your own copy of our tax organizer, visit our website at https://www.clergyfinancial.com/services/clergy-tax-preparation/clergy-tax-organizer-online/. The cost you pay is credited as a down payment towards your tax return preparation.
For information on how to get started filing your clergy taxes with clergy financial, visit our website at https://www.clergyfinancial.com/services/clergy-tax-preparation/
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Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.
This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.
For more information or if you need additional assistance, please use the contact information below.
Clergy Financial Resources
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