Pastor Compensation appointed by the Bishop

by Sarah Glass
(West Palm Beach, FL)

Our Pastor is appointed by the CME Bishop for a period of time and he has most of the Church control.

For tax purposes, since is appointed and not searched for or vetted by us, is he an employee of the Church or an independent contractor?

This pastor is issued a 1099 MISC and not a W2 nor has a W9 been completed.

Our previous pastors have all been issued a 1099MISC and is it true that according to the IRS once we issue a W2 we cannot return to issuing a 1099 MISC. The creates a situation of total tax reporting. Please help.