Recording of Housing Allowance on W-2

by Roger Penwell
(Crossville TN)

Is it required to list the housing allowance amount in Box 14 of a W-2 or can the church just issue a letter to the minister with the amount paid to him during the year? Do they provide this information to the IRS or is it the responsibility of the minister to report the amount.

Comments for Recording of Housing Allowance on W-2

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treasurer TRFC
by: Mary

I am completing our 2 pastors W-2s in Wisconsin for the first time this year. Both of them ONLY received housing allowance this year -- no additional salary or wages. Is box 14 the only one to fill out or do I need to include the same number in box 16 for the state also??
Box 14 is an Informational Box
by: Vickey

Box 14 on a W-2 form is an informational box, so it the place on the W-2 that you should report the housing allowance amount; however, the church doesn't have to report it there (although it is the most convenient for the recipient). You can report it to the minister in a official church letter.

Because Box 14 is just an informational box, it does not report anything to any agency. It is the responsibility of the minister to report the amount on his Schedule SE in his personal income tax return.
Housing Allowance on W-2
by: MarcusNTexas

The Housing Allowance should be reported in Box 14 of the W-2.

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