Volunteer Pastor

by John
(Hawaii)

As a non paid volunteer pastor of our church can I claim any deductions for our home office which is located 30 miles from the church.

Can I claim a parsonage allowance?

I receive no salary, offering or stipend from the church for serving as its pastor.

Comments for Volunteer Pastor

Click here to add your own comments

No Deductions for No Income
by: Vickey

The tax laws generally do not allow deductions when there is no income.

Same thing for the housing allowance.

You would have to have income from the church for the church to designate part of it as a housing allowance.

You could claim volunteer expenses on a Schedule A, but I do not think you could take your home office as one of those expenses.

Please consult a knowledgeable tax consultant to find out exactly what would qualify for Sch A charitable contribution status.

Bill OConnell from www.wisdomoverwealth.com may be able to help you.
housing allowance
by: Anonymous

housing allowance is something the council must approve prior to receiving. IRS pub 1828 will help you with how it works.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Clergy Tax Q&A.