We have a minister who we pay $250 for each time he speaks at our church, so he is not an employee.

by Dorene E Soe
(CA)

We have a minister who we pay $250 for each time he speaks at our church, so he is not an employee?

He has asked that instead of making the check out to him, that we pay for his seminary schooling by giving the money to the school as partial payment for his tuition.

Is that legal? I think we can get in trouble for doing that, but I don't know where to find the answer in the IRS documents.

Thanks.

Comments for We have a minister who we pay $250 for each time he speaks at our church, so he is not an employee.

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Taxable Income
by: Vickey

Whether you pay the minister directly or his schooling...it is probably taxable income to him.

There are some instances where a church requires certain educational courses as a condition of employment, so PLEASE contact a knowledgable tax professional or CPA.

There are too many variables for me to tell you he should be considered an employee as well. So getting the advice of a professional that can ask the right questions to make the right choice is crucial.

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