Breaking Down Ministerial Compensation: Pay, Benefits, and Beyond

 

Ministers' compensation is unlike any other in the traditional HR world, with a unique set of rules for pay, taxes, and benefits. In this webinar, HR experts Beth Fehl and Kylie White provide a deep dive into ministerial compensation, focusing on both the compliance and care aspects of a healthy church.

This webinar will help you understand:

  • The Definition of a Minister: Learn who qualifies as a minister for tax purposes under IRS Publication 517 and the nuances of the "ministerial exception" from the Department of Labor.

  • Dual Tax Status and Social Security: We'll break down what "dual tax status" means, how it impacts a minister's tax filings, and the pros and cons of opting out of Social Security.

  • The Housing Allowance: This is a key tax benefit for ministers. The conversation will cover what qualifies as a housing allowance, the requirements for designation, and how it can help reduce a minister’s tax burden.

  • Benefits Beyond Pay: We'll explore the importance of benefits like life and disability insurance, clergy-specific retirement plans, and why it’s crucial to educate your ministers on these topics.

Ultimately, ministerial compensation is more than just a paycheck; it's a way to ensure ministers have the financial clarity and security to focus on their calling, and it's an opportunity for ministries to demonstrate the care their team deserves.