Claiming Mileage

Question regarding claiming mileage as a professional expense:

Can a pastor who has a residence in his church town, plus an office and a one year contract claim mileage as a professional expense from another town in which he has a residence?

Answer

No. Mileage from your residence to the church you work for is considered commuting miles and is not a deductible expense.

However, mileage from your residence or church to a hospital, member's house, nursing home, etc. and back would be an allowable expense if it was in regards to performing your job.

If your church has an account reimbursement policy, you can turn these miles into your church for reimbursement. If your church does not have an AR policy, then you can use those allowable miles on your personal tax return.

Make sure whichever way you claim your mileage, you faithfully keep a mileage log with the date, odometer reading (start and finish), and purpose of travel.

Anne Skalka book, Tax Deductions A to Z for Clergy , is an excellent resource for ministers regarding what they can deduct as a business expense and what they can’t.

Hope This Helps,



Church Accounting Package

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