by Scott Cummings
(Conroe, TX, USA)
Do I have to report my continuing education, auto allowance, and social security offset as income when paying my taxes?
Vickey's Reply
Yes...you would definitely need to report the auto allowance and social security offset.
The continuing education would depend on how it was paid. If it is just a check issued to you then it would be taxable income.
To be considered nontaxable income it would need to be paid through an accountable reimbursement plan or something similar...or the church can directly pay for books, trainings, etc.
If it is not set up as nontaxable income then you itemize or file a Schedule C and take your continuing education expenses, business miles, etc. as tax deductions.
If you want to DIY your payroll, I highly recommend you look at using Gusto! It is very user friendly and their support is awesome! Plus they know how to set up and maintain payrolls for churches and nonprofit organizations.
Note: I am a "partner" of Gusto, but as I have told you before ... I never recommend anything that we or our clients have not tried and love =)