Should total wages reported on w-2 box 1 include housing allowance?

by ed
(Phoenix AZ)

In box 1 of my w-2 the church reported my total wages to include my housing allowance. I am a full time pastor. I thought box one should only report wages minus housing allowance. Is this correct?

I am a newly ordained pastor, can you recommend a solid tax resource to help me figure out all of the tax laws related to full time ministers?

vickey's reply

Your W-2 in incorrect and needs to be corrected as soon as possible.

Your housing allowance should go in box 14 and your wages should go in box 1 of your W-2.

These books are a good resource for ministers and their taxes:

Dan Busby's Zondervan Minister’s Tax and Financial Guide

and

Richard Hammar's Church and Clergy Tax Guide