Thu. Nov 21st, 2024

Pastor Housing Allowance on Thin Ice

housechurchcropped

housechurchcropped
When pastoral scandals hit the mainstream news, often the first item
cited as evidence that a minister is misusing his or her position is the
housing allowance tax break that allows pastors to deduct housing
expenses from their income. Sometimes the pastor in question will claim
his entire salary as housing allowance. For others, its the sheer size
of the allowance that raises suspicion.

At the
request of Senator Charles Grassley, the Evangelical Council for
Financial Accountability
(ECFA) will lead the independent commission to investigate and offer
recommendations to lawmakers on a list of eight issues related to
ministry ethics and finances. Housing allowances are
near the top of the list.

A 2009 lawsuit filed in
California by the Freedom from Religion Foundation argued
the housing allowance tax benefit violates the Constitution’s Establishment Clause. A
government request to dismiss the case was rejected in 2010, allowing it
to proceed to trial. Experts like Richard R. Hammar, an attorney and senior editor of the Church Law & Tax Report, are concerned that its outcome may spell the demise of the benefit.

Related Post

Leave a Reply

Related Podcasts

More News
Isaiah Saldivar: What Christians Need to Know About Casting Out Demons
Isaiah Saldivar: What Christians Need to Know About Casting Out Demons
Evangelist Overcomes Violence and Jail, Continues Proclaiming Jesus
Evangelist Overcomes Violence and Jail, Continues Proclaiming Jesus
This Is Why Heavenly Rewards Are Not All Equal
This Is Why Heavenly Rewards Are Not All Equal
7 Powerful Tips for Aspiring Preachers
7 Powerful Tips for Aspiring Preachers
7 Things Christian Women Should Know About Walking in Faith
7 Things Christian Women Should Know About Walking in Faith
Demons and Paranormal Phenomena: L.A. Marzulli’s Spiritual Warning
Demons and Paranormal Phenomena: L.A. Marzulli’s Spiritual Warning
Amplifying God’s Light of the World
Amplifying God’s Light of the World
Disagree, but Keep It Holy: Here’s How
Disagree, but Keep It Holy: Here’s How
Diving Deeper in the Holy Spirit
Diving Deeper in the Holy Spirit
Dying to Self: 9 Promises to Help You
Dying to Self: 9 Promises to Help You
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest Videos
76.8K Subscribers
998 Videos
7.6M Views

Copy link