So, I did some research, and it turns out my 1099-MISC income is not considered "earned income" for the sake of the EIC worksheet calculations because of my self-employment tax exemption form 4361. The worksheet calculations factor in my total income in line 1, and then subtract any amount of 1099-MISC income exempt from SE taxes in line 2, which renders my earned income for the sake of the EIC to zero.
Wow, I wish I would've realized I'd be getting back $4,500 less when I signed the contract a year ago. I should've asked for a W-2 with a designated housing allowance (the Church would then be on the hook for half my self-employment taxes), but who's to say they would've said "yes."
