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posted May 31, 2019 11:42:39 PM

I'm a pastor and therefore considered self-employed. I purchase a healthcare plan through GuideStone. Am I able to deduct "self employment healthcare" premiums?

0 1 2028
1 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 11:42:41 PM

Most pastors are common law employees and should receive a W-2. (You are only self-employed for limited income tax purposes.) That is the case if you answer to the congregation (directly or through a board of elders or similar) or if you answer to a denomination (district board, bishop, etc.)  If you are a common law employee, you can only deduct your health care premiums as itemized deductions on schedule A subject to the 10% limitation.

If you are a truly independent pastor of your own church, you are self-employed and would file a schedule C, in which case you can deduct the premiums from your schedule C as a small business expense.

See this for more. http://www.ecfa.org/PDF/2016-Preparing-Tax-Returns-For-Clergy.pdf