Need help with clergy section of taxes

[schism169]

Hi guys, I had a few questions regarding the clergy section of taxes. 

Under "Parsonage or housing allowance received" my housing allowance was entered in.

1. Can I add my total yearly utilities into the "Qualifying expenses" section? My utilities was paid out of pocket.
   

I get paid Salary, and I don't pay medicare or social security 

1. Do I pay self-employment tax on my wages and housing allowance or just my housing allowance?

[DianeW777]

Yes, you can include the cost of your utilities as part of your housing expenses to eliminate paying personal income taxes on excess housing allowance.  

• IRS Topic 417  -  A minister who receives a housing allowance may exclude the allowance from gross income to the extent it's used to pay expenses in providing a home. Generally, those expenses include rent, mortgage interest, utilities, and other expenses directly relating to providing a home.

You must select to pay self-employment tax on your wages and housing allowance unless you have previously filed for exemption.

• How do I enter a parsonage or housing allowance reported on W-2?

[schism169]

"Generally, those expenses include rent, mortgage interest, utilities, and other expenses directly relating to providing a home."

So I use my housing allowance to cover all of my rent and I pay out of pocket for my utilities. 

Does that mean that I can also include my rent along with my utilities in the "Qualifying Expense" section?

So IE: 

"Parsonage or housing allowance received"

$20,000 (Box 14)

"Qualifying Expense"

$20,000 (Total Yearly Rent) + $Utilities. 

[schism169]

Does anyone one have any more thoughts on this?

[DaveF1006]

Yes, according to this link from IRS.gov,  "a minister who receives a housing allowance may exclude the allowance from gross income to the extent it's used to pay expenses in providing a home. Generally, those expenses include rent, mortgage interest, utilities, and other expenses directly relating to providing a home. The amount excluded can't be more than reasonable compensation for the minister's services."