Tax Help - Church Employee?

Question

Hello, this is the sitch... I am a teacher that works for a school, which is operated by a church. My paycheck does not have Social Security withheld and am told I am responsible for 2006. So now I have to pay for all of 2006 for me and the portion my empolyer does not cover. My question is, am I considered a contractor or employee... I recieved a W2. I would like to write off my mileage, etc. Thanks!

Thanks for all the info (especially gagagirl). So it seems I am considered an employee, but am also responsible for my entire Social Security, without the ability to write off my expenses (like a contractor)... seems like the worst of both worlds as far as emploment status is concerned. Thanks again all!

Answer 1

You are definitely considered an employee, but you must fill out Schedule SE in order to pay in your social security and medicare wages that were not taken out of your pay during the year. This is extremely important because it will help add to the social security benefits that you can receive upon retirement (if it's still around by then!). All of the W-2s that I have seen for church/Christian school employees had alot of federal taxes withheld. That means that your employer should have taken out enough on you during the year so that you will not have to pay in your SE tax and still get a refund. Also, you will not be able to write off your mileage because you are not a contractor. However, if you have enough deductions to itemize, you can claim some of your unreimbursed expenses there (ie cell phone, uniforms, etc.) Also, don't forget to claim your educator expense adjustment. You can claim up to $250 of expenses that you incurred for your classroom, and it will help lower your taxable income, giving you a bigger refund. Please add more details if you need more help. God bless!

Answer 2

Since you received a W-2, you are an employee, NOT an independent contractor.

If you are a church employee and your church does not withhold Social Security taxes from you pay, you must attach Schedule SE to your tax return and pay the entire Social Security tax yourself.

You may be able to take a deduction for use of your personal vehicle in your job but NOT for commuting expenses.

Answer 3

ASK God for faith
wait 3 days
then inquire of the IRS WHAT LAW requires YOU to pay anything you have received in payment for your labor?
as you work for a nonprofit enterprise.....and tithe
do not accept anything less than the black and white law of man compelling YOU(specifically) to pay INCOME TAXES
God bless you and keep you
PEACE

Answer 4

Normally you would be considered a contractor under these circumstances.

Answer 5

i think you should have got a 1099 not w-2 and yes if the boss don't pay it you will. both parts.sorry