Publication 517 |
2000 Tax Year |
Introduction
Social security and Medicare taxes are collected under two systems.
Under the Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA), the self-employed
person pays all the taxes. Under the Federal Insurance Contributions
Act (FICA), the employee and the employer each pay half of the taxes.
No earnings are subject to both systems.
Table 1. Are You Covered Under FICA or SECA?
This publication covers the following topics about the collection
of social security and Medicare taxes from members of the clergy and
religious workers.
- Which earnings are taxed under SECA and which under FICA.
(See Table 1 to determine whether FICA or SECA
applies.)
- How a member of the clergy (minister, member of a religious
order, or Christian Science practitioner) can apply for an exemption
from self-employment tax.
- How to figure net earnings from self-employment.
This publication also covers certain income tax rules of interest
to the clergy.
A comprehensive example shows filled-in forms for a minister who
has income taxed under SECA, other income taxed under FICA, and income
tax reporting of items specific to the clergy.
Note.
In this publication the term "church" is generally used in its
generic sense and not in reference to any particular religion.
Comments and suggestions.
We welcome your comments about this publication and your
suggestions for future editions.
You can e-mail us while visiting our web site at
www.irs.gov/help/email2.html.
You can write to us at the following address:
Internal Revenue Service
Technical Publications Branch
W:CAR:MP:FP:P
1111 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20224
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helpful if you would include your daytime phone number, including the
area code, in your correspondence.
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