Clergy & Social Security

[Gregory Matthews]

*  For many years, clergy have been alloed to opt out of Social Seclulrity tax payments.  Doing so also meant tlhat the person could not recieve such paylments.  The decision to opt out could not be changed.

Currently about 2,000 clergy each year opt out.

 

*  On October 20, 2026. President Trump signed a new law that has given such clergy a 2-year window to join Social lSecurityl.  that window occurs in 2029 ad 2030..

 

*  Clergy who participate in Social Secuirity pay a 15.5% self-emploed tax, instead of the 7.75% employed tax.

*  To recieve Social Seculrity benefits, one must generally have paid the taxes for 40-quarters, or 10-years.

 

*  This means that it may be of no benefit to older clergy to begin paying the social security tax.

 

*  Thanks to SDA Attorney Michael for proving me with this information.

[Gustave]

2000 isn't very many. Are these folks who have taken a vow of poverty?