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January 31, 2022
Question

I was a performing musician for a church during Xmas. I filed a W9 with them. No taxes taken from check. Is this exempt as "religious employment?"

  • January 31, 2022
  • 2 replies
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2 replies

January 31, 2022

No, this is not exempt. This is self-employment.

 

If you receive more than $600 from the church, they will send out a form 1099-NEC which you will enter on your tax return.

 

Please read this TurboTax article for more information.

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January 31, 2022

I think that as long as you didn't earn more than $600 you don't have to file any tax forms at all. In regards to "religious employment", I'm pretty sure this applies to only ministers who are "ordained". I use to be a church organist was either paid as an "independent contractor" or an employee if I earned more than $600. 

January 31, 2022

Both MinhT1 and MichaelDesna are correct. This is self-employment income and is not exempt. To enter your self-employment income, see How do I report income from self-employment?

 

When you're self-employed, you'll be able to claim business expenses related to your income. Please see:

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