Are gifts to ministers taxable income?

Answer by  Att4372 (1704)

A genuine GIFT (as opposed to a fee for service disguised as a gift) is not taxable as long as the gift is below $13,000. (At $13,000, a gift tax applies. ) If a gift is normally turned over to the religious order (for example, Franciscan friar), it is not income. If the gift is quid pro quo, it's taxable.

Answer by  cgroverla (516)

An offering to a minister who has performed a ministerial service such as a wedding is income to the minister and is reported on his tax return.

Answer by  Chaneygirl (1755)

If the gift is considered a stipend (gift for performing service like wedding, baptism, funeral) then yes, they should pay tax on those amounts. Other gifts probably not.

Answer by  EarlOfSandwich (177)

Gifts are not taxable income to the recipient. However, if the payment is an honorarium or some other type of compensation for services rendered, the payment would be taxable. If the amount of the gift exceeds the gift tax threshold for a given year, the person giving the gift will be liable for a gift tax.