Social Security: Opt Back "In"?

Question:

I am a minister who decided to opt out of the Social Security system. Am I able to opt back into Social Security if I so choose?

Answer:

Unfortunately, no. Once a minister requests exemption from social security, that exemption is irrevocable (Reg. §1.1402(e)-4A(b)). The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 did allow for a reversal of the exemption between January 1, 2000 and April 15, 2002. I am aware of no Congressional consideration to repeat the allowance of the 1999 Act.

The members of my Federal Taxation I class at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin have taken on the challenge of study and research to answer the posted question. Aaron Oberholtzer of Marinette, Wisconsin gets credit for this one.

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MinistryCPA - Corey A. Pfaffe, CPA, LLC

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