Question: A couple plans to move overseas to work with a mission organization on temporary assignment (less than one year). The church managing their support intends to issue Form 1099-MISC reporting their earnings. How do they report the income for tax purposes? Do they owe federal and state income taxes and self-employment (SE) taxes? Can they deduct business expenses (such as computer, camera, etc. used for the mission trip)? They believe that they will be out of the US for a long enough period to qualify for Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Answer: There are many facts and circumstances that must be considered in this case, but many of the rules to interpret their implications are covered in IRS Publication 463 . Questions to be answered include the following: 1. What is the couple's "tax home"? 2. Is the assignment temporary or indefinite? 3. Is the trip primarily for "business" or personal reasons? If the couples' support is only enough
This blog posts answers to questions given to us by ministers and others serving in Christian ministries advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. It also discusses other financial topics that those in gospel ministries face. We trust the information provided can be helpful to you.