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To change your parsonage amount in the future, simply complete a new Parsonage Request Form and email it to hr@gcmweb.org for approval.  Dave Meldrum-Green, our Director of Organizational Affairs & Treasurer reviews and approves all parsonage requests.

• Please read Chapter 5 Chapter 4 in the Minister’s Tax and Financial Guide for information on parsonage allowance.

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Once GCM receives notice you’ve been ordained or commissioned, GCM will stop withholding social security (FICA) tax from your paychecks.  However, you now have the personal responsibility to directly pay this tax to the government yourself. 

• Please read Chapter 7 Chapter 6 in the Minister’s Tax and Financial Guide to find out why this change must take place. 
• Please read Chapter 8 Chapter 7 to find out your options for paying this tax.

What about opting out of the social security system?

Please read Chapter 7 Chapter 6 in the Minister’s Tax and Financial Guide to find out about the option of opting out of social security tax. Remember, you cannot make this decision to opt out simply because you think you can achieve a better investment return on those funds elsewhere (economic reasons). You may also want to talk with other ministers who have dealt with this option.  To obtain a copy of the IRS Form 4361, you may visit the IRS web site at www.irs.gov.  We’ve also included additional reading resources from the ECFA. Be certain that if you make this decision to opt out, it is for the right reasons.

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• Ministers who communicate their decision to GCM to remain in the social security system within 3 months from receiving this Information Packet, will be eligible for the 7.65% FICA Bonus retroactively to the time period they began receiving GCM wages as a minister. 
• Ministers who communicate this decision to GCM anytime after 3 months (from date of receiving this Info Packet), will be eligible for the 7.65% FICA bonus beginning with the next available pay date. (You will only be eligible for up to 3 months of retroactive FICA bonus and must request that in your email).
• Remember, you must begin to pay your own social security tax (SECA - the language changes for self-employed individuals) from the point in time that you are paid GCM wages as a minister. See Chapter 8 Chapter 7 in Zondervan Minister Tax & Financial Guide for options on paying this SECA tax. 

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Please read the section titled “Opting Out of Social Security” in Chapter 7 Chapter 6 in Minister’s Tax & Financial Guide very carefully. Follow the instructions given in the Guide. You may also want to contact a tax or accounting professional for additional advice. GCM is not able to assist you with this decision. It is a completely personal decision. Remember this is a permanent decision.

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