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Clergy Act

USA119th CongressS-639| Senate 
| Updated: 2/19/2025
Katie Boyd Britt

Katie Boyd Britt

Republican Senator

Alabama

Cosponsors (1)
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democratic)

Finance Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Clergy Act" allows certain religious professionals, including ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners , to revoke their prior exemption from Social Security coverage. This exemption, originally granted under section 1402(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, can now be reversed, enabling these individuals to participate in the Social Security system. The bill sets a specific window for revocation, requiring applications to be filed by the due date of the applicant's federal income tax return for their second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2027. Upon revocation, individuals will be subject to Social Security taxes and become eligible for associated benefits, with the revocation taking effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2027. A key provision states that once an exemption is revoked, the individual cannot subsequently apply for another exemption from Social Security. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, develop and submit a plan to Congress within 90 days to inform eligible clergy members about this new opportunity to revoke their exemption.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4126
Clergy Act
Feb 19, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Feb 19, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Jan 7, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-227
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4126
    Clergy Act


  • February 19, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 19, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


  • January 7, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-227
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.

Social Welfare

Congressional oversightIncome tax exclusionReligionSocial security and elderly assistanceTax administration and collection, taxpayers

Clergy Act

USA119th CongressS-639| Senate 
| Updated: 2/19/2025
The "Clergy Act" allows certain religious professionals, including ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners , to revoke their prior exemption from Social Security coverage. This exemption, originally granted under section 1402(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, can now be reversed, enabling these individuals to participate in the Social Security system. The bill sets a specific window for revocation, requiring applications to be filed by the due date of the applicant's federal income tax return for their second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2027. Upon revocation, individuals will be subject to Social Security taxes and become eligible for associated benefits, with the revocation taking effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2027. A key provision states that once an exemption is revoked, the individual cannot subsequently apply for another exemption from Social Security. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, develop and submit a plan to Congress within 90 days to inform eligible clergy members about this new opportunity to revoke their exemption.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4126
Clergy Act
Feb 19, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Feb 19, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Jan 7, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-227
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4126
    Clergy Act


  • February 19, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 19, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.


  • January 7, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-227
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.
Katie Boyd Britt

Katie Boyd Britt

Republican Senator

Alabama

Cosponsors (1)
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democratic)

Finance Committee

Social Welfare

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Congressional oversightIncome tax exclusionReligionSocial security and elderly assistanceTax administration and collection, taxpayers