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Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Kentucky 2026

Calculate your clergy housing allowance exclusion tax savings in Kentucky. With Kentucky's 4% top state tax rate, your combined savings are higher.

Kentucky Tax Overview

State Income Tax
4%
flat
Sales Tax
6%
avg combined: 6%
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Median Income
$55,573

Flat 4% (reduced from 5%). Inheritance tax (4-16%). Pension exclusion up to $31,110.

Kentucky Income Tax Brackets (Single)

4%
$0 +
Your bracket
$1,300
Est. Total Savings
No Limit
Max Deduction
Above-the-Line
Deduction Type
26.0%
Combined Tax Rate

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Savings Calculator for Kentucky

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Federal Savings

$1,100

22% bracket

Kentucky State

$200

4% rate

Total Savings

$1,300

26.0% combined

At a 26.0% combined tax rate in Kentucky, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $260 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket in Kentucky

10%
$700
12%
$800
22%
$1,300
24%
$1,400
32%
$1,800
35%
$1,950
37%
$2,050

Includes 4% Kentucky state tax on top of federal savings.

Eligibility Requirements

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation

  • 1Must be ordained, licensed, or commissioned minister
  • 2Allowance must be designated by employer in advance
  • 3Limited to lesser of: actual expenses, FMV of home, or designated amount

Kentucky residents should verify that this deduction is also recognized on their state tax return for additional savings of up to 4%.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • !Not having allowance designated before payment
  • !Exceeding the fair market value limitation
  • !Forgetting to include for self-employment tax purposes
  • !Forgetting to claim the deduction on your Kentucky state return (missing up to 4% additional savings)

Kentucky Filing Tips

Flat 4% simplifies planning. Be aware of inheritance tax for non-immediate family. Kentucky offers pension exclusions up to $31,110. Standard deduction is low ($3,160).

Required Tax Forms

Form 1040Schedule SE

File these forms with your federal tax return to claim the clergy housing allowance exclusion. Kentucky may require additional state-specific forms.

Other Tax Deductions in Kentucky

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Housing

~$4,136
est. savings

Property Tax Deduction

Housing

~$2,600
est. savings

Home Office Deduction

Housing

~$1,418
est. savings

Home Energy Tax Credit

Housing

~$1,800
est. savings

Residential Solar Tax Credit

Housing

~$7,500
est. savings

Military Moving Expenses

Housing

~$4,727
est. savings

PMI Premium Deduction

Housing

~$1,300
est. savings

Mortgage Points Deduction

Housing

~$2,364
est. savings

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Neighboring States

Illinois

4.95% top rate (flat)

~$14,700
+13,400 vs Kentucky

Indiana

3.05% top rate (flat)

~$13,664
+12,364 vs Kentucky

Ohio

3.5% top rate (progressive)

~$13,909
+12,609 vs Kentucky

West Virginia

5.12% top rate (progressive)

~$14,793
+13,493 vs Kentucky

Virginia

5.75% top rate (progressive)

~$15,136
+13,836 vs Kentucky

Tennessee

No state income tax

~$12,000
+10,700 vs Kentucky

Missouri

4.8% top rate (progressive)

~$14,618
+13,318 vs Kentucky

Tax Calculators for Kentucky Cities

LouisvilleLexingtonBowling GreenOwensboro

Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in Kentucky

Use our free tax calculators to optimize your entire tax return for Kentucky.

Income Tax CalculatorKentucky Income TaxFull Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the clergy housing allowance exclusion can save you an estimated $1,300 per year on a $5,000 deduction. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $200 in Kentucky state tax savings at the 4% marginal rate. The national average savings is $12,000/year.

What is the Kentucky state income tax rate?

Kentucky has a flat income tax system with a top rate of 4%. Flat 4% (reduced from 5%). Inheritance tax (4-16%). Pension exclusion up to $31,110.

Who qualifies for the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Kentucky?

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in Kentucky or another state, as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your total savings will vary based on Kentucky's 4% top state tax rate.

What tax forms do I need to claim the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Kentucky?

To claim the clergy housing allowance exclusion, you need to file Form 1040 and Schedule SE with your federal return. Kentucky residents should also check if the state allows this deduction on their state return for additional savings of up to 4%. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.

Is the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion better in Kentucky than in states without income tax?

Yes, Kentucky residents benefit more because the state's 4% top income tax rate means the deduction reduces both your federal AND state tax liability. In states with no income tax (like Texas, Florida, or Nevada), this deduction only reduces federal taxes. Your combined rate of 26.0% means more savings per dollar deducted.

What is the standard deduction in Kentucky for 2026?

Kentucky's standard deduction is $3,160 for single filers and $6,320 for married filing jointly. Flat 4% simplifies planning. Be aware of inheritance tax for non-immediate family. Kentucky offers pension exclusions up to $31,110. Standard deduction is low ($3,160).

Related Calculators

Mortgage Interest Deduction in Kentucky

Avg savings: $3,500/year

Property Tax Deduction in Kentucky

Avg savings: $2,200/year

Home Office Deduction in Kentucky

Avg savings: $1,200/year

Home Energy Tax Credit in Kentucky

Avg savings: $1,800/year

Residential Solar Tax Credit in Kentucky

Avg savings: $7,500/year

Military Moving Expenses in Kentucky

Avg savings: $4,000/year