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Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Virginia 2026

Calculate your clergy housing allowance exclusion tax savings in Virginia. With Virginia's 5.75% top state tax rate, your combined savings are higher.

Virginia Tax Overview

State Income Tax
5.75%
progressive
Sales Tax
5.3%
avg combined: 5.75%
Property Tax Rate
0.82%
Median Income
$87,249

Four brackets 2%-5.75%. Top rate at just $17K. Own standard deduction. High median income.

Virginia Income Tax Brackets (Single)

2%
$0 - $3,000
3%
$3,000 - $5,000
5%
$5,000 - $17,000
5.75%
$17,000 +
Your bracket
$1,388
Est. Total Savings
No Limit
Max Deduction
Above-the-Line
Deduction Type
27.8%
Combined Tax Rate

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Savings Calculator for Virginia

$
$

Federal Savings

$1,100

22% bracket

Virginia State

$288

5.75% rate

Total Savings

$1,388

27.8% combined

At a 27.8% combined tax rate in Virginia, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $278 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket in Virginia

10%
$788
12%
$888
22%
$1,388
24%
$1,488
32%
$1,888
35%
$2,038
37%
$2,138

Includes 5.75% Virginia 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

Virginia residents should verify that this deduction is also recognized on their state tax return for additional savings of up to 5.75%.

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 Virginia state return (missing up to 5.75% additional savings)

Virginia Filing Tips

The 5.75% top rate starts at just $17K, so most earners pay the top rate. State standard deduction ($8,000) is lower than federal. Age deduction up to $12,000 for 65+.

Required Tax Forms

Form 1040Schedule SE

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

Other Tax Deductions in Virginia

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Housing

~$4,415
est. savings

Property Tax Deduction

Housing

~$2,775
est. savings

Home Office Deduction

Housing

~$1,514
est. savings

Home Energy Tax Credit

Housing

~$1,800
est. savings

Residential Solar Tax Credit

Housing

~$7,500
est. savings

Military Moving Expenses

Housing

~$5,045
est. savings

PMI Premium Deduction

Housing

~$1,388
est. savings

Mortgage Points Deduction

Housing

~$2,523
est. savings

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Neighboring States

Maryland

5.75% top rate (progressive)

~$15,136
+13,748 vs Virginia

District of Columbia

10.75% top rate (progressive)

~$17,864
+16,476 vs Virginia

West Virginia

5.12% top rate (progressive)

~$14,793
+13,405 vs Virginia

Kentucky

4% top rate (flat)

~$14,182
+12,794 vs Virginia

Tennessee

No state income tax

~$12,000
+10,612 vs Virginia

North Carolina

4.5% top rate (flat)

~$14,455
+13,067 vs Virginia

Tax Calculators for Virginia Cities

Virginia BeachChesapeakeArlingtonNorfolkRichmondNewport NewsAlexandriaHamptonRoanokeSuffolk

Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in Virginia

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

Income Tax CalculatorVirginia Income TaxFull Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Virginia, the clergy housing allowance exclusion can save you an estimated $1,388 per year on a $5,000 deduction. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $288 in Virginia state tax savings at the 5.75% marginal rate. The national average savings is $12,000/year.

What is the Virginia state income tax rate?

Virginia has a progressive income tax system with a top rate of 5.75%. Four brackets 2%-5.75%. Top rate at just $17K. Own standard deduction. High median income.

Who qualifies for the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Virginia?

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in Virginia or another state, as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your total savings will vary based on Virginia's 5.75% top state tax rate.

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

To claim the clergy housing allowance exclusion, you need to file Form 1040 and Schedule SE with your federal return. Virginia residents should also check if the state allows this deduction on their state return for additional savings of up to 5.75%. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.

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

Yes, Virginia residents benefit more because the state's 5.75% 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 27.8% means more savings per dollar deducted.

What is the standard deduction in Virginia for 2026?

Virginia's standard deduction is $8,000 for single filers and $16,000 for married filing jointly. The 5.75% top rate starts at just $17K, so most earners pay the top rate. State standard deduction ($8,000) is lower than federal. Age deduction up to $12,000 for 65+.

Related Calculators

Mortgage Interest Deduction in Virginia

Avg savings: $3,500/year

Property Tax Deduction in Virginia

Avg savings: $2,200/year

Home Office Deduction in Virginia

Avg savings: $1,200/year

Home Energy Tax Credit in Virginia

Avg savings: $1,800/year

Residential Solar Tax Credit in Virginia

Avg savings: $7,500/year

Military Moving Expenses in Virginia

Avg savings: $4,000/year