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Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Wisconsin 2026

Calculate your clergy housing allowance exclusion tax savings in Wisconsin. With Wisconsin's 7.65% top state tax rate, your combined savings are higher.

Wisconsin Tax Overview

State Income Tax
7.65%
progressive
Sales Tax
5%
avg combined: 5.43%
Property Tax Rate
1.61%
Median Income
$67,125

Four brackets 3.5%-7.65%. High property taxes (1.61%). Standard deduction phases out. Farm capital gains exclusion. Social Security exempt.

Wisconsin Income Tax Brackets (Single)

3.5%
$0 - $14,320
4.4%
$14,320 - $28,640
5.3%
$28,640 - $315,310
Your bracket
7.65%
$315,310 +
$1,365
Est. Total Savings
No Limit
Max Deduction
Above-the-Line
Deduction Type
27.3%
Combined Tax Rate

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Savings Calculator for Wisconsin

$
$

Federal Savings

$1,100

22% bracket

Wisconsin State

$265

5.3% rate

Total Savings

$1,365

27.3% combined

At a 27.3% combined tax rate in Wisconsin, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $273 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket in Wisconsin

10%
$765
12%
$865
22%
$1,365
24%
$1,465
32%
$1,865
35%
$2,015
37%
$2,115

Includes 5.3% Wisconsin 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

Wisconsin residents should verify that this deduction is also recognized on their state tax return for additional savings of up to 7.65%.

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 Wisconsin state return (missing up to 7.65% additional savings)

Wisconsin Filing Tips

Standard deduction phases out at higher incomes. Use capital gains exclusions on WI farm and business assets. Social Security exempt. Homestead credit helps offset property taxes.

Required Tax Forms

Form 1040Schedule SE

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

Other Tax Deductions in Wisconsin

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Housing

~$4,343
est. savings

Property Tax Deduction

Housing

~$2,730
est. savings

Home Office Deduction

Housing

~$1,489
est. savings

Home Energy Tax Credit

Housing

~$1,800
est. savings

Residential Solar Tax Credit

Housing

~$7,500
est. savings

Military Moving Expenses

Housing

~$4,964
est. savings

PMI Premium Deduction

Housing

~$1,365
est. savings

Mortgage Points Deduction

Housing

~$2,482
est. savings

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Neighboring States

Michigan

4.25% top rate (flat)

~$14,318
+12,953 vs Wisconsin

Minnesota

9.85% top rate (progressive)

~$17,373
+16,008 vs Wisconsin

Iowa

3.8% top rate (flat)

~$14,073
+12,708 vs Wisconsin

Illinois

4.95% top rate (flat)

~$14,700
+13,335 vs Wisconsin

Tax Calculators for Wisconsin Cities

MilwaukeeMadisonGreen BayKenoshaRacineAppletonWaukeshaEau ClaireOshkoshJanesville

Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in Wisconsin

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

Income Tax CalculatorWisconsin Income TaxFull Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Wisconsin, the clergy housing allowance exclusion can save you an estimated $1,365 per year on a $5,000 deduction. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $265 in Wisconsin state tax savings at the 5.3% marginal rate. The national average savings is $12,000/year.

What is the Wisconsin state income tax rate?

Wisconsin has a progressive income tax system with a top rate of 7.65%. Four brackets 3.5%-7.65%. High property taxes (1.61%). Standard deduction phases out. Farm capital gains exclusion. Social Security exempt.

Who qualifies for the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Wisconsin?

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in Wisconsin or another state, as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your total savings will vary based on Wisconsin's 7.65% top state tax rate.

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

To claim the clergy housing allowance exclusion, you need to file Form 1040 and Schedule SE with your federal return. Wisconsin residents should also check if the state allows this deduction on their state return for additional savings of up to 7.65%. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.

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

Yes, Wisconsin residents benefit more because the state's 7.65% 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 27.3% means more savings per dollar deducted.

What is the standard deduction in Wisconsin for 2026?

Wisconsin's standard deduction is $12,760 for single filers and $23,620 for married filing jointly. Standard deduction phases out at higher incomes. Use capital gains exclusions on WI farm and business assets. Social Security exempt. Homestead credit helps offset property taxes.

Related Calculators

Mortgage Interest Deduction in Wisconsin

Avg savings: $3,500/year

Property Tax Deduction in Wisconsin

Avg savings: $2,200/year

Home Office Deduction in Wisconsin

Avg savings: $1,200/year

Home Energy Tax Credit in Wisconsin

Avg savings: $1,800/year

Residential Solar Tax Credit in Wisconsin

Avg savings: $7,500/year

Military Moving Expenses in Wisconsin

Avg savings: $4,000/year