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Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Madison, WI 2026

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

Wisconsin Tax Context

State Income Tax
7.65%
Local Income Tax
None
Property Tax Rate
1.78%
Tax Burden
Very High

State capital; University of Wisconsin; very high quality of life

$1,483
Est. Total Savings
No Limit
Max Deduction
Above-the-Line
Deduction Type
29.6%
Combined Tax Rate

Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion Savings Calculator for Madison

$
$

Federal Savings

$1,100

22% bracket

Wisconsin State

$383

7.65% rate

Local Tax

$0

0% rate

Total Savings

$1,483

29.6% combined

At a 29.6% combined tax rate in Madison, every $1,000 in deductions saves you $297 in taxes.

Savings by Tax Bracket in Madison

10%
$883
12%
$983
22%
$1,483
24%
$1,583
32%
$1,983
35%
$2,133
37%
$2,233

Includes 7.65% 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 7.65% additional savings)

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.

Calculate Your Full Tax Savings in Madison

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Madison, WI?

In Madison, Wisconsin, the clergy housing allowance exclusion can save you an estimated $1,483 per year. This includes $1,100 in federal tax savings and $383 in Wisconsin state tax savings. The national average savings is $12,000/year.

What is the Wisconsin state income tax rate for Madison residents?

Wisconsin has a 7.65% state income tax rate. Madison residents have no additional local income tax. State capital; University of Wisconsin; very high quality of life

Who qualifies for the Clergy Housing Allowance Exclusion in Madison?

Ministers and clergy who receive a housing allowance as part of compensation. The eligibility requirements are the same whether you live in Madison or elsewhere in the U.S., as this is a federal tax deduction. However, your savings amount will vary based on Wisconsin's 7.65% 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, which could provide an additional 7.65% savings. Filing status affects your deduction limits and tax bracket.

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

Yes, Madison residents benefit more because Wisconsin's 7.65% state income tax 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 29.6% means more savings per dollar deducted.