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HR227119th Congress
Passed Both Chambers

Clergy Act: Option to Revoke Social Security Exemption

Social WelfareSocial SecurityClergyTax PolicyRetirement Benefits
Congress.gov·Updated daily·Introduced Jan 7, 2025·Last action Oct 15, 2026·Report a correction
AI-Powered Summary

The Clergy Act provides a new option for ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners who have previously claimed an exemption from Social Security taxes under current law. Normally, once these clergy members elect to be exempt from Social Security coverage, they cannot change that decision. This bill changes that by allowing them to revoke their exemption within a specified time frame. Specifically, clergy who have an exemption effective in the year the bill is enacted can apply to revoke it by the due date of their federal income tax return (including extensions) for their second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2028. The revocation can be effective for either the first or second taxable year after 2028 and will apply to all subsequent years. Once revoked, they cannot reapply for the exemption. If the revocation is filed late but still applies to a prior year, the clergy member must pay the Social Security taxes they would have owed for that year. The bill also requires the IRS, in consultation with the Social Security Administration, to develop a plan to inform eligible clergy about this new option within 90 days of enactment. This change could affect clergy members’ future Social Security benefits and tax obligations, providing them with more flexibility in planning for retirement and social insurance coverage.

How we make these summaries →

Key Points

Main Benefit

Gives clergy members flexibility to opt into Social Security coverage if they change their minds.

Main Concern

Clergy who revoke late may face unexpected tax bills for prior years.

Who's Affected

Ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers

Gain the option to revoke Social Security exemption and participate in Social Security coverage starting in 2029.

Members of religious orders and Christian Science practitioners

Also eligible to revoke exemption and begin Social Security participation under the same terms.

IRS and Social Security Administration

Responsible for informing clergy about the new revocation option and processing applications.

Latest Action

Presented to President.

Estimated Impact

Medium

Probability over time

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