Clergy Income Question

[Justataxguy]

Small local church had a pastoral candidate that they paid all expenses for him and his family to come visit the church and area. He preached during the visit and was voted to be their pastor. He accepted and while waiting for housing to be available, he took a position with another church. Church wants to know if the expenses paid for the trip are income for the pastor?

[ATSMAN]

Was there any employment contract?

Was it moving expenses?

How is this different if I am invited to a job interview and they pay all my travel expenses but I don't accept the position?

[Burke]

Small local church had a pastoral candidate that they paid all expenses for him and his family to come visit the church and area. He preached during the visit and was voted to be their pastor. He accepted and while waiting for housing to be available, he took a position with another church. Church wants to know if the expenses paid for the trip are income for the pastor?

He was not an employee when the expenses were paid. It is not income to the taxpayer.