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Official form guide
Form 4029: Application for Exemption From Social Security and Medicare Taxes and Waiver of Benefits
IRS Form 4029 is an Application for Exemption From Social Security and Medicare Taxes and Waiver of Benefits used by members of recognized religious groups. The exemption applies to all wages and self-employment income earned before and during the effective period.
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IRS Form 4029 - Application for Exemption From Social Security and Medicare Taxes and Waiver of Benefits
IRS Form 4029 is an Application for Exemption From Social Security and Medicare Taxes and Waiver of Benefits used by members of recognized religious groups. The exemption applies to all wages and self-employment income earned before and during the effective period.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to notify the IRS when leaving the religious group voids the exemption status.
- 2Not including the religious group's full address in Part I or II.
- 3Failing to sign and date Form 4029 in Part I by the applicant.
- 4Forgetting to have the Authorized Representative sign and date Part II.
- 5Incorrectly listing the name of the religious group for Anabaptist/Mennonite applicants.
Plain English
What does this form mean in plain English? This form allows individuals belonging to a recognized religious group to ask the IRS to exempt them from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes. It also lets the applicant waive their right to receive these benefits if they are paid out later for death, disability, or retirement. The exemption is irrevocable for the period it applies.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2018-11-09 22:00:03
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you are a member of a recognized religious group and wish to apply for exemption from social security and Medicare taxes on your earnings from self-employment, or to waive benefits.
- Do not use Form 4029 if the exemption only applies to federal income tax, as that is not covered by this form's approval alone.
- Check Form 4361 instead when you are a Minister, member of a religious order, or Christian Science practitioner and need an exemption from Self-Employment Tax.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying as a partnership
The form must be approved by all partners for the election to apply.
✓ Verify partner approval on Form 4029.
Not applying for self-employment tax exemption
If you are an employee but need employer share exemption, this form covers that too (under IRC section 3111).
✓ Confirm your role is listed in Part I.
Applying as a Mennonite/Anabaptist
Specific group names must be entered on line 1 and the congregation details must be specified correctly.
✓ Check specific naming conventions for Anabaptist or Mennonite groups.
Deadline or filing window
The exemption applies to all wages and self-employment income earned before and during the effective period of the exemption. The waiver is irrevocable for that specific period. If the exemption ends, it remains effective until new requirements are met.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Application Purpose
Membership in recognized religious group · General Instructions (p.2)
Self-Employment Tax Exemption
IRC section 1401 · Part I, Request Statement (p.1)
Waiver of Benefits
Titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act · Part I, Waiver Statement (p.1)
Notification Requirement
Notify IRS within 60 days · Part I, Certification (p.1)
Mennonite Naming Convention
"Unaffiliated Mennonite Churches" or specific church name · Form 4029 (p.2), Who may apply
Exemption Scope
Not applies to federal income tax · Part I, Caution Statement (p.1)
Before you submit
- 1Print or type the Name of taxpayer on Line 1.
- 2Enter your complete Address (number, street, or P.O. box) on Line 1.
- 3Verify that you have listed your Social security number on Line 2.
- 4Confirm you certify continuous membership since a specific Month, Day, and Year in Part I.
- 5Ensure the waiver states benefits are waived under Titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act.
- 6Certify that you have never received these benefits based on your earnings.
- 7Include the signature and Title of the Authorized IRS Representative.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part I by printing or typing all required information, including certifying continuous religious group membership since a specific date.
- 2Sign Form 4029 and have an Authorized IRS Representative sign and date the form.
- 3Send three copies of the completed Form 4029 to the Social Security Administration Security Records Branch at P.O. Box 7, Boyers, PA 16020.
- 4Keep your approved copy of Form 4029 for permanent records.
Known limitations
- 1The exemption granted by Form 4029 applies only to social security and Medicare taxes; it does not apply to federal income tax.
- 2For ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners, the form is distinct from IRS Form 4361, Application for Exemption From Self-Employment Tax for Use by Ministers, Members of Religious Orders, and Christian Science Practitioners.
- 3The election to waive social security benefits, including Medicare benefits, is irrevocable for the period during which the exemption applies.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of IRS Form 4029 is Revision November 2018 (Rev. 11-2018). The source directs users to www.irs.gov/Form4029 for the latest information regarding developments related to this form.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads November 2018 (Rev. 11-2018).
- Fee — Not stated in the official source.
- Mailing address — confirm the Social Security Administration address is P.O. Box 7, Boyers, PA 16020.
- Signature — ensure the applicant signs and provides their Title.
- IRS Representative Date — verify a date is entered for the Authorized IRS Representative's signature.
- Copies to send — confirm you are sending three copies in total (one original + two copies).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep an approved copy of Form 4029 for permanent records.
- 2If filing as a self-employed individual and receiving approval, write “Exempt—Form 4029” on the “Self-employment tax” line when preparing Form 1040.
- 3When preparing Form W-2 for a qualifying employee, enter “Form 4029” in the box marked “Other.”
- 4For employees with approved exemptions, do not make any entries in the boxes for Social security wages, Medicare wages and tips, Social security tax withheld, or Medicare tax withheld on their Form W-2.
- 5If you are no longer a member or no longer follow the teachings of the religious group, notify the Internal Revenue Service by sending a letter to the specified address.
Sources
- SRCForm 4029 is used by members of recognized religious groups to apply for exemption from social security and Medicare taxes (Instructions p.2).
- SRCThe exemption applies to individuals and partnerships (when all partners have approved certification) (General Instructions p.2).
- SRCIf you are Anabaptist or Mennonite, enter specific names on the second line of Form 4029 (However, if you are Anabaptist or Mennonite p.2).
- SRCThe exemption is granted only if the IRS returns a copy to you marked “Approved” (Form p.1).
- SRCFor employers/employees, an approved exemption is effective on the first day of the first quarter after filing Form 4029 (Effective period of exemption p.2).
- SRCThe original and two copies must be sent to the Social Security Administration Security Records Branch Attn: Religious Exemption Unit in P.O. Box 7, Boyers, PA 16020 (Where to file p.2).
Common confusion points
Who must file this form?
Members of recognized religious groups apply for exemption from social security and Medicare taxes.
What happens if I am Anabaptist or Mennonite?
Enter your specific group name on the second line (e.g., “Unaffiliated Mennonite Churches” or “Eastern Pennsylvania Mennonite Church”), and list the congregation accordingly.
When does my exemption start?
For employees/employers, it starts on the first day of the first quarter after the quarter in which Form 4029 is filed; for self-employed individuals, it is effective when granted and applies to all years meeting requirements.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
File Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, at your local social security office.
Where exactly do I send the form?
Send the original and two copies to the Social Security Administration Security Records Branch Attn: Religious Exemption Unit in Boyers, PA 16020.
What if my exemption is approved but I don't have a copy yet?
The exemption is only granted if the IRS returns a copy marked “Approved.”
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- When notifying the IRS of a loss of membership/teachings, sending a letter to the specified address serves as notification.
Questions about IRS Form 4029
What is IRS Form 4029 used for?
What does this form mean in plain English? This form allows individuals belonging to a recognized religious group to ask the IRS to exempt them from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes. It also lets the applicant waive their right to receive these benefits if they are paid out later for death, disability, or retirement. The exemption is irrevocable for the period it applies.
Who must file IRS Form 4029?
Members of recognized religious groups must file IRS Form 4029. Partnerships must have all partners approve the certification before filing.
What information does IRS Form 4029 require?
Part I collects details from the applicant, such as their name and Social security number. Part II requires an Authorized Representative of the Religious Group to certify the membership details.
When is IRS Form 4029 due?
File IRS Form 4029 when an individual wants to apply for exemption from social security and Medicare taxes; this is a one-time election.
Where do I file IRS Form 4029?
Send the original and two copies of Form 4029 to the Social Security Administration Security Records Branch at P.O. Box 7, Boyers, PA 16020.
How do I complete IRS Form 4029?
The applicant must complete and sign Part I first. Next, the authorized representative completes and signs Part II. The completed Form 4029 must be dated by both the applicant and the religious group's representative.
What happens if IRS Form 4029 is filed incorrectly?
If an individual is no longer a member or follower of the religious group, their exemption is no longer effective; failure to notify the IRS can result in continued tax liability.
Who must file this form?
Members of recognized religious groups apply for exemption from social security and Medicare taxes.
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