How to Prepare IRS Form 4029

Members of certain religious groups who are opposed to accepting the benefits of any public or private insurance for death, disability, old age, retirement or health care can request to be exempted from paying social security and Medicare taxes on earnings as an employee or on earnings from self-employment. The tax exemptions must be applied for on Form 4029 Application for Exemption From Social Security and Medicare Taxes and Waiver of Benefits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Download Form 4029 from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. Enter the applicant information where indicated in Part 1 of the form including social security number and date of birth.
2. Complete the certification that you are a member of a religious group that is conscientiously opposed to accepting benefit from any public or private insurance for death, disability, health or retirement. You are also waiving all rights to receive social security benefits and that no benefits will be paid to any other person based on your earnings.
3. Sign the completed form agreeing to notify the IRS within 60 days of no longer being a member of the named religious group and that you no longer follow the teachings of that group.
4. Give the signed Form 4029 to an authorized representative of the religious group. The representative will complete Part II of the form and certify you are a member of the religious group or congregation.
5. Send three copies of the completed and certified Form 4029 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the address shown on the form. The SSA will determine if the religious group qualifies for exemption.