Why were we audited?  Published May 26, 2013 at 05:00AM  All the
furor over the current IRS scandal brings to mind my own
situation. I am a retired minister. Over our career my wife and
I were audited not once, but twice within a span of only 3-4
years by the IRS. It certainly was not because I was a “big
earner”! Pastors in general are not paid exorbitant salaries.
Therefore, there’s not that much in taxes to deal with. So, why
the audits?  It’s extremely unnerving to sit in front of and be
challenged by an official of the U.S. government! Two issues
came to the front in those scary interviews. First, I was
queried because we had given “so much” to the church and other
Christian agencies. Second, I was pressed and made to feel
guilty due to my use of the “pastoral housing allowance,” which
the IRS itself provides for ministers.  I produced detailed
evidence of my correct use of both, being relieved I had kept
meticulous records. Both auditors figuratively bowed to me (us)
and said, “Your records certainly ab