Money given to you personally is a gift and, therefore, not subject to income tax. You can receive up to $18,000 in gifts from an individual in a given year without being responsible for personal income tax on that money.
If a person gives money to you as a personal gift, you do not need to report this money through the Accountable Reimbursement Program or the End of Month Report (EOM). Walk-up offering gifts and other money given to you as personal gifts while on deputation or furlough may fall in this personal-gift category.
Money that goes through a church’s books, on the other hand, is different. Gifts given through a church offering or given to you for the work of the ministry are still potentially subject to personal income tax. These monies should be reported as love offerings on the EOM Report.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your FSC. Thank you for your time! Have a great day in Jesus!