Form 4029, Application for Exemption From Social Security and Medicare Taxes and Waiver of Benefits
Form 4029 is the application members of certain recognized religious groups file to be exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes, waiving the benefits in exchange. Fill in the official IRS PDF below and download it.
This is the genuine IRS PDF, unmodified. Source: IRS official page.
What is 4029?
Form 4029, Application for Exemption From Social Security and Medicare Taxes and Waiver of Benefits, is filed by members of recognized religious sects, such as the Amish and some Mennonite groups, that are conscientiously opposed to public or private insurance. The group must have been in continuous existence since 1950 and make reasonable provision for its dependent members.
The exemption is a two-way commitment: approved applicants pay no Social Security or Medicare tax on their wages or self-employment income from covered work, and they permanently waive the right to collect the corresponding benefits. Both the IRS and the Social Security Administration must approve the application.
Who files 4029?
- Members of recognized religious groups conscientiously opposed to accepting insurance benefits
- Self-employed members seeking exemption from self-employment tax on religious grounds
- Employees of employers who share the same exemption, so neither side owes FICA on those wages
- Not ministers or members of religious orders, who use Form 4361 instead
How to fill out 4029
- Enter your name, Social Security number, and address, along with the name of your religious group and district.
- Read the waiver statement carefully: signing certifies your religious opposition to insurance and waives future Social Security and Medicare benefits.
- Have your group’s authorized representative complete and sign the certification that you are a member in good standing.
- Download and print the PDF, sign it, and file the copies as the instructions direct; the form goes to the Social Security Administration for processing.
- Wait for an approved copy to come back before treating wages or self-employment income as exempt.
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Frequently asked questions
Can anyone opposed to Social Security use Form 4029?
No. The exemption is limited to members of religious groups that meet the statutory tests, including continuous existence since 1950 and established teachings against insurance. Personal or political objections do not qualify.
What do I give up if the exemption is approved?
You waive all rights to Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits and to Medicare based on the exempt earnings. The waiver generally remains in effect unless you leave the group or it loses its status.
Is this the same as the ministers’ exemption?
No. Ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners apply under a different provision using Form 4361. Form 4029 is for lay members of qualifying sects.