SBC Makes Ministers Tax Guide Available

DALLAS (BP)--Ministers can receive additional help in preparing their federal income tax returns from GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The annual Ministers Tax Guide for 2008 Returns details recent changes to tax laws and their effect on ministers. GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins said the free tax guide includes sample tax returns with step-by-step instructions for active and retired ministers, as well as a special pull-out section regarding the federal reporting requirements for churches.

"Our goal as a ministry," Hawkins said, "is to be a lifelong partner with our participants in enhancing their financial security. The tax guide is a tangible example of that commitment."

Richard Hammar, a noted CPA, attorney and widely published author on legal and tax issues for ministers, once again authored the guide's overview of recent changes in tax laws. The guide is edited by GuideStone's legal and compliance staff to address the tax issues that affect the greatest number of Southern Baptist pastors.

The tax guide can be obtained in PDF format from the GuideStone website, www.GuideStone.org. Printed copies or a CD version also be obtained by calling GuideStone customer service at 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433) between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.