By Greg Love
Having been a pastor myself and now serving churches at GuideStone®, I understand that ministers are unique in the financial world — especially when it comes to taxes.
Think about it.
Between the special tax considerations for ministers, reporting requirements of both active and retired pastors and the implications of housing allowance, ministers differ greatly from those not formally in the ministry.
So as Tax Day (April 15, 2019) approaches, where do you begin? Right here.
I’m excited to share with you today that GuideStone just released its most popular annual publication, the 2019 Ministers’ Tax Guide for 2018 Returns, available now for GuideStone participants.
The tax guide includes tax highlights for 2018 — including important changes based on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 — along with step-by-step filing instructions for ministers’ personal taxes and comprehensive examples and sample forms.
Additionally, GuideStone participant churches and church administrators have access to the annual Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches.This publication is included in the full tax guide or as a separate electronic copy.
GuideStone participants can receive both free resources by visiting GuideStone.org/TaxGuide or can request a free printed copy of the tax guide by calling 1-888-98-GUIDE(1-888-984-8433) (printed copies are limited).
The guide was again written this year by Richard Hammar, a noted CPA, attorney and widely published author who specializes in legal and tax issues for ministers. Additionally, the material is edited by GuideStone to ensure that it addresses, in detail, the tax issues directly affecting Southern Baptist ministers.
I hope that you will take advantage of this guide designed specifically for you. Helping ministry employees understand their finances is a passion of mine, and it’s an honor for me to pass along this excellent resource to you.
Now, one last thing. If saving for retirement is not something you’ve started, I would encourage you to talk with your church about housing allowance, tax-sheltered contributions and overall saving options for a retirement plan.
And if you have questions for GuideStone, we want to help! We are available at 1-888-98-GUIDE(1-888-984-8433) between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST Monday–Friday, or you can also email us at Info@GuideStone.org.
Greg Love joined GuideStone in 2012 and serves as senior manager for Retirement Solutions, specializing in church retirement plan design and employee education. He holds degrees from both the University of West Alabama and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. Greg holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ professional designation, as well as Series 6 and 63 security licenses.
Greg is passionate about helping local churches thrive, make disciples and impact the globe for Christ. He and his wife, Jaime, have been married since 2001 and enjoy raising their two children — John Parker and Georgia Grace.