FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sandra Hoekstra-Lower
Phone: 630-260-6200 x4224
E-mail: shoekstralower@christianitytoday.com

Carol Stream, IL February 12, 2014 - Christianity Today's 2014 Church & Clergy Tax Guide by Richard Hammar addresses critical issues for churches and clergy annually. Possibly the most significant tax issue for ministers, the housing allowance and parsonage exclusion, was struck down by a Wisconsin District Court in 2013. The nationwide implication remains unclear; however, due to the significance of this issue for pastors a supplement which covers 10 key points every church leader should know about this ruling is included in this year's Church & Clergy Tax Guide.

Another momentous decision in 2013 by the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a provision in the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defining marriage, for the purposes of federal law, as a union between a man and woman. The Court's invalidation of the DOMA means that the definition of marriage for the purposes of federal law includes same-sex as well as opposite-sex couples in states where same-sex marriages are legally valid. The Court referenced "over 1,000 federal laws in which marital or spousal status is addressed as a matter of federal law." Many of these laws pertain to taxes and has the potential to jeopardize some church's tax exempt status.

Church leaders will also want to take note of important updates on the Affordable Care Act for 2013 returns and 2014, changes to the federal gift tax, new mileage rates, and new tax bracket all covered in detail in this year's Church & Clergy Tax Guide.

The Church & Clergy Tax Guide is available for purchase at ChurchLawAndTaxStore.com. It is widely considered an indispensable year-round reference by thousands of church leaders for over a decade.

Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry that equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God. With its vision to see the church grown up into the fullness of Christ, the ministry reaches more than 3.5 million people every month through a wide range of digital and print resources.