The Guide:

• Educates you on what political activities should be avoided (especially in election years).

• Assists in the calculation and approval of housing allowances for ministers.

• Includes sample donor acknowledgment letters and guidance on the substantiation requirements.

• Helps you understand other unique tax issues affecting religious organizations, including ministers' discretionary funds, self-employment and other taxes, unrelated business income, independent contractors versus employees, lobbying, and intermediate sanctions.

• Explains the special accounting considerations that religious organizations face, such as accounting for faith promises, furloughs and sabbaticals, and contributed services.

• Provides you with up-to-date sample financial statements for a variety of religious organizations that will help you efficiently prepare your statements.

• Shows you how to strengthen internal controls and help prevent fraud.