DALLAS — Online resources to help small churches
evaluate whether to pursue the Small Business Healthcare Tax Credit under the
health care reform law are now available from GuideStone Financial Resources of
the Southern Baptist Convention.
These resources can be accessed free of charge on
GuideStone’s Healthcare Reform website, www.GuideStoneInsurance.org/Healthreform.
The resource page includes a comprehensive Q&A about the
tax credit; definitions and step-by-step guide for determining eligibility and
amount of the credit; and necessary government forms.
The resource also includes a webinar with Danny Miller, a
noted attorney with Connor & Winters who specializes in benefits issues for
ministers.
“We urge churches to evaluate all factors before deciding
whether to pursue the credit,” said O.S. Hawkins, GuideStone’s president.
“These resources provide tools to help in that process.”
The IRS confirmed in
Notice 2010-82 in December that the Small Business Healthcare Tax Credit is
available to churches who participate through a self-funded denominational
church health plan, including GuideStone health plans.
John Butler, executive leader for business services at the
Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, said this is something most
churches overlook.
Butler encouraged
the BSC Executive Committee members April 14
to check on the possibility of receiving this credit for their churches.
Butler said that
churches with 25 or fewer full-time equivalents would most likely be eligible.
He advised churches with one employee to avoid the hassle because of time and
money.
“It could be a significant boost to your budget,” Butler
said.
(EDITOR’S NOTE — BR Assistant Managing Editor Dianna L.
Cagle contributed to this report.)
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