Make Checks Payable to Bharatiya Temple of Lansing and mail to: 955 Haslett Road, Haslett, MI 48840.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE
FAQ
You are urged to support the Temple by becoming a member of the Temple.In what follows, we give answers to frequently asked questions related to membership issues. Please read them carefully and you are welcome to send an email to our Treasurer, Pardeep Kumar, Treasurer, btlpetekumar@gmail.com or Mrs. Meena Sharma, Chairperson, sharmamt@aol.com if you still have questions.
What type of payments made to the Temple are tax deductible?
Temple is a tax-exempt organization under Sec. 501 of Internal Revenue Code. We must use this status very wisely and follow all regulations. IRS regulations state that any donations made to the Temple in cash or kind to the extent that the donor does not receive any value of goods or services back from the Temple are tax deductible. The following payments help the Temple activities but do not qualify for tax deductions as a contribution under the current IRS regulations: (These are a few examples)
- Purchase of tickets for Temple-sponsored cultural events. (However, if you sponsor the program to defray the cost, it will be a tax-deductible item.)
- Cost of ad placed in Temple brochure
- Purchase or rental of library books or videos
- Any amount paid towards services such as Priest services for puja in your home, Sunday school/BalVihar, Temple rental etc.
- In the event that a fund raising dinner or program is arranged, the Temple will provide you with the portion of the total price which will be eligible for tax deduction.
Who can serve as a Trustee?
- Life members
- Any individual or family, who has donated a total of $2,000 in their lifetime to this Temple and has paid annual membership dues
What are the benefits of the membership?
Membership in this great institution is a privilege. It primarily provides you and your spouse (family membership) a right to vote in the election of the Board of Trustees and therefore a voice in the administration of Temple activities. It also allows you to rent the temple facility for private functions such as weddings, birthday parties, etc.
Are there any exceptions to this policy?
Life members (an individual or family who has donated a total of $10,000 and honorary members need not pay annual membership dues.
Who can become a member of the Bharatiya Temple?
Any individual or family subscribing to the objectives of the temple and submitting the necessary dues and donations.
What is the annual membership cost?
Any individual or family wishing to become a member must have
- Donated a total of $250 (excluding membership dues) to this Temple in their lifetime
- Paid annual membership of $150 (family) or $75 (individual)
In order to be eligible to vote in a particular year,dues must be paid prior to June 30th of that year.