How to Set Up and Manage Tax Exemption for Your Lifeway Account
Tax exemption for your Lifeway account allows eligible organizations and individuals to avoid paying sales tax on purchases. Follow the steps below to set up, manage, or troubleshoot tax-exempt status for your account.
Overview of Tax Exemption Policy
Lifeway accounts used for tax-exempt purchases must:
Be registered with an organization or church eligible for tax exemption.
Have a valid tax exemption certificate associated with the account.
Tax exemption status is not automatically applied to accounts created with organizational email addresses; additional setup is required.
Setting Up Tax Exemption for Church Accounts
To set up tax exemption for a church or organizational account:
Create or Confirm an Account: - Ensure you have a Lifeway account associated with your church or organization. - If you're unsure about account details or need to establish an account, contact Lifeway for assistance.
Link the Account to Tax-Exempt Status: - Sign in to your account at my.lifeway.com. - Use your church account number and 4-digit PIN to link the tax-exempt account to your profile. - Navigate to 'Profile' > 'Linked Organizations' to complete the linking process.
Switch to the Appropriate Account: - Ensure you are placing orders under the correct linked account. If you see sales tax applied despite being linked, use the 'Switch Account' option (upper left on desktop or bottom right on mobile) to select the tax-exempt account.
Submitting and Uploading Tax Exemption Documents
Lifeway requires a valid Tax Exemption Certificate on file to activate tax-exempt status. Here’s how to submit your certificate:
Prepare Your Documents: - Obtain a copy of your State Sales Tax I.D. Exempt Certificate. - Ensure it includes your Lifeway 10-digit account number.
Submit the Certificate: - Online: Upload the document via your account at my.lifeway.com. - Email: Send the scanned document to taxexemption@lifeway.com. - Fax: Use the number 615-251-3773, including your Lifeway account number.
Verify Your Submission: - To confirm your tax-exempt details are on file, email customeraccounts@lifeway.com or call 800-453-9775.
Addressing Tax Exemption Issues on Orders
If you have been charged sales tax on a transaction:
Check Account Linking: - Make sure your tax-exempt status is correctly linked to your Lifeway account as described in the setup section.
Provide Updated Documentation: - Fax an updated copy of your Tax Exempt Certificate to 615-251-3773 or email it to taxexemption@lifeway.com to ensure your exemption is activated.
Request Retroactive Exemption: - For recent orders, include your account number when submitting the certificate to ensure the exemption is applied retroactively. Contact the Tax Office for further guidance at 615-251-2832.
Contact Information for Assistance
For further assistance, use the following contacts:
Email: taxexemption@lifeway.com
Customer Accounts: customeraccounts@lifeway.com
Phone (Tax Office): 615-251-2832
Fax: 615-251-3773
By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can ensure your Lifeway account is properly set up for tax-exempt purchases, and any issues are promptly resolved.