How to Set Up and Use Tax-Exempt Status for Online Orders with Lifeway
Tax-exempt status allows organizations such as churches and non-profits to make purchases without being charged sales tax. This guide provides a step-by-step process for setting up and using tax-exempt status for online orders through Lifeway.
Overview of Tax-Exempt Status
To make tax-exempt purchases online, your organization must:
Have a Lifeway account with a 10-digit account number and 4-digit PIN.
Submit a valid state sales tax exemption certificate to Lifeway.
Ensure the tax-exempt certificate is linked to your Lifeway account.
Setting Up a Tax-Exempt Account
If your organization does not already have a Lifeway account, follow these steps:
Contact Customer Service: Call Lifeway at 800-458-2772 (option 2) to set up an organization account and receive an account number and PIN.
Complete the Application for Credit: After the account is created, Lifeway will send you an Application for Credit. Fill it out and return it to Lifeway for processing.
Submit Tax-Exempt Documentation: Send a copy of your state sales tax exemption certificate along with your account number to Lifeway’s Tax Department via: - Fax: 615-251-3773 - Email: taxexemption@lifeway.com
Wait for Verification: The verification process typically takes 3–5 business days. Once approved, your account will be marked as tax-exempt.
Linking Tax-Exempt Accounts to Online Profiles
To use your tax-exempt status for online orders, link your Lifeway account to your my.lifeway.com profile:
Sign in to my.lifeway.com.
Navigate to your profile.
Scroll down to the "Linked Organizations" section.
Enter your Lifeway 10-digit account number and 4-digit PIN to link your account.
Submitting and Verifying Tax-Exempt Certificates
If you need to submit or update your tax-exempt certificate:
Submit via Fax: Send your certificate to 615-251-3773. Include your Lifeway account number.
Submit via Email: Email your certificate to taxexemption@lifeway.com. Ensure your account number is included in the email.
Verify Submission: Contact Lifeway’s Tax Office at 615-251-2832 to confirm that your certificate is on file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Missing PIN
If you have your account number but not your PIN, request it by completing the form at Lifeway PIN Request.
Tax Charged Despite Tax-Exempt Status
If sales tax is charged on your order:
Ensure you are using your Lifeway account number and PIN at checkout.
Verify that your tax-exempt certificate is on file and linked to your account.
Retroactive Tax Exemption
Tax exemption cannot be applied retroactively to orders placed before your account was verified as tax-exempt.
Special Cases
Bulk Orders
For bulk orders, ensure your Lifeway account is used, and your tax-exempt certificate is on file. If additional forms are required (e.g., Form 889 for military orders), request them from Lifeway.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profits must follow the same process as churches to set up tax-exempt status. Ensure all documentation is submitted and verified before placing orders.
Conclusion
By following these steps, your organization can set up and use tax-exempt status for online orders with Lifeway. For further assistance, contact Lifeway Customer Service or the Tax Office using the contact details provided above.