IV.
Government Regulations and Procedures
A.
Bulk Mail Permit | B. Tax
Exempt Status 501(C)(3) | C. "When Faith
and Politics Clash" - Article on Tax - Exempt Status | D.
Tax ID / Employee Identification Number | E.
Incorporating Your Church
A. Bulk Mailing
Permits
Introduction:
The U.S. Post Office offers non-profit entities the ability to do
mass mailings (5OO or more pieces) at greatly reduced cost per item.
Presentation:
The process of obtaining a non-profit bulk mailing permit can be a
fairly lengthy process (as much as two months). Therefore, plan ahead!
Before you can apply for your non-profit bulk mailing permit, you
must first be included under the Covenant's group exemption for 501(c)(3)
status (see the "501(c)(3) Status for Covenant Congregations"
section of this manual for details). Again, you must plan ahead! Not
every post office has the application form for the non-profit bulk
mailing permit. The form is attached for your convenience.
There are three fees you
will pay to process the permit:
1. Application Fee. This
is a one-time charge (approximately $125).
2. Imprint Fee. This is also a one-time charge (approximately $125).
3. Maintenance Fee. This is an annual fee charged (approximately $125).
You must do at least one
mailing per year to maintain the imprint status. This allows you to
print the permit information on each mailing piece and avoid the need
to affix stamps.
You should plan to do at
least 1000 pieces of bulk mail per year to justify the additional
fees and costs. Some smaller promotional mailings may work better
with a stamp, or meter postage
You should be aware of
a number of rules and regulations concerning bulk mailings:
1. Increased scrutiny by
postal employees so you must do everything correctly.
2. Slower (generally) delivery than normal first class mailing, and
pieces can hit recipients over a ten-day to two-week period making
lead time for special events even more critical.
3. Items should be in zip code (full nine digits) order if possible.
For more information, please
contact the Director of Technical Services at 773-784-3000.
