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This page answers the Frequently Asked Questions
received from members. If your question is not
here, or you have information that others may
find useful, please send it to the Site
Maintainer.
How
do we process new members?
Is
there an alternative to using personal credit
cards for Toastmasters business?
How
do we process Semi Annual renewals?
What
are the renewal rates?
When
and how should we hold Club Officer elections?
What
do we do after club elections?
What
do we do after replacing an Officer?
What if
we change our venue or other meeting details?
How
do we change our Club contact details on the District
Website and in the District Directory?
Where
do we send CTM, ATM, DTM, CL and AL applications?
What do
we do with Proxy Certificates for the International
Convention?
What
if we have lost our Proxy Certificate?
How
do we order supplies from Toastmasters International?
How
do we submit something to the District 73 Southern
Cross Newsletter?
How
does a member/officer advise Toastmasters International
about a change of mailing address?
Who
do we contact at Toastmasters International about
different matters?
How
do we go about starting a new Toastmasters Club?
Where
do I find District 73 policies?
Is
District 73 Incorporated?
Do
Toastmasters Clubs in Australia have Public Liability
cover and is there a certificate of currency?
Do Toastmasters
Clubs have to register for GST?
Are Toastmasters
Clubs exempt from income tax?
Does a Toastmasters
Club need an ABN?
How does
a Toastmasters Club obtain an ABN?
Does
´Toastmasters International District 73
Inc´ have an Australian Business Number
ABN?
How can
I get a Toastmasters business card to best represent
myself and my Club?
How do
I update my email address for "Tips"?
How
do I get distinguished club reports?
How
do I obtain TMI endorsed badges?
Q.
How do we process new members?
A.
There are 3 ways to process new member applications.
Method 1 - Do it online with a credit
card
The easiest way is to do it online by going to
the Club
Business section of the TMI website, using
your club number as "Login" and your
club password (if you have lost your password,
send
an email requesting it to WHQ). Complete the
new members details in the online form and then
complete the transaction by having the cost debited
to a member's Visa, MasterCard or American Express
credit card. Note that this method can
not be used for reinstatements, dual or transfer
members.
Method 2 - Do it online with your Club's
debit card
Go online to the Club
Business section of the TI website, using
your club number as "Login" and your
club password. Complete the new member's details
in the online form and then complete the transaction
by having the cost debited to your club's debit
card. At the present time Bendigo Bank is offering
the Bendigo Bank Blue Debit Card for such transactions.
View the Bendigo Bank
presentation, which explains the concept,
and District
73 flyer on the initiative.
Method 3 - Using post or fax
A New Member Form 400 must be used. (The two page
Form 400 can be printed from here
if needed). This method must be used for reinstated,
dual or transfer members.
A club can submit payment for each new member
by asking for the cost to be debited to a member's
Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card
(The Form 400 has space for this credit
card information). If using the new member's credit
card, have the member pay the remainder of the
Club's normal joining fee separately to the club.
If using a club officer's credit card, the club
should arrange reimbursement when the officer's
credit card statement is received. Ensure you
provide the name as it appears on the card, the
card number and the card's expiry date.
When completed you have two options:
- Fax the Form 400 (both pages) directly
to Toastmasters International on 0011 1 949
858 1207.
- Post the Form 400 directly to
Toastmasters International
PO Box 9052
Mission Viejo, CA 92690
USA.
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Q.
Is there an alternative to using personal
credit cards for Toastmaster business?
A.
District 73 has an arrangement with Bendigo Bank
to provide Club debit cards. You can
view a Bendigo Bank presentation, which explains
the concept.
The Club debit card is unique to Toastmasters
and Bendigo Bank and ought to satisfy any accounting
control and security concerns. View a District
73 flyer describing the initiative.
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Q.
How do we process Semi Annual renewals?
A.
Each Club President will receive a Dues Renewal
Invoice. This is a single document that incorporates
a membership list and payment method. No copies
or attachments are involved.
Clubs who are paying for members listed on the
renewal form have the option of paying dues renewals
online using a credit or debit card. The club
will receive a receipt confirmation and processing
of the payment and membership report is immediate.
To make the renewal, go to the Club
Business section of the TI website and then
log into the ecommerce section using your club
number as "Login" and your club password
(if you have lost your password send
an email requesting it to WHQ). WHQ accepts
MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
WHQ also accepts check/debit cards that have a
MasterCard or VISA insignia. Once into the renewal
page, select the renewals only option, check the
box for each member renewing and then proceed
and complete the payment details.
Please Note: Even if all members
haven't paid their dues, you can start the online
dues payment process as soon as you have six renewals.
After that, you can return to the site at any
time and pay for other members as their dues come
in.
If a club does not wish to renew online the recommended
approach to handling this invoice, using a credit
card, is as follows:
- Place a check mark in the box alongside the
name of every member who is renewing
- Add to the list, in the same format, the names
and addresses of members who are NOT shown on
the invoice for whom payment is being sent and
whose Membership Application ( Form 400) is dated before October
or April 1st and has previously been sent.
- Add details of a single member's credit card
to cover payment of the due amount.
- Fax the invoice (all sheets) back to Toastmasters
International on 0011 1 949 858 1207, keeping
the original in your club records.
The form is due at Toastmasters International by
October and April 1st respectively, and must be
recieved no later than the 10th of the month if
credit is to be received for on-time submission.
As an alternative to using a credit card for payment,
clubs can still purchase a Bank Draft in $US for
the amount owing. This must then be either posted
direct to TMI or sent by a courier bag together
with the completed invoice (keep a copy of this).
There are 2 options for sending the draft and invoice:
- Post directly to: Toastmasters International
PO Box 9052
Mission Viejo CA 92690
USA
- Send by courier bag to:
Toastmasters International
23182 Arroyo Vista
Rancho Santa Margarita CA 92688
USA
Do Not send courier packages to
TMI's Post Office Box. Postage or courier can be
arranged at any Australia Post Office.
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Q.
What are the renewal rates?
A.
Toastmaster International, at the 2005 AGM, approved
a renewals increase. The renewals are now US $54
pa. The new member fee is US $20.
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Q.
When and how should we hold Club Officer
elections?
A.
Club elections must be held at the first meeting
in May each year. A Nominating Committee should
be appointed to approach Club members for each
role. The Immediate Past President is a good choice
to chair that committee. The committee should
encourage suitable active members to stand. The
committee should present a report to the last
meeting in April.
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Q.
What do we do after club elections?
A.
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Q.
What do we do after replacing an Officer?
A.
Go to the Club
Business section of the TMI website and enter
the details in the appropriate online form.
If you are changing the President or VP Education
then also send an email with the same details
to the District
73 Directory Editor.
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Q.
What if we change our venue or other meeting
details?
A.
Go to the Club
Business section of the TMI website and enter
the details in the appropriate online form. Also
send an email outlining the changes to the District
73 Directory Editor and District
73 Site Maintainer.
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Q.
How do we change our Club contact details
on the District Website and in the District Directory?
A.
Go to the Club Business section of the TMI website
and enter the details in the appropriate online
form. Send an email outlining the changes to the
District
73 Directory Editor and District
73 Site Maintainer.
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Q.
Where do we send CTM, ATM, DTM, CL and
AL applications?
A.
Either:
- Go to
www.toastmasters.org/awards and complete
an application online. Members cannot submit
their own applications but Club VPEs can do
so on their behalf verifying the validity of
the award in the process. If the VPE is applying
for the award for themselves, another club officer
(excluding the Sergeant at Arms) must submit
the application.
- Send the form directly by mail or fax to :
Toastmasters International
PO Box 9052
Mission Viejo CA 92690
USA
Fax: 0011 1 949 858 1207 (If faxing do not send
a duplicate by mail).
If you have any query about an award application,
email
World Headquarters.
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Q.
What do we do with Proxy Certificates
for the International Convention?
A.
These are white postcard sized forms that are
sent to the current President each March by Toastmasters
International. If a Club member is not attending
the International Convention in August then sign
the card and send it to the District Governor
whose address appears on the back of the card.
It is very important for the District Governor
to use your proxy at the Annual General Meeting
so that your vote counts.
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Q.
What if we have lost our Proxy Certificate?
A.
You should email
Toastmasters International and request that
a duplicate be sent. Only one duplicate may be
requested. Proxy certificates are always sent
to the address of the President on record at WHQ.
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Q.
How do we order supplies from Toastmasters
International?
A.
The easiest way is to shop online at Toastmasters
International Online Store.
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Q.
How do we submit articles to the District
73 Southern Cross Newsletter?
A.
The District 73 Newsletter, Southern Cross, welcomes
articles, letters, photos, and short promotional
articles about Toastmasters activities within
the District. Email your article to the District
73 Southern Cross Editor.
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Q.
How does a member/officer advise Toastmasters
International about a change of mailing Address?
A.
Members and Club or District Officers can record
a change of address online
at this TMI page. Alternatively, send an email
to
addresschanges@toastmasters.org.
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Q.
Who do we contact at Toastmasters International
about different matters?
A.
If you have questions or need help from WHQ, use
the appropriate email link from this page.
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Q.
How do we go about starting a new Toastmasters
Club?
A.
Download and read this TMI
step by step guide on how to build a Toastmasters
club. Also download an application
to organise a club form. After studying these,
email
the LTG Marketing to advise details of your
proposal and to ascertain what assistance District
can provide.
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Q.
Where do I find District 73 policies?
A.
Over and above the Toastmasters International
Constitution and Bylaws that regulate our organisation,
District 73 has formalised
District 73 Continuing Motions and a District 73 Travel Policy.
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Q.
Is District 73 Incorporated?
A.
District 73 is an incorporated bdoy within the
meaning of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981.
The registered name is Toastmasters
International, District 73 Inc. The registration
number is A0017972S. Under the Act the Public
Officer is the District
Parliamentarian.
You can view a copy of the
Certificate of Incorporation here
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Q.
Do Toastmasters Clubs in Australia have
Public Liability cover and is there a certificate
of currency?
A.
Toastmasters International have a worldwide public
liability policy cover of US$1 million.
In addition, District 73 has a $20 million public
liability policy that covers official District
and Club meetings, functions and performances.
You can print out a copy of the Certificate
of Currency.
If you wish to enquire what the District 73 policy
actually covers you can print out a copy of the policy booklet.
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Q.
Do Toastmasters Clubs have to register
for GST?
A.
No. As a not-for-profit body with a turnover of
less than $100,000 pa, there is no requirement
for a Toastmasters Club to register for GST and
Clubs should not do so. Thus GST should
not be charged on items like fees. However, Clubs
cannot recover any GST charges.
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Q.
Are Toastmasters Clubs exempt from income
tax?
A.
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has traditionally
ruled that Toastmasters Clubs are exempt from
income tax under paragraph 23(e) of the Income
Tax Assessment Act. The ATO has issued a publication,
"Club Pack - A taxation guide for clubs,
societies and associations" which covers
clubs such as Toastmasters. the exemption under
paragraph 23(e) is because a Toastmasters Club
is defined as a public educational institution.
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Q.
Does a Toastmasters Club need an ABN?
A.
The Australian Business Number (ABN) is the single
identifier that businesses and not-for-profit
organisations use to deal with the ATO and other
organisations. A Toastmasters Club is an entity
carrying on an enterprise and as such can register
for an ABN. To paraphrase "Club Pack - A
taxation guide for clubs, societies and associations"
the fact that activities of a Club are limited
to supplying educational services t o members
of the Club does not prevent those activities
being regarded as being in the form of a business.
Although Toastmasters Clubs are not registered
for GST and are income tax exempt, many do find
it necessary to have an ABN to facilitate conduct
of their affairs. This occurs when clubs may be
required to raise invoices in cases such as:
- For members whose fees are paid by their employers;
- For Speechcraft students whose fees are paid
by their employers;
- Clubs that are also sub-clubs of venues such
as RSL or Catholic Clubs and who recieve grants
from their host body; and
- Clubs that recieve a grant from a local government
or other organisation.
In all these cases it is much easier for the
paying body to provide the funds if they receive
an invoice quoting an ABN. Otherwise they are
required to withhold 48.5% of the payment unless
they can be satisfied that the whole of the payment
is exempt income. Quoting an ABN removes all difficulties.
It is important
to note that such invoices are not Tax Invoices.
A Tax Invoice is one that includes a GST component
and Toastmasters Clubs do not charge GST.
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Q.
How does a Toastmasters Club obtain an
ABN?
A.
A club can apply to register for an ABN on the
Internet.
In completing the ATO form, select the following
answers:
- For taxation puposes - Company, Partnership
or Other Organisation
- Type of organisation - Other unincorporated
entity.
- Non-profit organisation - Yes
- Charitable institution - No
- Deductible gift recipient - No
- Currently an income tax exempt organisation
- Yes
- Main industry - Education
- Main activity - Providing training
in communicaion and leadership skills
You will also be asked to supply the names, dates
of birth and Tax File Numbers of at least 2 officers
together with a place of business that is not a
Post Office Box.
Because Toastmasters Clubs do not employ people,
engage contractors, or do any other activity that
may cause a PAYG obligation to arise, there is
no need for a club to submit either a tax return
or an Instalment Activity Statement.
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Q.
Does 'Toastmasters International District
73 Inc' have an Australian Business Number ABN?
A.
Yes - it is 58 230 042 715.
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Q.
How can I get a Toastmasters business
card to best represent myself and my Club?
A.
A Toastmasters business card is an effective way
to promote you and your Club. WHQ have formalised
a specific business card layout that they would
like members to use. Your District is also keen
promote a uniform marketing image that reflects
the credibility of Toastmasters throughout District
73 and offers enough detail so that potential
enquirers know who they are dealing with.
Business cards are often expensive to professionally
produce due to the initial start up costs and,
in our case, limited production runs. District
73 have secured an arrangement with
ALAB Print and Design to produce an inexpensive
profesionally printed business card online. Download
the design and application form now!
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Q.
How do I update my email address for "Tips"
A.
To update your email address for "Tips",
simply follow
this link. A new page will be opened, that
will allow you to change your details.
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Q.
How do I get distinguished club reports?
A.
To get the distinguished club reports, you need
to visit the Toastmasters
International Website. Enter you club number
in the field, and click on "Generate Reports".
The information on this page is correct as of
November 28, 2005. Parts of this page are reproduced
with thanks from the District
70 website.
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Q.
How do obtain TMI endorsed badges?
A.
To get the TMI endorsed badges, use the order
form from this page.
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