Page 21 - Report of RGM, RGLSI to the Grand Board of Gen. Purposes - 25 Nov 2017

Compliance
(a) Once PAN is allotted for a Lodge it becomes necessary that every Lodge files its Income Tax returns every year by 31st July (as per present rules)
(b) It is generally expected that taxability will arise only for such lodges which have sizable fixed deposits and surplus in excess of basic exemption limits.
(c) So therefore suggested to form suitable Charitable Trusts when sizable fixed deposits are held or pay the necessary income tax and file the returns as appropriate
Problems faced in address
(a) Many Lodges do not have Temples / Premises of their own or Temples / Premises are functional only at the time of meetings. Therefore any notices or communication from Income Tax or other Government departments / Banks are invariably missed out
(b) Address proof are given sometimes relating to those of the Secretary at the time of applying and when there is change of office, communications are invariably not updated and as a result the Lodge is not aware
(c) Where Lodges do not have a permanent place, they can choose the address of the Secretary/Treasurer but due care has to be taken to ensure that the address modifications are made regularly every time there is a change in officers to be correctly intimated by way PAN modification form duly uploaded with Income tax authorities.
Fees
(a) Fees for application of PAN and modification of details such as address are at present in the range of Rs. 115/- to Rs. 125/-
Others
(a) Support from Chartered Accountants who are Freemasons can be formed as a support group for a masonic centre to ensure there are no issues in compliance from time to time or such brethren who are conversant with the provisions.
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