From WatchTower Bible and Tract Society of Pennyslvania...
TI:TK January 20, 2003
Dear Brother XXXXXXXX,
At 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul said: Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." In modern times some have resolved in their hearts to donate toward the worldwide preaching work by means of checks sent to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
However, some have expressed interest in making donations directly from their bank accounts or by other electronic means. They may have in mind using computer banking services, which enable them to set up regular transfers. Also, some individuals have programs at their places of employment that allow their employer to forward a specified portion of their paycheck to an organization of the employee's choice. The general view expressed is that such arrangements are easy to set up, at little or no cost to the sender or recipient.
We are pleased to inform you that we have now arranged to have an account specifically for the purpose of accepting donations electronically. Attached is a set of instructions for your use. Although you may find this new arrangement to be helpful, we are not indicating that you have to use this method. We are simply making this process available to those who have expressed an interest.
However, please be aware that this arrangement does not allow us to verify from where the funds originate. Therefore, if you require an acknowledgement letter for your donation, you should not send your donation by electronic means. (Italics theirs).
We express our appreciation to all you brothers and sisters who so lovingly and generously support the worldwide work through your voluntary donations. The words found at Proverbs come to mind where it says: "Honor Jehovah with your valuable things and with the first fruits of all your produce. Then your stores of supply will be filled with plenty; and with new wine your own press vats will overflow,"---Proverbs 3:9. 10.
Please accept an expression of our warm love and Christian greetings.
Your brothers,
Watch Tower B. & T. Society (written in cursive) of Pennsylvania
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Individual Donor Electronic Funds Transfer Instructions
Overview of Electronic Funds Transfer Agreement
Sending funds electronically through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system is beneficial in that it reduces the cost of processing paper checks. Additionally, the funds are available sooner because delays caused by the mail, internal processing, and check clearing through the banking system are eliminated. Since very little information can be forwarded when funds are sent electronically through the ACH system, a donor cannot include his name and address or stipulate that the funds be used for Kingdom Hall construction. Therefore, please keep the following in mind:
How Donations Will Be Used
Only donations intended for the worldwide work should be sent electronically through the ACH system. Funds donated to the worldwide work are not restricted and can be used however the organization directs. Donations to the Kingdom Hall Fund or Relief Fund are restricted and should not be sent under this arrangement. Donations to the Kingdom Hall Fund can be made through the local congregation or sent by check to the branch office address shown below. Donations to the Relief Fund must be sent by check to the branch office address shown below.
Tax Deduction Reminder
A donation made electronically through the ACH system is considered anonymous. Therefore, at this time we cannot acknowledge donations made through this arrangement. For donations less than $250 given on any one date, your financial records are sufficient proof if you qualify to take a tax deduction. To take a tax deduction on amounts of $250 or more, you must have an acknowledgement letter from the recipient organization. Therefore, if your gift is greater than $250 and your intention is to receive a letter, please do not use this arrangement. Make your donation through the local congregation, and the congregation secretary will prepare a donation acknowledgement letter. Or, the donation can be sent by check to the address shown below.
Three Common Methods of Making an Electronic Donation:
Internet Banking Service
Please verify that your Internet banking service generates an ACH electronic funds transfer and not a check.Ask your bank. If a check is generated, there is no benefit gained in using this method. We encourage you to continue making donations through the local congregation. If a donation cannot be made through the local congregation, send your check to the address shown below.
Employer Sponsored Payroll Deduction
Please verify that your employer-sponsored payroll deduction program generates an ACH electronic funds transfer and not a check. Ask your employer. If a check is generated, there is no benefit gained in using this method. We encourage you to continue making donations through the local congregation. If a donation cannot be made through the local congregation, send your check to the address shown below.
Bank or Fed Wire
Typically you must go to the bank to request this service. This method may cost $25 or more. However, if a large amount of money is involved and no acknowledgement letter is needed, this is often the fastest and easiest method.
Electronic Transfer Instructions
Electronic Banking Address for Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
Bank name: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Bank Transit Routing/ABA Number: 021000021
Watch Tower Account Number: 530381168
Watch Tower Account Title: Full: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
Watch Tower Account Title: Abbreviated: Watch Tower
Branch Office Address For Check Donations
Watch Tower
Attn.: Office of the Secretary and Treasurer Please make check payable to "Watch Tower"
25 Columbia Heights
Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483
If after following these instructions you are unsuccessful and feel you need assitance, please call (718) 560-5000 and ask for the Office of the Secretary and Treasurer.