Hi all,
I just became treasure of our Guild, and have run into quite a problem. The old treasure and I met today at the bank to change the signature card, and found out that we have to fill out some government form and pay $50 plus $20/yr to the state in order to open/keep the account we have.
We are not a rich Guild, but need to be able to write some checks etc to run the group. What are other Guilds doing for their banking? Do we need to go through the 501[c]3 rigamarow?
We tried to explain to the banker that we were a Guild, like a club, and not a business, or a LLC etc. Very frustrating afternoon. We ending up closing the account completely because the only way they would let us keep it open was to leave the old treasures name on it and not add anyone new.
HELP all suggestions welcome and needed!!

Linda in Kalamzoo

Our guild ran into the same problem. We are NOT a 501[c]3 organization because of the cost and the problems associated with that designation.
Our current treasurer simply opened an account in her name at a financial institution (in her case a credit union associated with her work) that has no fees for maintaining a small account. All the financial transactions are done in her name - not the name of the guild. She is completely trustworthy and we expect no problems. When I was treasurer about five years ago, I opened a similar account at a bank with which I had personal accounts. As long as I maintained a certain amount in my personal accounts, the bank did not charge anything for the guild's account. That bank let us use the name of the guild on the account as well as mine. The institution used by the current treasurer will not let the name of the guild be used on the current account, which is why everything is done in her name.

That's probably going to be the best way to approach the problem. Who ever is elected treasurer for the term (however long that is) should find out from their bank or credit union if they would be willing to work with them on that. Some banks might have a minimum amount that needs to be in there in order to open an account. And make sure about any fees. Some "free" checking accounts have really stringent regulations to be free.