As we prepare to kick off the 2011 season, we write to inform you of a recent development regarding taxation on Pine Ridge.

Effective 2011, volunteers visiting Re-Member are subject to a 4% Special Jurisdiction tax, imposed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

The Oglala (Pine Ridge) Special Jurisdiction is a tax collection agreement between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the State of South Dakota. Services delivered in the Special Jurisdictions are included in the tax collection agreement. 

In the State of South Dakota, churches are not exempt organizations. Therefore all church groups visiting Re-Member are subject to the Special Jurisdiction 4% Oglala tax. Families, and individuals are also subject to this 4% tax.

The only exception that we have been advised of, are schools and universities, which must provide an exemption certificate and pay by school check.  If the check is not issued by the school, the trip is subject to the 4% Special Jurisdiction tax.

As you are aware, our trip fees were increased this year to $375. Your all-inclusive trip fee still covers all expenses incurred during the program week, from food, to transportation to materials used - as well as covering the administration of our program.

We understand that visiting Re-Member is a considerable investment, but we are obliged to cover this financial burden by imposing this tax upon our volunteers, such that our modest trip fee increase can support our programming costs.

Based on our $375 trip fee, the 4% tax imposes an additional $15 charge, per volunteer.

We regret that our reservations are already well underway for the upcoming season, and that many of you have likely budgeted for your trips.