(1) In General. Membership fees related to the anticipated retail sale of tangible personal property are includible in taxable gross receipts when either

(2) The membership fees described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) or (a)(1)(B) are part of the gross receipts of the person selling tangible personal property to a member. It is immaterial that the person who sold the membership is not the person who sells the tangible personal property to a member. Any sale of a membership described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) or (a)(1)(B) is regarded as related to the retail sale by the retailer selling tangible personal property to a member, not by the person selling the membership, measured by the amounts received by the person selling the membership.

(3) Incidental Sales. Charges for memberships not related to anticipated retail transactions are not subject to tax. For example, when a country club or similar organization charges fees (dues) to members and provides substantial service benefits, e.g., the use of golfing, tennis and swimming facilities, the membership fees are not related to sales even though the organization may establish minimum meal and drink purchase requirements for its members.

(4) Consumer Cooperatives. Initial or periodic membership fees received by consumer cooperatives, as defined in section 6011.1 and 6012.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, are not subject to tax.

(1) For purposes of this regulation, beginning January 1, 2021, the term “nominal amount” means an amount totaling $70 or less per year subject to increase as provided in subdivision (b)(2). For periods from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2020, the term “nominal amount” for purposes of this regulation means an amount totaling $60 or less per year. For periods from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2015, the term “nominal amount” for purposes of this regulation means an amount totaling $55 or less per year. For periods from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2010, the term “nominal amount” for purposes of this regulation means an amount totaling $50 or less per year. For periods from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2005, the term “nominal amount” for purposes of this regulation means an amount totaling $45 or less per year. For periods prior to January 1, 2001, the term “nominal amount” for purposes of this regulation meant an amount totaling $40 or less per year. Amounts received for memberships which are in conjunction with a basic membership (add-ons) are not considered a part of the basic membership fee in determining the nominal amount of the basic membership. Additional cards issued under the same membership number are sales of separate memberships.

(2) During September in the year 2000, and every five years thereafter, the threshold for the nominal amount will be adjusted effective the following January 1, rounded to the nearest $5, to reflect changes in the California Consumer Price Index (CCPI) whenever that change is more than 5 percent higher than any previous adjustment. For purposes of computing the CCPI increase, the June 30 CCPI index of the computation year will be compared with the June 30 CCPI index of the computation year which resulted in an adjusted nominal amount. For example, for the January 1, 2026, adjustment computation, the CCPI index on June 30, 2025, will be compared with the CCPI index on June 30, 2020. If no adjustment is made at that time, the next comparison will be of the CCPI index on June 30, 2030, with the CCPI index on June 30, 2020.