Question: Reconfiguration of school

We are going through a reconfiguration of our elementary school and would like to combine PTO's. Do we need to file for a new federal tax id, create new by laws, organizing documents, and re-appy for 501c3 status? Is there any other leagal advice that someone can give?

Asked by Kelly

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
This isn't legal advice, but there's a good chance you don't need to reapply for 501c3 status or tax ID. From your description, it sounds like one PTO is essentially absorbing another -- even though in an organizational sense your are thinking of it as a completely fresh start. If your mission is still basically the same -- to provide support to xyz elementary school and its students -- and you're not making any other changes that would affect your tax status (unlikely), then you should be OK. It does make sense to review your bylaws, however, and look at any changes that would help with your new situation.

Community Advice

Natalina writes:
We went through this last year. We had 3 elementary neighbor schools and went to 3 grade level schools. The 3 PTOS merged and became one. We did change the name of the PTO to reflect all the schools. We had to change the bylaws to reflect that and I had to request a name change with the IRS. I just sent a letter and a copy or our signed bylaws (signed by President and Treasurers). Hope this helps. Natalina (ntulik@aol.com)