One of the main complaints about PTA other than paying dues, is that PTA tells us not to fundraise, or rather fundraising should not be the focus of your activities. So you go PTO to keep all of your money in your unit and you spend it all on the kids, but while you may think you are only rebelling against the 'big, bad PTA' and their "RULES", keep in mind that the PTA rules are IRS rules and the PTA provides useful information to those units who value their PTA affiliation to protect their funds and their ability to raise funds. The IRS doesn't care why you raise money, only how you raise it and if you are not tax-exempt, you probably should be paying taxes on your fund-raising earnings. Even PTA's who fund-raise may have to pay taxes if the income is unrelated to the purpose of the PTA and they must report earnings that exceed a certain amount. So while you are questioning the rules and regs of PTA, make sure you have your own finances in order and remember just because you are raising it for kids, doesn't mean you are 'forgiven' by the IRS when they want to audit your books. PTO Today should accept the responsibility to inform you of the laws about fund-raising if they are truly committed to those of you who are not affiliated with an organization such as the PTA that does accept the responsibility and a great deal of criticism. Congratulations on all of your hard work, but be well informed.