PTO Today

FlaDad - You've got mail.

Thanks NJMOM....

I just sent you a response....

njmom,
Could you forward me the stuff you sent to fladad?

jimloc@swfla.rr.com


thanks!

[ 09-20-2005, 11:12 AM: Message edited by: CapeDad ]

I tried the posted link http://form1023help.com/, and I get an error message. It says coming soon.

CapeDad, check your mail. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 09-21-2005, 09:48 AM: Message edited by: njmom ]

Hi,

Our parent group has been in existance as a parent group since 1998, however - never really organized. Some years the group consisted of a few moms doing it all. Within the last 2-3 three we have started getting it together. We were recently told by our district that as of the end of this year we may no longer use the districts state tax exempt number and that we must file for our own. It looks like we'll be completing the 501(C)3. I have a few intial questions I'm hoping someone can help me with? First of all -- what type of organization do we fall under -- a supporting organization?
Secondly, what date do we use as having been formed? We have drafts of our constutition (we are not incorporating) and our by-laws, but have not formalized them?
Sorry for this long post -- but we're feeling a little confused!!
Thanks!

Hello Sue...

Many issues in your post... First, I believe you must be incorporated before you can file for federal tax exemption. Second, If you read the 1023 instructions your group would not fall under the description of a supporting organization. Last, IRS states you can go back to the date of incorporation, in your case this does not apply, so I would suggest you incorporate in your state first using the language needed for your 501(c)(3) filing to make life easier...

Sue, is there a compelling reason for your group not to incorporate?

Like DAD said, the IRS views a PTO (or any group) as NEW the day they incorporate so your 501c3 application is written as though your group just began - easier than trying to find 3-4 years of old financial data. But that's not the only reason...in our state (all?) incorporating provides an important level of protection of the officers' assets should the corporation ever be sued. That was reason enough for us to file the incorporation paperwork. Our fee is only $25/year.

Thanks for the advice -- maybe we do need to incorporate. I think we were looking for the easiest and least expensive way to get through this. As you probably gathered from my first post -- this has all been a little overwhelming!! None of us on the board have experience or know-how with this filing and we really don't have the funds to hire an attorney or accountant. I have ordered the help guide available on this site and am trying to gather as much info as I can. I feel comfortable with the financial info needed for the application, but am going to have to rely on the entire parent board for the rest.

It is nice to know there's help here!!!

Hi Sue --

You might also think about usinmg this guidebook that we offer:

Start-Up Guide

Has a lot of these answers in a chronological, detailed, easy-to-follow format.

Tim