Treasurer Archive

Whether you're a new PTO treasurer or a veteran, you'll find tons of ideas and tips in the articles below to do your job even better. When you're done reading, head over to the Message Boards to connect with other leaders facing the same challenges.

Articles with a plus sign () are available to PTO Today Plus members only.

• Insurance: Do You Need It? - Without insurance, your group and your officers may be at risk. Here's what you should know to assess your needs.
• Budget Basics for PTOs - Budgeting upfront makes all of your financial decisions easier. Follow these steps to create and use a budget for your PTO, even if you've never had one before.
• Balancing PTO and Personal Life - It can be challenging to find balance. But a little strategy, a little organization, and a lot of support from friends and family go a long way.
• Can I Deduct That? - The information you need so that your group's supporters can get the full advantage from their tax-deductible donations.
• Dealing With Bad Checks - Many problems with check payments can be avoided by having a clear policy in place from the start.
• How To Manage Your Budget - Tracking how money is spent month to month in comparison with the yearly budget gives a PTO treasurer the ability to monitor surpluses as well as shortfalls.
• Tax Breaks for Volunteers - School or parent group volunteers may be entitled to some tax breaks for their contributions; tax professionals recommend taking deductions only if the group is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.
• Preventing Theft: Why It's Crucial - Theft from PTOs and PTAs is all too common. It doesn't happen because there's a criminal in your midst. It happens because need meets opportunity—opportunity you can and should prevent.
• Handling Cash: 6 Simple Steps - You want to make the money you raise count for the school and the kids. Set up these six checks and balances to reduce errors and the risk of loss.
• Tackling Your PTO Tax Return - Even tax-exempt nonprofit organizations need to file a yearly statement with the IRS. With a little decoding, it's not so hard to do.
• Figuring Finances for Events - How to build a simple cost model and estimate the start-to-finish finances for your group's new events.
• 5 Smart Financial Controls - Avoid unnecessary headaches with these practices to keep your assets safe and your records clean and up to date.
• Annual Audit: How and Why - A yearly audit is a key safeguard for your money and a planning tool for the year ahead. Think of it as a "year in review" for your finances.
• When To Change Banks - If the fees are piling up or there's a limit to the number of transactions you can make each month, it might be time to look for a better checking account at a new banking center. Keep a few basics in mind when you do.
• What Every Treasurer Should Know - Being a good treasurer takes planning and organization. Follow these pointers and you'll be ready for success.
• Taxes, PTOs, and the IRS - Questions about tax-exemption? Get the scoop on 501(c)(3).
• 16 Tips for Executive Board Members - What you should know about representing your parent group in the community, tips for working with school support staff, and secrets for a successful transition.
• New IRS Filing Requirement: E-Postcard - Starting in 2008, nonprofit organizations with less than $25,000 in gross receipts must electronically file form 990-N with the IRS.