PTOToday

Our comprehensive startup guide walks you through all the essential steps you need to take to make your group a successful independent entity! This revised and updated PTO Startup Toolkit includes information on how to get organized, incorporating your group, applying for nonprofit status, writing bylaws (and sample bylaws), and filing for tax-exempt status with the IRS, including a step-by-step guide to completing IRS Form 1023.

PTO Today Plus Members: Download the revised PTO Startup Toolkit and all additional resources directly from the File Exchange. Learn more about Plus.

CONTENTS

Section 1: Getting Started

Section 2: Getting Organized and Obtaining an EIN

• A Note about Switching From PTA to PTO
• Getting Your EIN
• Filling Out Form SS-4
  

Section 3: Incorporation: Becoming a Legal Entity

• Incorporating, Step by Step
• What Are Articles of Incorporation?
  

Section 4: Your Bylaws

• Bylaws, Step by Step
• Final Steps
  

Section 5: Applying for Tax-Exempt Status (IRS Form 1023)

• Why Become an Official 501(c)(3) Organization?
• How Can Your Group Become Official?
• Form 1023, Line by Line
• Schedules (Additional Forms)
• Form 1023 Checklist
• Attachments
• Approval
  

Section 6: Financial First Steps

• Opening a Bank Account
• Keeping the Books
• Obtaining Licenses and Permits
• Insurance
  

Section 7: Great Work by Great Groups

Appendix A: Are You Covered?

Additional Resources

The following Startup Tools are included within the updated toolkit or linked to as a separate customizable file in the toolkit; they can also be downloaded individually from the File Exchange.

• Incorporation: Key Questions
  
• Sample Articles of Incorporation
  
• Sample Bylaws
  
• Conflict of Interest Policy
  
• IRS Form 1023 Completed Sample
  
• Form 1023 Statement of Revenues and Expenses
  
• Form 1023 Supporting Attachments Checklist
  
• IRS “Top 10 Reasons for Delays in Processing Form 1023”
  
• “Robert's Rules for Beginners” Handout
  

Price: $39.00 Plus Members: Download the Startup Toolkit free from the File Exchange