PTOToday

Our comprehensive startup guide walks you through all the essential steps you need to take to make your group a successful independent entity! The 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 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