Q&A

Convert EIN with a name change or get a new one?

Our general membership has voted to change from a PTA to PTO. Can we just fill out a name change form for our existing EIN, or do we need to establish a new EIN and go through the whole 501c3 process again? I called the IRS Business tax help, she did not know the answer to this question.
- kvgksg

Hi kvg - The EIN question and the 501c3 questio are different. Your PTA likely had 501c3 status under the "umbrella" of the state PTA. You didn't have your own. So when you leave PTA, you won't be under that umbrella and -- if you want to be a 501c3 -- then you'll need to apply for that from scratch. But the EIN number is your own. I've heard of groups keeping same and just changing name. And others getting new. It's inexpensive and easy to get a ew EIN, so you can go either way. Tim
- Rockne
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But you'll also have to apply for tax exempt status - that's the one thing I think people forget.
- HelenaS
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Yes, we applied for a new EIN, Articles of Incorporation, Corporate Registration and 501c3 filing...we are just waiting to hear back about the final approval of our 501c3!
- kvgksg
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So if we already have an EIN number for the PTA, when we switch over to a PTO we only need to file a name change because the EIN number belongs to the organization? We only file a postcard tax form because
- postephan
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We applied for a new EIN online. It's super quick and easy. We wanted to be sure to have a clean break, and clean paperwork. When I called the IRS initially to ask about this, it sounded much more involved than just applying for a new EIN. Your time will be better spent on the 501c3 application ;-)
- kvgksg
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"...it sounded much more involved..." Sorry "it" meant - doing an EIN name change.
- kvgksg
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I couldn't out who to call at the IRS. Thank you! Btw is there any concern at all about personal liability in taking the responsibility for the EIN number. Or does insurance take care of that. Sorry for the detailed and probably redundant question but we're getting a lot of conflicting details.
- postephan
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Here's a response that I remember reading when I filled out our paperwork: http://www.ptotoday.com/answers/question/11451-ein-tied-to-what

I did put mine in, and it is not listed on the EIN formal document. Good luck!
- kvgksg
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