You need to get an EIN number in order to open a bank account so this is a good first step. We also recommend incorporating first then file for federal tax-exempt status. Incorporating will protect the officers personal assets, it will create a clean slate (you can start from scratch) and if you incorporate as a nonprofit in your state then become tax-exempt at the federal level you can follow up and become exempt from paying state-level income and sales tax. Here are some links to help you out:
Hello,
I have recently taken over the treasurer position at our schools PTO. The old board discovered that we don’t have tax exempt status and taxes have never been filed! Arg! If I had known this I probably wouldn’t have volunteered.. but here I am. Anyway, a few of us discussed the possibility of becoming a PTA instead. I know we will have to apply for a new EIN number but can we do this? Since are essentially looking to start anew what happens to our current account with $12000 in it? I’m sorry if this has been asked before, I just don’t know what to do but know it’s important we are doing things legally and properly. Any guidance or feedback is appreciated. We are a small PTO and not generating a ton of funds. Thanks!
