No, you do not have to wait for that to apply for an EIN.

We are just starting the process too. I was wondering if I need to wait for the incorporation paperwork to come back before applying for an EIN #
Thanks

Thank you for letting me know I would need to fund the beginning process. I have a few ideas to help with the money situation.

Thanks, Kathy

My computer crashed in the middle of typing my message, and when I brought it back up I posted on the wrong topic. This is what I said:

A PTO with gross receipts less than $5,000 can function as a tax exemt organization without filing to officially recognized. The Instructions for Form 1023 (application for Exemption) also say you have 27 months after you were legally formed to file. I would get the EIN for banking purposes and then see how the organization develops.

Ha--we put all of ours on personal credit cards until we could generate enough income to "pay the bills"....

I'm sorry, I should have worded the question better. I was wondering where the beginning fees come from when the PTO doesn't exist yet?
I am interested in starting a PTO where one has never been before, not even a PTA. I have no access to money from any place, that is why I am asking where the money comes from to begin these things.
Thanks