I 'm a new Co-President in our PTO, and I've been reading a lot about the organization of the PTO. We opened a new bank account with an EIN that the PTO has had for a few years, but it was never on their bank account - they were using someones SS#. So the more I read the more I find we are not organized the way we should be. Last years President(s) did a great job, getting things running and getting a group of Board members together. But now I feel like we need to get the "legal" stuff under control. So I'm wondering what can anyone tell me about 501(c)3 status, having liability insurance and has everyone out there filed to be incorporated or a recognized association. I laugh when I talk about this stuff - I thought I was just a volunteer at my daughter's school....I didn't think I needed a law degree....Any suggestions on where we begin - I did write bylaws and a financial policy (with the help of some of you, THANKS)- I am in the middle of researching Articles of Association and I'm going to write those! We found out yesterday that in the state of CA it will cost us $750.00 to file for tax exemption. All these filing fees - we won't have a budget left. j/k:eek: I appreciate any help or advise you can give us - we are considering an appointment with a tax consultant. I don't want to spend a ton of money if we can help it! HELP!!!!:confused: