Last year's president gave up pursuit of 501(c) status. Her opinion: "It's too confusing, too hard, too expensive ($500), and we don't need it." Now I am president and am wondering about whether to pursue this or not. Most checks for donations are made out to our PTO (rather than the school). Is there some tax liability to me if I don't obtain this. What are the pros and cons. The school has been there forever without impact so I wonder. Would also love to hear from someone with experience in setting one up as to what to do.