I am from Texas also, We are in the process of filing for our Tax Exempt status. We have already received our Tax ID #. We were waiting to file, because we had to supply our Bylaws, constitution and our Buget X2 years. This was due to the fact that we were a new school. That took alot of time and brain power. We finally finished them today, now we are letting the "Legals" at the district level take a look at them to make sure all is well. Then all we have to do is mail off a copy along with our $500. fee
(thats the part we did not like)and wait the 8-12 weeks.
My other point that I wanted to mention, and I hope no one takes this the wrong way, is please look into the PTA vs PTO venture fully before making a decision. This sight as well as the PTA site will help tremendously! We did alot of research, and brought all that information to the general membership for a vote. We had a PTA representative there to discuss and answer questions and then I spoke about PTO and about remaining independent and then answered questions. We took the vote that evening and voted unanimously to remain independent. The research will help in the decision process. Also I have read that it is very hard, and requires lots of paperwork and certain steps that need to be followed in order to dissolve a PTA.
Tim can help on this issues, Lord knows he has helped us tremendously! Thanks Tim!

[This message has been edited by jarsmommy (edited 08-30-2001).]

I am also from Texas. If you go to the STAR System, sponsored by Texas Comptroller's office, it will list all sales exemption activities. For example, you get two at year, Carnival (amusement services ), food ect.. Also I called and talked to a representative and they stated that Entertainment books are tax exempt because they are coupon and not a final product. Here is the web address, aixtcp.cpa.state.tx.us/star/index.html
also www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx96_122.html

In Texas, the Comptroller of Public Accounts administers this and you can download a blank form at
window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/01-forms.html

Look for(you want the second one)
01-339 (Front) Texas Resale Certificate
01-339 (Back) Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certification

The Comptroller's staff will tell you again and again that there is no such thing as a "tax exemption number" and to give businesses a completed copy of the form. Nine times out of ten, the business will insist on you giving them your "tax exempt number". You do have a taxpayer ID number issued by Texas (a version of your federal EIN with a couple extra digits). Give them that number - everyone will be happy.

Personally, I just carry PTO business cards (printed ourselves) complete with our ID number. Actually, I frequently have NOTHING official with me, except I do keep the ID number in my address book. The businesses who really want the 339 forms usually keep blank copies at the customer service desk. A lot of them have their own internal form.

Once you get the hang of it, it's a pretty easy process.

Phew - we found our tax exempt number for our PTA, now we just have to figure out where we get the tax exempt forms to give to businesses.

I believe that PTAs are always tax exempt. Atleast they were in Texas, by default.

Hi, did you ever get an answer about your tax exempt status? We're trying to figure out if our PTA is tax exempt (if the form was ever filled out) or if we've just been going through on our schools coat tails.

Thanks.