Check your bylaws for any internal rules. (Some require a minimum to be carried forward.) Other than that, it's up to your group to decide.
Unless there's a future project for which funds are being saved (like a playground or an equipment purchase) most of us appear to carry forward enough to get the year started, plus a bit of a cushion. How much depends on your budget and your organization's needs. It's totally up to you.
Although please note, it's not a great idea to hold money for no particular reason. Barring a reason to carry a large amount forward, most groups tend to believe the funds raised should benefit those students who helped raise them.
My elementary PTO carries forward $2000-$3000 each year. Our Middle School PTO, which raises much less, probably only carries $1000 or less.
I'm not sure of the legal aspect, but our PTO carries forward at least $2500 from one school year to the next. Unless you are saving a large amount for a playground or some large project you really should spend the money that is raised that year. It makes people feel like you really are doing this for the children of that year. But you don't want to start the school year with no money available.
Is there a general rule for the balance amount a PTO should carry forward from one fiscal year to the next? Is there an amount it should not exceed and if this happens, what are the legal ramifications? Does this have to be a pattern of large balances forward for a period of years or can a PTO be taken to task for this happening only once?
