tacbwagner, the PTO Today Start Up Guide is an extremely helpful tool as you dig your way thru IRS Form 1023. The Guide takes you step by step thru the form in PTO lingo, not IRS lingo.
Try another bank. As someone else suggested, there are usually different (and more favorable) fee structures for non-profits than there are for for-profit corporations--that's probably why they are looking for documentation. Larger banks tend to be more picky about documentation. Or, you may just have had a person who didn't know what they were talking about. I've opened accounts for "unincorporated associations" before that are very small and/or new, and after explaining the situation, not had a problem opening an account under the non-profit terms.
Can someone point me to where the best place is to file for non-profit status. Our PTO wants to, but haven't found the documentation needed to start the process. We are located in PA. Thanks!
gonesaleing;145903 wrote: You must be existance for at least 2 years before you apply for 501(c)3 status. Another opition is to apply under another organizations umbrella, if you have that option. It's not expensive but just very tedious and time consuming.
I think you may be confused. I don't believe there is any waiting period; nor would you want to delay 2 years to get the benefits of 501(c)(3) status. The fee to apply is $750 and the paperwork is definitely tedious - but it's also doable. Many of us that participate in the Forums haves slogged our way through it.
As far as getting under someone else's umbrella - that mostly means either becoming a PTA unit or acting more as a school committee than an independent parent group. That latter model can work successfully if everyone's on the same page - but many fear risking their independence. Beyond those scenarios, there aren't too many opportunities to fall under someone else.
You must be existance for at least 2 years before you apply for 501(c)3 status. Another opition is to apply under another organizations umbrella, if you have that option. It's not expensive but just very tedious and time consuming. I would suggest getting in touch with the Center for Non-Profit in New Brunswick for assistance. They have non-profit lawyers on staff to help you negotiate the forms.
Don't use anyone's social sec#. Find a different bank. EIN numbers are all you need.
