Sidhe;134129 wrote: Greetings,

I believe we need to register as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, prior to opening a bank account. I know we need bylaws, and I am confident that there are numerous other things we need to do. (Like decide if we should incorporate or not?)

You don't have to register asa 501(c)(3) before opening a bank account. You can get a bank account once you have an EIN number, which is a fairly simple process. Getting the 501c3 is optional, and is as JHB describes above.

I attempted to register on this site, in order to get information, but since the school is not quite built yet, it is not in the database here. We are in California, and the state website has PTA info, but nothing for a PTO. The national PTO website has a disclaimer about not endorsing the California PTA.

Hmmmm.... couple things. Definitely call our office. If the school is opening soon, we'll be happy to add the school to our database. And I'm not sure at all what you mean by the "national PTO doesn't endorse California PTA." Where did you see that? 1. There is no "national PTO"; 2. We're the organization most often mislabeled as national PTO, and we don't have a quote like that anywhere on our site. So I'm a bit confused on that one.

Biggest thing is -- give a call to our office. Lots of folks here happy to help. Shouldn't have to rely on that old shoebox.

Tim

Destinymom07;134367 wrote: what is a 501 and an EIN?

EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique ID assigned by the IRS, the business equivalent of a social security number. You need an EIN for your organization, as you don't want to use an individual's SSN to open a bank account or conduct business. It's very simple. No cost. A one page form (SS4) that is filed with the IRS via mail, phone, Internet or fax.

501(c)(3) - An official designation by the IRS that your organization is a qualified tax-exempt charitable organization. The primary benefits are that it add credibility to your organization, exempts you from most federal income tax, and allows donations to your group to be claimed as deductible contributions by the donor. The process of obtaining your 501(c)(3) status isn't trivial - but many of us have done it. You need to already have your structure in place - including good bylaws that satisfy the IRS. There's a fairly rigorous application form and a $750 fee.

what is a 501 and an EIN?

I am also attemptingto start pto at my daughters school and would be greatful to find out anything about the bylaws, offices and duties of the members. Anyone from Az that could help it would be greatly appreciated. I am also looking for fundraising ideas to take to the table at the same time again any help would be great

The first thing you need to do is get an EIN from the IRS ... this is what you will need to open your bank account. I don't think the bank cares whether you are a 501 or not.

Greetings,

We also are starting a PTO from scratch - at a brand new K-8 elementary. We had our first meeting tonight & I was elected president. My first task is to research how to organize.

I believe we need to register as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, prior to opening a bank account. I know we need bylaws, and I am confident that there are numerous other things we need to do. (Like decide if we should incorporate or not?) I attempted to register on this site, in order to get information, but since the school is not quite built yet, it is not in the database here. We are in California, and the state website has PTA info, but nothing for a PTO. The national PTO website has a disclaimer about not endorsing the California PTA. The only resource I have that I am aware of at this time is a teacher who attempted to organize a PTO in the past & has a 'file' he will be getting to me next week with 'some good information' about how to get started.

I welcome any and all advice I can get here!

TIA