Yes, you still file your own returns, even if you are part of a group exemption. The classic PTA organization is a prime example of this. Each local unit falls under the state's exemption, but the local units still have to follow the filing rules for 990, 990-EZ, etc.
I used it for a high school booster club. This booster club was just starting, and thought they were going to have a pretty substantial budget. On the other hand, it had very low membership, and officers that were overcommitted on several other school committees. Between that and a few other things, realistically, we figured there was only a 50/50 shot that the organization was even going to survive a few years out. And we needed exemption fairly quickly so that we could apply for some grant money. So, parentbooster.org ended up being a good option for us because it was very little work to get our tax exemption quickly and inexpensively. The plan was to keep the exemption through them for a few years, then, if the organization took hold and looked viable long-term, they could break away and file for their exemption independently.
On the pro side--it was fast and easy, and relatively inexpensive. On the con side, I thought that once we joined we might get a few emails now and then with helpful tax filing information or something like that, and we've received no correspondence from them at all after the initial exemption package (it's been about 8 months now since we joined).
If you're a well established parent group, I don't see much benefit in going through parentboosters. It's really not that hard to file for tax exemption and incorporation on your own. The situation that this booster club was in was kind of unique.
Tim's got a valid point on the risk that the group goes away if they don't get a critical mass, but I'm not sure they have that many costs to carry anyway, so I think the risk might be low. Worst case is that if they do go away, you end up having to file for exemption yourself anyway.
No worries. You are participating. That's by far the most important thing.
And I do know what it feels like. I've been on THIS forum for years, but I just joined one last week to do with my car. Most of the folks there are super technical oriented, customizing their cars and talking about stuff I don't even understand. I'm totally a newbie and just want my very simple questions answered without offending anyone. Most have been really patient with me. Still, it feels very foreign.
We're all here to help each other. Come back often!!
creekframpton - it really works best in these Forums if you only post a question one time, so there's one thread to follow and everyone can keep up with what's been said. I know it might seem like wider exposure is better, but it's actually counterproductive to post the same question multiple places.
Many of us that frequent the Forums, come in under "new posts", so we're looking at the latest messages - regardless of thread.
And also keep in mind you can always start a NEW thread if it's a matter not really in current discussion. That will give your topic an even higher profile for those browsing.
You have the ability to edit/delete your own posts. Since your question about parentboosters was posted 4 different places, but it's been answered here, perhaps you want to delete it in the other areas.
Please don't be put off by my suggestion. We all try to help each other and learn as we go. It's a very sharing community, and we want you involved.
