If you are forming a PTO, it will be a brand new organization, and that's how I would treat it in the filing. Your previous experience may help you in estimating the three revenues/expenses, but that's about the only "connection". It's just as if you worked for one company and moved to a job in a different company within the same industry. You aren't "converting" or just "changing" names. You are joining/starting a new entity.
I posted an entry called "Example of Completed 501(c)(3) Application" further down this section that included line by line how we filled out our application. You may find that helpful as an example. www.ptotoday.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=000149
Also, we were filing as a new entity, so our situation would be very similar to yours.
if you follow the form1023 link, there is a site that walks you through each section of the application, and explains what exactly the irs is looking for in laymans terms (kinda like a cheat sheet). Good luck!
Hi,
Our school currently is a PTA and we are making the switch to a PTO. As the PTA Treasurer, I have been given the responsibility of filing all of the necessary paperwork with the IRS. The question I have is: with respect to the 501(c)(3), do I answer all questions as if the PTO were a brand new organization and nothing existed previously? Does the IRS care that this new PTO was once a PTA? Do I answer any of the questions differently because we previously were a PTA? I know that eventually the IRS probably will be able to make the connection when I file the "final" 990 for the PTA and I disclose that any remaining cash was contributed to the new PTO. Any insight to my questions would be appreciated.
Kathy
