Thanks for your input. Our group is not yet incorporated. That's why I was wondering about the DBA. I guess we still have a lot of research to do before trying to get our tax exempt status. I am trying to convince our PTO that they need to join PTO Today. I'm sure all the answers I'm searching for are in the information provided with membership.

Thanks again.

Looks like you are from Texas, so your questions fall under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State.

If corporations, limited liability companies or limited partnerships (entities created by filing with the secretary of state) do business with a name that is different than the name set forth in the organizational documents, they must file assumed name certificates in the county or counties where the registered office and the principal office are located, and must also file with the secretary of state.

Here's the link to their home page:
www.sos.state.tx.us/index.html

As Mum24kids indicated, it would be unusual for your PTO to be using something other than its official name, in which case you need to do nothing beyond the normal steps. But if you ARE indeed using a different name, then the above applies.

And note (in Texas)unlike a business corporation, it is not necessary for a non-profit corporation to use one of the corporate endings (Corporation, Company, or Incorporated).

In trying to answer this, I'm struggling to come up with a reason why a newly formed PTO would need a DBA to begin with. So I'm assuming you mean if you're going to use the same name under which you have incorporated? Then I can't imagine that you would have to. I've worked on startup corporations in 3 or 4 different states, and never seen where you have to file a DBA name if it's the same as the corporate name. It's possible that your state has some weird requirement, so you your best bet is to call and check.

Note--If you haven't incorporated yet--make sure you do that before you get your tax exempt application together.

We are just about to officially organize our PTO and get our EIN and file for Tax Exempt Status. Are we required to file a DBA?

Thanks.