Hi mmmk -

You're far from alone in thinking all was "buttoned up" when it actually wasn't.

We've received so many notes like yours -- that's the biggest reason we started the National PTO Network ( www.ptotoday.com/npn ).

A couple of things I've come to know:

1. If you guys decide to try and get things in order, then the IRS and your state inc. folks are most often very happy to help. They're not loong to make trouble for groups trying to get things right.

2. As far as Form 1023 (the IRS Form for getting your nonprofit status), there are two things: a) if your group is less than 27 months old, then you could apply now and you'd be within the window for having all your work (past and present) = nonprofit; b) if your group is more than a couple of years old, then you could apply now and -- if/when approved -- your nonprofit status would be retroactive to the date of your application.

In either case, your best bet is to start the process now. It's not terribly difficult, and the PTO Expert Guide (part of NPN) can walk you right through it.

Hope that helps.

Tim