Thanks! I would love a copy of your list. My email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I have a little worksheet I did that showed the difference in costs between PTA and PTO in year one and then years 2 and beyond. The numbers won't be exactly the same for you, but might save you from reinventing the wheel. Let me know if you want a copy.

Nice stuff from with JHB.

Insurance shouldn't be $600. If you join the NPN, it should be significantly less. Call AIM (see the AIM info and phone number here ) and they'll give you an exact quote for NPN rates.

Depending on the number of PTA members you have and the amount of your per-person council, state and national PTA dues, you're likely looking at a nice savings in year one and a much more significant savings in year 2 and beyond.

Tim

There are several posts in this area that go into this topic in more detail, so you may just want to settle in with a cup of coffee and do some browsing.

If you plan to complete the entire cycle of setting up the PTO as a legitimate non-profit organization, then you have the following considerations.

Setting up the organization
**Establish bylaws, structure, policies, goals (most of us do these ourselves without hiring anyone)
**Set up your EIN# (no cost, just file a form with the IRs)
**Open bank account (small fee for checks)
**File as a non-profit corporation in your state. Fees vary. Sounds like most are $25-$50, but some states are more, so you have to check this out for yourselves.
**File for tax exemption at the state level (no fees for this in our state, you'd have to check on yours.
**Apply for 501(c)(3) non-profit status with the IRS. ($500 filing fee)

Unless you hire professionals (CPA's or attorneys), those are probably all the set up costs.

Running Your Organization
**Insurance
**Sometimes there are small fees to keep your non-profit corporation status up to date. For instance, if we change our designated rep, we need to file an amendment with a $10 fee in my state.
**Sales tax - even though you were set up as a tax exempt entity with your state, you may not be exempt from ALL taxes. (Note, this would be the same whether you are PTA or PTO).
**End of year audit - most of us get these services donated or use an audit committee made up of parents. But some PTO's pay to have one done.

Naturally, you'll have your operational costs, no matter what type of group you are.

Those are all I can think of right now.

Our PTA is considering switching to a PTO. Our thought is that we need to worry more about what is happening in our school and what we as parents can do to help. We are tired of the political aspect of PTA also.
I know that our insurance will be more expensive and cost around $600.00 and I know that the PTO Network fee is $179.00. Are there any other fees that need to be paid to anyone to switch over? The state and council PTA have already been notified that we have the switch under consideration so that has been taken care of. I would love any other info about the cost of the switch or how to make things easier on us.

Thanks so much!