Originally posted by Critter: I shouldn't try to do this from memory...but I think the fee to apply for 501c3 is $500, if your GROSS income is over $xxxx (someone will fill in this number for me, I'm sure, but I think it's $25,000). Less than that, you pay $150, which would be the case with a brand new group. You might also have a nominal fee ($25?) to incorporate in your state, which is typically another good thing to do BEFORE you file for 501c3 because it often protects your officers from being personally liable for PTO suits (the laws vary from state to state and incorporation is a state-level issue).
That number would be $10,000. If you gross or will gross more than $10,000 in revenue it will cost $500 (application fee) for 501c3. If you gross or will gross less than $10,000 it costs $150. hope this helps.
Michelle - the statement that I made about a dues increase at the National and State level was based on my personal opinion. I have been a PTA member for more than 9 years and have attended the last 5 National PTA Conventions and the last 6 PTA State Conventions. I know firsthand that the State PTA, in which I live, is not fiscally sound. They are barely getting by because of the continued loss of members. Remember that membership dues is the State's sole budget! I, personally, expect for them to ask for a dues increase around the corner. As for National PTA, you are right, members don't want ANOTHER dues increase. Nat. PTA has committed to going after Corporate Sponsors and grants, instead of members pocketbooks. However, since Nat. PTA is also facing huge membership decreases, every day, I see them bringing it to the table again, SOON! Of course, it's my personal opinion, but, it's how a lot of PTA members see the situation. PTA members are dropping like flies because of it. Sorry, if I mislead anyone, but it's my opinion as an informed PTA member. But, not a PTA member for much longer.
DKPASS -- To answer your specific questions -- yes, donating your remaining PTA funds to a set-up 501(c)(3) PTO would work. Trick is that it can be difficult to get the new 501c3 set up in time. Not impossible. I'd suggest starting that new 501(c)(3) now and running your fund*raisers* through it, while continuing to spend down your PTA funds.
It can take 4-6 months sometimes to get formal approval of your 501c3 from IRS. Good news is that the approval is retroactive to the start-up date of your group (provided you apply within a reasonable time of starting your group).
National and State PTA are looking at ANOTHER dues increase - watch for it - it's coming SOON.
Watch for it, it's coming soon, sounds to me like it's happening and that it was approved. Also, what State is looking at another dues increase? Ours- Nope, sounds like a commercial that touts it's product is better (better than what? learned this trick in advertising)
Sure, National wanted to raise the dues but in the information that I have gotten as a state PTA board member, the idea has been scrapped because the membership DOES NOT WANT IT and that's that.
That statement didn't sound like an expectation by the poster but a comment based on fact. It's misleading and you know it. Why defend it?
Originally posted by Michelle B: are you certain that your members voted in a dues increase at this last convention, since your information about National having a dues increase is false?
Hi Michelle -
Not sure what information you're saying is false. dkpass didn't say or even imply that the dues increase was in the past year. In past 6 years, I believe there have been three dues increases by National alone. (maybe it's 7 years?). Sounds like dkpass expects another around the corner. Doesn't seem like a crazy guess, especially considering that the National board is on record advocating a $2 per member national dues price.
In any case, dkpass didn't say anything factually wrong, as I read the message.
