jaamhop - using the school's tax id # is not wrong it just means the group is seen as a service branch of the school operating under the school board. It does affect the way your group works so it's definitely something to consider. My last group used the school's number and, per the bylaws, "functions under the auspices and regulations of the Board of Education of District XYZ."
If your group would prefer to gain independent status there is a process to follow. It's been outlined in many threads here on the boards. I believe there is helpful info in the Tools section as well. Also, you'll find many regular posters here who would be glad to answer any specific questions you have.
All of that said, though, it seems that your team is 'accidentally' operating in whichever manner it is without a clear idea if that's what is best for you and the school. I'm not saying your president is careless or uninformed. Many officers work under the "That's the way we've always done it" method because it seems to be working just fine for them that way. If you suspect it isn't 'just fine' consider researching the pros and cons of being either a service branch or an independent group and encourage your team to discuss it.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
Do most PTO's have their own EIN#? I thought we had one until the other day
our glorious president said she has been using the school's number all this time. How do you go about getting one? Also, should we fill out something with the IRS for our organization? Help no one knows anything about what is right and what is wrong???
