F. A. Q. s

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about NH PTA
FAQs about Advocacy Do's and Don'ts
FAQs about Taxes
FAQs about Reflections

Additional information for NH PTA Treasurers: Download

_________________________________________________

FAQs about NH PTA:

Who should attend the summer district meeting?
Why should representatives from my local unit attend the summer district meeting?
What if a representative from my local unit cannot attend the summer district meeting?
When is the Summer District Meeting for my unit?
We are updating our District List so check back again.

..............................................................................................................................................

Who should attend the summer district meeting?

All board members in your local unit should attend. It is mandatory that at least one individual from each local unit be present to receive their Start-up Packet.

Why should representatives from my local unit attend the summer district meeting?

It is at this meeting that each unit will receive their membership cards and start-up paperwork for the new year. There's important training regarding Treasurer and By-Laws information, convention updates and more. These meetings also provide an opportunity for presidents and their boards to network with their district director and other PTA leaders in their area.

What if a representative from my local unit cannot attend the summer district meeting?

If you are unable to attend your district's meeting, please make another meeting date. You must have an individual representing your unit in attendance at one of these meetings.

When is the Summer District Meeting for my unit?

(Back to NHPTA) (Back to Top)

Click to see schedule.

What District Is My Unit In?

_______________________________________

FAQs about Advocacy Do's and Don'ts:

What are the advocacy do's and don'ts?
How can I advocate for PTA? (pdf)
How can I conduct a Hill visit? (pdf)
How can I send a Hill Visit Report form to National PTA?
Corresponding with Members of Congress. (pdf)
How does a Bill Becomes a Law? (pdf)

..............................................................................................................................................

What are the advocacy do's and don'ts? (Back to Advocacy) (Back to Top)

PTA defines advocacy as supporting and speaking up for children—in schools, in communities, and before government bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children. Child advocates work with policy makers at the federal, state and local levels to ensure sound policies that promote the interest of all children. Involving PTA members in state and local advocacy is an important part of securing adequate state laws, funding and policy for the care and protection of our children

You are free to take a position on budgets, building needs, teacher and assistant contracts, however, you may not support individuals as a PTA or when speaking for your PTA or as a PTA member. You are free to support individuals as a citizen of your community, but not when using your PTA title.

In PTA, nobody can speak for the unit unless the unit has voted to take a position, either for or against. The unit's representative (usually the president) must speak only in the manner according to the unit's vote - even if their personal feelings are different. In the absence of a recorded vote, nobody has the right to say, "my unit supports such-and-such" or "my unit does not support such-and-such". Allowing members to represent a unit's position when, in fact, a position does not exist, can only erode both the strength of the PTA and its credibility.

How can I send a Hill Visit Report form to National PTA? (Back to Advocacy) (Back to Top)

Let PTA know how your visit went and where your member of Congress stood on the issues you discussed. Please complete and send a Hill Visit Report Form and return it to National PTA's Public Policy staff at 1400 L Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005, or e-mail us atkhaars@pta.org. This gives PTA staff in Washington additional insight into the positions of members of Congress and helps us identify strong supporters and those that need additional attention or information, as well as PTA members who have good relationships that can be called upon in the future.

For additional information visit: http://www.pta.org/3020.asp

_______________________________________

FAQs about TAXES:

Since I am nonprofit, do I have to file a tax return? (990 or 990EZ, Schedule A form or 990N)
If we are a new PTA, do we have to file a 990 or 990EZ and Schedule A forms?
What is the fiscal year for a PTA?
When is the IRS filing deadline?
Where do I mail my annual return?
What happens if I failed to file an annual return or annual electronic notice?
Will my organization's exempt status be revoked if I filed a request to extend the due date for filing my annual information return?
What happens if my form (990 or 990EZ) is filed late?
What happens if my form (990 or 990EZ) is filed incomplete?
Who has to fill out and sign the 990 or 990EZ and Schedule A Forms?
Do I have to get an EIN for my PTA and if yes, how do I get one?
Why do I need to register with the Charitable Trusts Unit (NH Attorney General)?
How do I register with the Charitable Trusts Unit (NH Attorney General)?
Is there a way to contact my IRS local office for a face-to-face help?

..............................................................................................................................................

Since I am nonprofit, do I have to file a tax return? (990 or 990EZ, Schedule A form or 990N) (Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

Nonprofit educational organizations such as PTAs are exempt from paying income taxes, as long as they adhere to the laws governing such organizations. HOWEVER, PTAs are required to file an informational form if their income exceeds the amount specified by the IRS. There is a difference between registration and filing. Tax-exempt organizations with at least $5,000 in annual gross receipts must register with the IRS. If a PTA averages $50,000 gross receipts (income), the PTA must file a990EZ form and a Schedule A. The first time a PTA has gross receipts (income) at least $500,000, the PTA must file a990 and a Schedule A. Gross receipts means ALL PTA revenue deposited in your bank account during the current fiscal year. Small organizations - those whose annual gross receipts are normally less than $50,000 = are not required to file an annual return, but must file an Annual Electronic Notice (990N e-postcard).

If we are a new PTA, do we have to file a 990 or 990EZ and Schedule A forms?

(Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

If a new PTA has gross receipts (income) over $37,500 for the first year, a 990EZ and Schedule A must be filed. The second year an average of $30,000 for two years requires filing. The third year requires an average of $25,000 to file. As of fiscal year 2007, if your PTA is not required to file a 990/990EZ and Schedule A, you still are required to file a 990N. (See question 1.)

What is the fiscal year for a PTA? (Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

It is recommended that all local units declare their fiscal year by July 1 - June 30, however, it is up to each individual unit to determine their fiscal year. Once you have declared your fiscal year, it becomes your permanent fiscal year unless you request a change (IRS Form 1128). Your fiscal year must be filled in on line A (top line on page 1) of the 990EZ form.

When is the IRS filing deadline? (Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

If your fiscal year is July 1 - June 30, your form must be postmarked by November 15th. This is the 15th day of the 5th month after the accounting period ends (June 30). And this is the rule you apply if your fiscal year ends on a date other than June 30 - the 15th day of the 5th month after your accounting period ends. Always make copies of your records and mail the original to IRS.

Where do I mail my annual return? (Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

Mail your return to the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Ogden, UT 84201-0027. Annual returns may also be filed electronically - a quick, secure, and more accurate method than filing paper returns. For more information, see e-file for Charities and Non-Profits.

What happens if I failed to file an annual return or annual electronic notice?

(Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

For tax years beginning after December 31, 2006, if an organization is required to file an information return or annual electronic notice and fails to do so for three consecutive years, the organization will lose its tax-exempt status as of the filing due date of the third year. For the organization to have its tax-exempt status reinstated, it must apply for tax-exempt status and pay the appropriate user fee.

Will my organization's exempt status be revoked if I filed a request to extend the due date for filing my annual information return? (Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

No. As long as you file Form 8868 by your organization filing due date, then file as required by your extended due date, the organization exempt status will not be automatically revoked during the extension period. Note that a Form 8868 cannot be filed to extend the due date of a Form 990N.

What happens if my form (990 or 990EZ) is filed late? (Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

If an organization's gross receipts are less than $1,000,000 for its tax year files its Form 990 after the due date (including any extensions), and the organization doesn't provide reasonable cause for filing late, the Internal Revenue Service will impose a penalty of $20 per day for each the return is late. The maximum penalty is $10,000, or 5% of the organization's gross receipts, whichever is less. The penalty increases to $100 per day, up to a maximum of $50,000 per day, for an organization whose gross receipts exceed $1,000,000.

What happens if my form (990 or 990EZ) is filed incomplete?

(Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

The IRS treats an incomplete return the same as a return filed late - the penalties are the same. For example, if an organization fails to attached a required schedule to its annual return - one of the most common errors in filing Forms 990, 990EZ and 990PF - its return is considered incomplete and filing penalties may apply.

Who has to fill out and sign the 990 or 990EZ and Schedule A Forms?

(Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

It is recommended that the Treasurer fill out the forms as a part of their duties BEFORE turning over the books to the incoming Treasurer. They are familiar with the financial records for that year. If your gross receipts are over $100,000, it is suggested that the form be completed by a professional, with information furnished by the Treasurer. Any officers may sign the forms.

Do I have to get an EIN for my PTA and if yes, how do I get one?

(Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

All PTAs must have their own EIN number (Employer Identification Number). To apply for one, you complete an SS-4 Form.

Why do I need to register with the Charitable Trusts Unit (NH Attorney General)?

(Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

RSA 7:19, et seq., of the NH Revised Statues Annotated required ALL NH charities, and any out-of-state charities planning to solicit donations from NH citizens, to register with and report to the Attorney General.

How do I register with the Charitable Trusts Unit (NH Attorney General)?

(Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

Complete an Application for Registration (NHCT-1), attaching all required documents and file with the Attorney General with a $25 filing fee. Once you are register, you will receive a Certificate of Registration signed by our Assistant Director of Charitable Trusts, together with a cover letter stating when your first annual financial report (NHCT-2A Annual Report) is due to be filed as required by RSA 7:28. For more info go to NH Attorney General Charity Trusts Unit.

Charitable Trust Forms and Publications click here.

Is there a way to contact my IRS local office for a face-to-face help?

(Back to Tax) (Back to Top)

Yes. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are your source for personal tax help when you believe your tax issue cannot be handled online or by phone and you want face to face assistance.

***FAQs about Tax compiled from the following sites:

www.irs.gov

www.doj.nh.gov

www.nccs.urban.org

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse