Good Standing is more than a requirement; it’s a roadmap for a healthy, effective PTA. Explore the resources below to understand key deadlines, responsibilities, and best practices that help your local unit thrive.
To be in good standing your PTA Unit/Council must:
Get the PTA Year Started
Complete these items at the beginning of each PTA year.
- Set up or update your free Givebacks account and Stripe account to:
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- Manage memberships
- Submit compliance documents
- Operate your online store
- Submit your current officer list through Givebacks
Due: September 15
Membership Responsibilities
Maintain and report memberships throughout the year.
- Remit State and National PTA dues for at least 15 members through Givebacks (can use new Opt-In feature for automatic processing)
Due: November 1 - Remit State and National PTA dues ($6.25 per member) to Wisconsin PTA by the 15th of each month for all memberships collected during the previous month
Governance & Bylaws
Keep your PTA’s governing documents current by reviewing and updating bylaws every three years (or sooner if desired).
Before adopting revised bylaws:
- Post the proposed bylaws for member review for 30 days.
- Hold a membership vote.
- Obtain a two-thirds (⅔) approval vote from members present.
- Upload the signed bylaws through the Compliance tab in Givebacks.
Financial & IRS Compliance
Complete annual financial and tax reporting requirements.
- Submit proof of your Annual Financial Review (Audit) through Givebacks
Due: November 1 - Submit proof of filing required IRS tax forms through Givebacks (online filing confirmation or completed forms)
Due: November 15
Reminder, only PTA/PTSA/Councils in good standing are eligible to participate in Wisconsin PTA programs, including Reflections, qualify for awards, grants, and scholarships, or participate in National PTA programs or grants.
Resources & Documents
Units Not in Good Standing
While Wisconsin PTA is committed to helping units become compliant, failure to meet good standing requirements may result in the following consequences:
Membership Requirements
If a unit or council does not remit dues for at least 15 members by November 1st, the unit may be evaluated for charter withdrawal and may lose its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Bylaws and Financial Review Requirements
If a unit or council does not maintain current bylaws or submit a completed financial review within one year of the due date, the unit may be required to work with a Wisconsin PTA Board member for additional support and could be at risk of losing its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
IRS Filing Requirements
PTAs are required to file annual tax forms with the IRS.
- Failure to file may result in IRS penalties or fines.
- Failure to file for three consecutive years will result in the IRS revoking the unit’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Need Help Getting Back on Track?
Wisconsin PTA is here to help.
If you’re unsure whether your unit is in good standing, or if you’ve fallen behind on a requirement, please email info@wisconsinpta.org as soon as possible. Most good standing issues can be resolved much more easily when addressed early.
Our goal is to support local leaders and help every PTA remain healthy, compliant, and focused on serving students and families.
Don’t wait to ask for help. It’s often much easier to catch up on a missed requirement than to address the loss of nonprofit or tax-exempt status after the fact.
What is a PTA Council?
A PTA Council is a group of local PTA units (no less than three) organized under the authority of the State PTA for the purpose of promoting conferences, communications, leadership development, and coordination of efforts of such local PTA units.
Purposes of Councils:
Supporting and Strengthening Local PTAs
- Providing guidance, training, and leadership development
- Interpreting and promoting PTA policies and initiatives
- Assisting local units with implementing PTA programs, projects, and resolutions
Building Communication and Collaboration
- Coordinating efforts among local PTAs within the council area
- Enhancing communication between local units, councils, and Wisconsin PTA
- Encouraging cooperation on community projects and shared goals
Advocacy and Community Engagement
- Building support for local, state, and national PTA advocacy efforts
- Representing the interests of member PTAs with school districts and community partners
- Providing opportunities to address issues affecting children, youth, and families
Information and Resources
- Sharing PTA publications, programs, and resources
- Providing information on current issues impacting children and education
- Offering forums for discussion of public policy and community concerns
