PTAs are exempt from taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. To retain the tax-exempt status, PTAs must pay attention that fundraising does not become the primary focus. All PTAs function under the exempt status of California State PTA and National PTA. An individual unit can have an effect on the entire association. Disregarding the prohibition against substantial commercial activities could result in having to pay tax or a tax penalty and/or loss of tax-exempt status by the IRS.
Most PTA fundraising activities are exempt from federal income taxes, because a majority of the work performed at the unit level is conducted by volunteers and donated merchandise is sold.
