Topics in this episode include:

• Independent Contractor or employee
• The factors the IRS considers in classifying workers
• What if parents pay teachers directly?
• How paying teachers affects your church host
• Can Independent Contractors receive tuition discounts

This is the fourth part of a 5-part series on Top 10 Tips for Homeschool Leaders, a workshop given to homeschool leaders in Wichita, Kansas.

Each episode can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Podcast. In the 5-part podcast series Carol will cover:
Episode # 180 Board duties
Episode # 181 Bylaws
Episode # 182 Preventing fraud
Episode # 183 Paying Workers
Episode # 184 Insurance and Record keeping
 

Featured Resource:

Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization
Are you paying workers in your homeschool organization?

• Can a volunteer be paid?
• Should a worker be treated as an employee or independent contractor?
• Do you know the difference?

Homeschool leader and CPA, Carol Topp, has the answers to your questions in her book Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization.
This 130 page book covers paying workers as employees or independent contractors. There are also chapters on paying volunteers and board members. It includes sample forms, tips and advice to help you pay workers in accordance with the IRS laws to help your organization pay their workers correctly. Written specifically for homeschool organizations.

The post Top 10 Tips for Homeschool Leaders: Paying Workers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Top 10 Tips for Homeschool Leaders: Preventing Fraud

Let’s hope fraud or embezzlement never happens in your homeschool group! Do you have safeguards to spot it and prevent it?

This is the third part of a 5-part series on Top 10 Tips for Running a Homeschool Group, Carol Topp, CPA shares some tips to prevent fraud. The recording is from workshop given to homeschool leaders in Wichita, Kansas. You will find the audience questions might be a question you would ask!

In the podcast Carol mentions her list of “Best Practices to Prevent Fraud.” Find it here.

Each episode can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Podcast. In the 5 part podcast series Carol will cover:

Episode # 180 Board duties

Episode # 181 Bylaws

Episode # 182 Preventing fraud

Episode # 183 Paying Workers

Episode # 184 Insurance and Record keeping

Featured Product

Carol Topp, CPA has written a book just for homeschool treasurers:

Money Management in a Homeschool Organization

• Does your homeschool group manage their money well?
• Do you have a budget and know where the money is spent?
• Do you know how to prevent fraud?

This 115 page book will help you to open a checking account, establish a budget, prevent mistakes and fraud, use software to keep the books, prepare a financial statement and hire workers. Sample forms and examples of financial statements in clear English are provided.

Click here for more information

The post Top 10 Tips for Homeschool Leaders: Preventing Fraud appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Top 10 Tips for Homeschool Leaders: Bylaws

“Are bylaws and a board really necessary or is that only for homeschool groups that are 501c3 nonprofits?” was a great question asked by a homeschool leader at a workshop given to homeschool leaders in Wichita, Kansas.

In this second part of a 5-part series on Top 10 Tips for Running a Homeschool Group, Carol Topp, CPA, will answer that question and discuss bylaws and boards. She even explains IRS 501c3 tax exempt status too!

Each episode can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Podcast. In the 5 part podcast series Carol will cover:

Episode # 180 Board duties

Episode # 181 Bylaws

Episode # 182 Preventing fraud

Episode # 183 Paying Workers

Episode # 184 Insurance and Record keeping

In the podcast Carol mentions how a tiny homeschool group should maintain its tax exempt status by filing and annual IRS Form 990-N. Here’s how to do that:

How to get added to the IRS database and file the Form 990N

You might find Carol’s podcast series for Tiny Homeschool groups helpful

Tiny Homeschool Groups: Are We a Nonprofit?

Featured Resource

Start a Nonprofit and Get Tax Exempt 3-webinar set

Webinars are a great way to learn!

This 3-webinar set will help your homeschool group get established as a nonprofit, apply for IRS 501c3 tax exempt status and maintain it with IRS and state annual reports!

Everything you need to know in an easy-to-understand video format. This set includes the 3 videos (90 minutes each), an ebook The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization by Carol Topp, CPA, the slide handouts, IRS forms, and templates to help you apply for 501c3 status on your own!

Learn more.

The post Top 10 Tips for Homeschool Leaders: Bylaws appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Top 10 Tips for Homeschool Leaders: Board duties

What does it take to be a board member of a homeschool group? Is it just attending meetings? Carol Topp, the Homeschool CPA explains the 4 duties of nonprofit board members:

Duty of Care, Loyalty, Compliance and Management.

This is the first part of a 5-part series on Top 10 Tips for Running a Homeschool Group, a workshop given to homeschool leaders in Wichita, Kansas. You will probably find many of the audience questions would be a question you might ask as well!

Each episode can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Podcast. In the 5 part podcast series Carol will cover:

Episode # 180 Board duties

Episode # 181 Bylaws

Episode # 182 Preventing fraud

Episode # 183 Paying Workers

I Episode # 184 Insurance and Record keeping

Featured Product

The  Board Manual for homeschool organizations will be very helpful to organize your board and run your homeschool organization successfully!

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

The post Top 10 Tips for Homeschool Leaders: Board Duties appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this 4-part podcast series, Carol Topp, CPA answers the common questions that tiny homeschool groups face. Find all the episodes at HomechoolCPA.com/Podcast

• Episode #175 Are We a Nonprofit?
• Episode #176 Do We Need to File Anything?
• Episode #177 Do We Need to Pay Taxes?
• Episode #178 Do We Need a Bank Account?

In this episode Carol Topp will explain when a tiny homeschool group might need to open a checking account.

• The pros and cons of operating in cash and without a checking account
• Warning against using a personal checking account
• Steps to take before opening a checking account
  • Formation documents: either bylaws of Articles of Association. Samples here
  • EIN from the IRS

Join the Facebook group for homeschool leaders: I am a Homeschool Group Leader. 600+ homeschool leaders offer ideas, encouragement and respectful exchange of ideas. https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured resource

Carol Topp, CPA has written a book just for homeschool treasurers:

Money Management in a Homeschool Organization

• Does your homeschool group manage their money well?
• Do you have a budget and know where the money is spent?
• Do you know how to prevent fraud?

This 115 page book will help you to open a checking account, establish a budget, prevent mistakes and fraud, use software to keep the books, prepare a financial statement and hire workers. Sample forms and examples of financial statements in clear English are provided.

Click here for more information

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Overcomer Movie

Opening nationwide on August 23, OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?

Click here to learn more!

The post Tiny Homeschool Groups: Do We Need a Bank Account? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this 4-part podcast series, Carol Topp, CPA answers the common questions that tiny homeschool groups face. Find all the episodes at HomechoolCPA.com/Podcast

• Episode #175 Are We a Nonprofit?
• Episode #176 Do We Need to File Anything?
• Episode #177 Do We Need to Pay Taxes?
• Episode #178 Do We Need a Bank Account?

In this episode Carol Topp will explain taxes for tiny homeschool groups:

• How a tiny homeschool group can be tax exempt without applying.
• How tiny groups can self-declare tax exempt status with the IRS. See this blog post for details on what to say to the IRS. How to self-declare tax exempt status 
• State income tax exemption. Go to https://www.harborcompliance.com/information/ Scroll down to your state. Select “State Startup Guide” and scroll down to “Apply for State Tax Exemption(s)”
• The IRS annual report Form 990-N. Call IRS to get into Exempt Organization database. Here are the details of what to say when you call.
• Sales tax for small nonprofit organizations. Go to https://www.harborcompliance.com/information/ Scroll down to your state. Select “State Startup Guide” and scroll down to “Apply for State Tax Exemption(s)”

Join the Facebook group for homeschool leaders: I am a Homeschool Group Leader. 600+ homeschool leaders offer ideas, encouragement and respectful exchange of ideas. https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization

Does your homeschool group need to pay taxes? Could they avoid paying taxes by being a 501c3 tax exempt organization? Do you know the pros and cons of 501c3 status? Do you know what 501c3 status could mean for your homeschool group?

I have the answers for you in my book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. The information I share in my book has been helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, music and sports groups and will help you understand:

• The benefits of 501c3 status
• The disadvantages too!
• What it takes to make the IRS happy
• What your state requires
• Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
• What is the difference between nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption
• IRS requirements after you are tax exempt

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Overcomer Movie

Opening nationwide on August 23, OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?

Click here to learn more!

The post Tiny Homeschool Groups: Do We Need to Pay Taxes? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this 4-part podcast series, Carl Topp, CPA answers the common questions that tiny homeschool groups face. Find all the episodes at HomechoolCPA.com/Podcast

• Episode #175 Are We a Nonprofit?
• Episode #176 Do We Need to File Anything?
• Episode #177 Do We Need to Pay Taxes?
• Episode #178 Do We Need a Bank Account?

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp discusses:

• Bylaws do not typically need to be filed anywhere. They are an internal document. Sample Bylaws at com/Samples
• Articles of Association (if you remained an unincorporated association) or Articles of Incorporation (if you formed a nonprofit corporation in your state) Sample Articles at com/Samples
• Charitable solicitation registration if you solicit donations or hold fund raisers in your state. Help in finding your state laws: https://www.harborcompliance.com/information/nonprofit-compliance-guide
• Business licenses for nonprofits (only 6 states require a business license). Help in finding your state laws: https://www.harborcompliance.com/information/nonprofit-compliance-guide
• Employer Identification Number. Helpful tips on getting an EIN .

Join the Facebook group for homeschool leaders: I am a Homeschool Group Leader. 600+ homeschool leaders offer ideas, encouragement and respectful exchange of ideas. https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Overcomer Movie

Opening nationwide on August 23, OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?

Click here to learn more!

The post Tiny Homeschool Groups: Do We Need to File Anything? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Tiny homeschool groups have different challenges than large programs. They are limited on resources, volunteers, and activities. But they still have questions about legal status, money and taxes that the large homeschool organizations have.

In this 4-part podcast series, Carol Topp, CPA answers the common questions that tiny homeschool groups face. Find all the episodes at HomechoolCPA.com/Podcast

• Episode #175 Are We a Nonprofit?
• Episode #176 Do We Need to File Anything?
• Episode #177 Do We Need to Pay Taxes?
• Episode #178 Do We Need a Bank Account?

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• Should our homeschool group be a nonprofit?
• What does it take to be a nonprofit?
• Aren’t we just a bunch of homeschool moms?
• How can we avoid unnecessary paperwork?
• How can we keep this simple?

Join the Facebook group for homeschool leaders: I am a Homeschool Group Leader. 600+ homeschool leaders offer ideas, encouragement and respectful exchange of ideas. https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product

The  Board Manual for homeschool organizations will be very helpful to organize your board and run your homeschool organization successfully!

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bridgeway Academy!

As part of our commitment to personalized homeschooling, we are proud to offer both secular and Christian options for homeschool families, charter schools, state organizations, co-ops, athletic organizations, arts schools, and others who seek flexible education options for their families.

Click here to learn more!

The post Tiny Homeschool Groups: Are We a Nonprofit? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

A military family can be an asset to your homeschool group. Find out how from homeschool leader Melissa Robb and School Liaison Officer at Newport, RI Naval Base, Pamela Martin. These two ladies have a heart for helping homeschool military families and you’ll learn the benefits of inviting them into your group.

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• How to host a welcome meeting for military families
• What information a military family needs form local homeschoolers
• The benefits of befriending a military family including friends worldwide!
• How can a homeschool leader make a connection on base
• What is the role of a School Liaison Officer and how can a homeschool group work with him/her

Create a Nonprofit Organization for Your Homeschool Community

A pre-recorded webinar for homeschool groups that covers:

• The difference between a business and a nonprofit
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a nonprofit
• Forming a board: who can be one it, what do they do, etc.
• Creating bylaws
• Drafting a budget
• Setting up a bank account
• Forming a nonprofit corporation in your state
• The timeline to get this all done
• The expense to accomplish this

For more information visit Homeschoolcpa.com/CreateNP

The post Military Homeschool Families: An Asset to Your Group appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• How to welcome a military family moving to your area
• The struggles that military homeschool families face
• How homeschool leader Melissa Robb developed a heart for military families
• What do homeschool military families need most
• What time does it take to help military families
• What can a homeschool leader to do help military families

In her webinar 501c3 Application for Homeschool Nonprofits Carol Topp, CPA will share her tips and secrets from preparing over 150 applications for 501c3 tax exempt status

You will learn:

• What is needed before applying for tax exempt status
• The cost and steps to take
• An explanation of the IRS Form 1023-EZ line-by-line. This will be the crux of the webinar
• Tips on filing the IRS Form 1023-EZ
• What filings may be required by your state (in addition to the IRS)
• How you could avoid applying at all, yet still get all the advantages of 501c3 status

After the webinar you will be equipped to file on your own the IRS Form 1023-EZ, saving you hundreds of dollars for professional help.

More information at HomeschoolCPA.com/501c3APP

The post Military Families: How Homeschool Leaders Can Help appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

• HSLDA’s list of resources https://hslda.org/content/strugglinglearner/default.asp
• KeyMinistry.org Download their free toolkit
• Joni And Friends
• CLC Network. Books for children with autism
• Let All the Children Come to Me by MaLesa Breedon
• Access Ministry downloads such as “20 Ways to Calm a Child”

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) has Special Needs Consultants for members.

Compassion, HSLDA’s charitable foundation, has grants for special needs and hardship needs including therapy and equipment.

Group services attorney Darren Jones can address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and legal questions.

Faith Berens can be reached at SpecialNeeds@HSLDA.org

Featured Product

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

The post Special Needs Resources for Homeschool Co-ops appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this episode of the Homeschool CPA podcast, Faith shared:

• All children want to feel welcomed
• Tips for accommodating a child with special needs including using intake forms and having a pre-visit time
• Why asking “How can we support you?” is so helpful to a parent
• A helpful book to read aloud to children, Just the Way I am: God’s Good Design and Disability
• A resource for homeschool leaders Homeschooling Children with Special Needs by Sharon Hensley
• The website Understood.org has helpful videos and a podcast

HSLDA’s list of resources https://hslda.org/content/strugglinglearner/default.asp

Faith Berens can be reached at SpecialNeeds@HSLDA.org

The next episode (#172) Faith will share some more resources and practical tools for homeschool leaders to help families of children with special needs.

Featured Product

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

The post Special Needs Children in a Homeschool Co-op appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this 3-part podcast series Carol Topp, CPA has explained the basics of a nonprofit organization and how to form a nonprofit corporation. In this third episode Carol discusses 501c3 tax exempt status.

The first two episodes (#168 and 169) can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Podcast

In this episode, Carol will discuss:

• The benefits of tax exempt status
• The application process and Forms 1023-EZ and 1023.
• Time and cost to apply for 501c3 status
• A successor to a for-profit entity must use IRS Form 1023 (not the shorter 1023-EZ) to apply for 501c3 status.

In the podcast Carol mentioned her book, The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. It will be very helpful as you apply for 501c3 tax exempt status.

Featured Product

Webinar recording on Creating a Nonprofit for Your Homeschool Community

This webinar recording is helpful for both new nonprofits, or if you’re unsure if your group is a nonprofit, or for a business wanting to convert to a nonprofit.

The webinar runs about 90 minutes and covers:

• The difference between a business and a nonprofit
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a nonprofit
• Forming a board: who can be one it, what do they do, etc.
• Creating bylaws
• Drafting a budget
• Setting up a bank account
• Forming a nonprofit corporation in your state
• The timeline to get this all done
• The expense to accomplish this

The cost is only $10!

For more information visit HomeschoolCPA.com/CreateNP

In the podcast I mentioned my book, The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization.

The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization

Does your homeschool group need to pay taxes? Could they avoid paying taxes by being a 501c3 tax exempt organization? Do you know the pros and cons of 501c3 status? Do you know what 501c3 status could mean for your homeschool group?

I have the answers for you in my book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. The information I share in my book has been helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, music and sports groups and will help you understand:

• The benefits of 501c3 status
• The disadvantages too!
• What it takes to make the IRS happy
• What your state requires
• Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
• What is the difference between nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption
• IRS requirements after you are tax exempt

The post Converting a Business to a Nonprofit: Tax Exempt Status appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In the next 3 podcast episodes Carol Topp, CPA will explain how to convert a for-profit business into a nonprofit organization. In this second episode Carol discusses bylaws and nonprofit incorporation:

The first episode #168 on forming a nonprofit board aired on April 4, 2019. Find it at HomeschoolCPA.com/Podcast

What makes a nonprofit? How is it different from a for-profit business?

• A board (not an individual) operates the nonprofit organization.
• They explain the purpose, membership and design of board. They also describe Board job descriptions and duties. Sample bylaws can be found at HomeschooLCPA.com/Samples.
• Articles of Incorporation (your founding document) and to be organized and operate as a nonprofit organization. Read some of Carol’s articles on nonprofit incorporation:

How do we become a recognized nonprofit?

Do we need to Incorporate?

5 Great Reasons to Incorporate

Featured Product

In the podcast I mentioned that I’m offering a webinar on Creating a Nonprofit for Your Homeschool Community

Airing live on Monday April 22, 2019 at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT/6 pm MT/5 pm PT.

Who should attend?

• Brand new start up homeschool groups
• Existing groups that never formed as a nonprofit
• Homeschool communities run as a business that want to convert to be a nonprofit
• Leaders that are unsure if their homeschool group is a business or a nonprofit. It can be confusing!

Cost is only $10

For more information visit HomeschoolCPA.com/CreateNP

The post Converting a Homeschool Business to a Nonprofit: Nonprofit Incorporation appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Sometimes a homeschool group that started as a for-profit business now desires to convert to a nonprofit organization for its many benefits. Can that be done? How hard is it? How costly is it?

In the next 3 podcast episodes Carol Topp, CPA will explain how to convert a for-profit business into a nonprofit organization.

In this first episode covering the basics Carol discusses:

Your organization’s purpose will not be making a profit but now will be educational and maybe religious.

The control of the group’s mission and activities shifts from the owner to a board. A nonprofit is not owned by anyone. At least 3 members need to be on the organization’s board.

• Officers are Chair, Vice, Secretary and Treasurer. Add more board members if needed.
• Board members should be unrelated to each other (by family and by business relationships) and unrelated to any paid employees. So a board cannot be all the paid staff/teachers/tutors, but could be parents, community members, etc.

The Board has duties of care, loyalty, management (or obedience to law)

• The board has authority and responsibility. No “rubber stamp” boards!
• An officer of the Board signs all contracts, agreements, licenses, etc. not the Executive Director
• The board has control, not the Exec Director. The board decides who to hire and fire, what purpose and activities are,

Conflict of Interest Policy. A paid staff member (Executive Director) can attend board meeting, but no vote because she has a conflict of interest. Sample Conflict of Interest Policy can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Samples.

Featured Product

In the podcast I mentioned that I’m offering a webinar on Creating a Nonprofit for Your Homeschool Community

Airing live on Monday April 22, 2019 at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT/6 pm MT/5 pm PT.

Who should attend?

• Brand new start up homeschool groups
• Existing groups that never formed as a nonprofit
• Homeschool communities run as a business that want to convert to be a nonprofit
• Leaders that are unsure if their homeschool group is a business or a nonprofit. It can be confusing!

Cost is only $10

For more information visit HomeschoolCPA.com/CreateNP

The post Converting a Homeschool Business to a Nonprofit: The Basics appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Jamie explains to host Carol Topp how she is working herself out of a job. Some of her advice incudes:

• Listen to your staff (employees or volunteers)
• Give opportunity for feedback
• Welcome correction and be open
• Let them own it. This can apply to hired teacher, volunteers or board members
• Trust the process and your people

Carol and Jamie both belong to a Facebook group for homeschool leaders called I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 600+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Jamie is the owner of Classical Program Consultant a consulting service for homeschool leaders interested in launching a classical homeschool program. Her website is JamieBuckland.net.

Are you interested in starting a homeschool program like Jamie described? Jamie and Carol teamed up to give a webinar on the ABCs of Starting an Academic Homeschool Program. You can benefit from their combined knowledge in this webinar. http://homeschoolcpa.com/how-to-start-an-academic-homeschool-program/

Featured Product

Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA

Do you have questions about leading your homeschool organization? Carol Topp’s website, books and this podcast are a great way to learn the basics, but maybe you need advice specific to your group. Carol Topp, CPA can arrange a private phone consultations with you and your board members.

Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!

Cost: $85/hour to nonprofit organizations.

We can arrange a conference call so all your board members can call in from their own homes. The call can be recorded for those unable to attend.

Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.

The post Working Yourself Out of a Job appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Jamie explains to host Carol Topp how she manages to deal with conflict in her group. Some of her advice incudes:

• Don’t ignore conflict
• Do not generalize over a specific violation
• Set clear expectations
• Time your conversations.
• Practice what you will say
• Close the conversation.

Carol and Jamie both belong to a Facebook group for homeschool leaders, called I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 600+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Jamie is the owner of Classical Program Consultant a consulting service for homeschool leaders interested in launching a classical homeschool program. Her website is JamieBuckland.net.

Are you interested in starting a homeschool program like Jamie described? Jamie and Carol teamed up to give a webinar on the ABCs of Starting an Academic Homeschool Program. You can benefit from their combined knowledge I this webinar (and several included resources as well). http://homeschoolcpa.com/how-to-start-an-academic-homeschool-program/

Featured Product

In the podcast Jamie mentioned managing conflict. My book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out devotes a chapter to dealing with volunteers and conflict. You might find it helpful as you lead your homeschool group.

Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

The post Having Those Hard Conversations When You Lead a Homeschool Group appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Jamie explains to host Carol Topp how she started her classical homeschool program including:

• How she received advice from other homeschool leaders
• Why her program charges tuition
• Why she pays teachers as employees
• The benefits of having employees
• The difficulties of using volunteers

Carol and Jamie both belong to a Facebook group for homeschool leaders called I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 2500+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Jamie is the owner of Classical Program Consultant a consulting service for homeschool leaders interested in launching a classical homeschool program. Her website is JamieBuckland.net.

Are you interested in starting a homeschool program like Jamie described? Jamie and Carol teamed up to give a webinar on the ABCs of Starting an Academic Homeschool Program. You can benefit from their combined knowledge I this webinar (and several included resources as well). http://homeschoolcpa.com/how-to-start-an-academic-homeschool-program/

Featured Resource

In the podcast Jamie mentioned paying teachers or tutors as employees. My book, Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization has more information about paying Independent Contractors and employees.

Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization

Are you paying workers in your homeschool organization?

• Can a volunteer be paid?
• Should a worker be treated as an employee or independent contractor?
• Do you know the difference?

Homeschool leader and CPA, Carol Topp, has the answers to your questions in her book Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization.

This 130 page book covers paying workers as employees or independent contractors. There are also chapters on paying volunteers and board members. It includes sample forms, tips and advice to help you pay workers in accordance with the IRS laws to help your organization pay their workers correctly. Written specifically for homeschool organizations.

The post Should You Pay Homeschool Teachers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Sometimes homeschool leaders must deal with angry members. It seems as if the ugliness from social media creeps into our homeschool groups. It’s happened to Alicia Strunkel, a homeschool leader form Georgia. Alicia explains to host Carol Topp how she has learned to deal with upset people both online and in person.

Alicia shares some tips including:

• Don’t try to defend yourself
• Don’t become argumentative
• Don’t fan the flame and it dies out
• Let it go!
• Aim for personal peace

Alicia also explains her emotional base and how her faith plays a role in her leadership in a beautiful, heartfelt way

Listen to the end (15 minutes) for a boost of encouragement for homeschool leaders.

My favorite quote from Alicia was “We can’t make them happy, so there is no point in refuting (the argument) on social media. Argumentation doesn’t solve anything.”

Featured Product

In the podcast Alicia mentioned managing conflict. My book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out devotes a chapter to dealing with volunteers and conflict. You might find it helpful as you lead your homeschool group.

Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

The post Dealing with Angry People appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Are you a people pleaser? Alicia Strunkel, a homeschool leader form Georgia, is, but after 11 years of leading homeschool groups, she has learned how to deal with opposition.

Alicia explains to host Carol Topp how she has learned to deal with her feeling when people are upset with her decisions.

Alicia shares some tips including:

• Putting your feelings aside
• Look at the situation objectively
• Look at the bigger picture
• Ask yourself “What can I learn?”
• Focus on your group’s purpose

My favorite quote from Alicia was “Look at the situation objectively. It doesn’t really have to do with you as a person.”

Featured Product

In the podcast Alicia mentioned your group’s purpose and vision.

Does your homeschool group have a mission statement and a clear purpose?

Do you board members know it?

Carol Topp’s  Homeschool Organization Board Manual Can be a big help in writing a purpose and mission statement to run your homeschool organization successfully!

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bright Ideas Press

Homeschool moms are busy! Bright Ideas Press gets that. And that’s why, for over 25 years, we have promised to publish Christian-oriented homeschool curriculum that will fit your family—curriculum that is both affordable and easy-to-use with children of different ages and learning styles at the same time. Curriculum that busy Moms love!

Offering history, science, geography, and humanities curriculum and over 100 options of online classes and clubs for homeschool families, the team at Bright Ideas Press creates products and resources that will not only help simplify your life, but also inspire, encourage, and equip you to educate your children.

Find out more here!

The post Dealing with Opposition When You’re a People Pleaser appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• Keep meetings to a minimum. Time is precious to homeschool leaders.
• Using apps like Trello (a To Do list), GroupMe and email forums to communicate
• Use conference calls for urgent matters. FreeConferenceCall.com is an option.
• Use an incentive to recruit volunteers. Michele and Carol have a few ideas.
• Open up volunteer positions to teenagers in you homeschool group! Listen to all the benefits it has for them!

My favorite quote form Michele was “Think of avenues where you won’t have to micro manage, but you’ll know what’s going on.”

Featured Product

In the podcast I mentioned my book

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bright Ideas Press

Homeschool moms are busy! Bright Ideas Press gets that. And that’s why, for over 25 years, we have promised to publish Christian-oriented homeschool curriculum that will fit your family—curriculum that is both affordable and easy-to-use with children of different ages and learning styles at the same time. Curriculum that busy Moms love!

Offering history, science, geography, and humanities curriculum and over 100 options of online classes and clubs for homeschool families, the team at Bright Ideas Press creates products and resources that will not only help simplify your life, but also inspire, encourage, and equip you to educate your children.

Find out more here!

The post Keep Meetings to a Minimum appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• Don’t strive for an event. If you have no volunteers, there is no event.
• Poll members for their gifts and talents. Michele has tips and ideas on how to collect that information
• How to pull a volunteer out of their comfort zone.
• Talk individually and ask for volunteers in person, if possible.
• Train your replacement. Reproduce yourself or the group may not last.

My favorite quote from Michele was “Sharing your knowledge is the best thing you can do for the next generation of homeschool moms.”

Featured Product

A Board Manual for homeschool organizations. I think you’ll find it helpful to organize your board and run your homeschool organization successfully!

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Christian Standard Bible

The Christian Standard Bible captures the Bible’s original meaning without compromising clarity. An optimal blend of accuracy and readability, this translation helps readers make a deeper connection with God’s Word and inspires lifelong discipleship. The CSB is for everyone—for readers young and old, new and seasoned. It’s a Bible pastors can preach from and a Bible you can share with your neighbor hearing God’s Word for the very first time.

Find out more here!

The post Recruiting Volunteers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In 2018 California Supreme Court tried to make that questions easier to answer with a simpler 3 part test: The ABC Test for Independent Contractor status.

Can You Pass The Three-Part ABC Test?

Employers must be able to answer yes to all three parts of the ABC Test if they want to classify workers as independent contractors:

• The worker is free from the control and direction of your homeschool organization or business in relation to the performance of the work, both under the contract and in fact;
• The worker performs work that is outside the usual course of your homeschool organization or business; AND
• The worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work your homeschool organization or business hired them to perform.

Which parts of the ABC test do homeschool groups usually comply with?

Which part do they typically fail to pass?

Listen to the podcast for Carol’s reply.

Featured Resource

In the podcast Carol mentioned paying teachers or tutors of others in a homeschool business or nonprofit organization. Her book, Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization has more information about paying Independent Contractors and employees.

Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization

Are you paying workers in your homeschool organization?

• Can a volunteer be paid?
• Should a worker be treated as an employee or independent contractor?
• Do you know the difference?

Homeschool leader and CPA, Carol Topp, has the answers to your questions in her book Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization.

This 130 page book covers paying workers as employees or independent contractors. There are also chapters on paying volunteers and board members. It includes sample forms, tips and advice to help you pay workers in accordance with the IRS laws to help your organization.

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Christian Standard Bible

The Christian Standard Bible captures the Bible’s original meaning without compromising clarity. An optimal blend of accuracy and readability, this translation helps readers make a deeper connection with God’s Word and inspires lifelong discipleship. The CSB is for everyone—for readers young and old, new and seasoned. It’s a Bible pastors can preach from and a Bible you can share with your neighbor hearing God’s Word for the very first time.

Find out more here!

The post ABC Test for Independent Contractors appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Did you know there are some tax forms to file before April 15? There are if you are a homeschool business owner or homeschool nonprofit that paid anyone more than $600 in 2018.

I’m talking about the IRS Form 1099-MISC that is given to Independent Contractors paid more than $600 by your homeschool business or group.

In today’s podcast Carol answers a question from a new Classical Conversations director who asks, “Do I need to give Classical Conversations a 1099-MISC for the licensing fees I paid to them?”

Listen to the podcast for Carol’s reply.

In the podcast, Carol mentioned that she uses Yearli.com to file her 1099-MISc.

Yearli by Greatland is the best way for businesses to file 1099, W-2 & 1095 (ACA) forms. Best of all, you’ll receive 15% off your filings because I referred you. Check them out! https://mbsy.co/rzrbp

Featured Resource

In the podcast I mentioned my paying teachers or tutors of others in a homeschool business or nonprofit organization. My book, Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization has more information about paying Independent Contractors and employees.

Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization

Are you paying workers in your homeschool organization?

• Can a volunteer be paid?
• Should a worker be treated as an employee or independent contractor?
• Do you know the difference?

Homeschool leader and CPA, Carol Topp, has the answers to your questions in her book Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization.

This 130 page book covers paying workers as employees or independent contractors. There are also chapters on paying volunteers and board members. It includes sample forms, tips and advice to help you pay workers in accordance with the IRS laws to help your organization pay their workers correctly. Written specifically for homeschool organizations.

The post Form 1099-MISC is due Jan 31! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Taxes for Homeschool Business Owners Webinar

Free live on Monday January 21, 2019 at 8 pm ET. Webinar replay: $10.

HomeschoolCPA.com/HSBIZTAXES

This webinar is for:

• Paid teachers at a homeschool co-op
• CC tutors getting paid as Independent Contractors
• CC directors running a community
• Music teachers, tutors, coaches, etc. running their own businesses
• Business owners selling services to the homeschool marketplace

Here’s what the webinar will cover:

• Tax changes for 2018 (highlights)
• New tax deduction for businesses in 2018!
• The new redesigned IRS Form 1040
• How to pay yourself
• Tax deductions common to homeschool business owners
• IRS tax forms Schedule C and SE
• Self-employment tax
• A sample tax return.

This webinar will not cover:

• Nonprofit organizations, but if you work as an Independent Contractor for a nonprofit, this webinar is for you.
• Businesses organized as partnerships or corporations. I won’t have time to go into these more complex tax structures.
• Businesses selling products like homeschool curriculum or ebooks

The webinar will be FREE for all who register and attend live. It will be free for about 24 hours after the webinar to all who register. After that, a small fee of $10 will be charged for viewing the webinar video.

Featured Product

Taxes for Homeschool Business Owners Webinar

Free live on Monday January 21, 2019 at 8 pm ET

Webinar reply: $10.

HomeschoolCPA.com/HSBIZTAXES

The post Taxes for Homeschool Business Owners appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Amanda’s been secretary of her homeschool group, Heartland Homeschool Association in southeast Missouri. But she agreed to a new role as treasurer. In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast host Carol Topp and Amanda discuss:

• Keeping a master file of important papers
• Having a calendar at every board meeting
• What a homeschool organization’s treasurer does
• A really good policy for new treasurers
• How often a treasurer should give a report
• Possible software systems for homeschool groups
• How to get a free copy of Quickbooks online. Use Quickbooks online for free

Amanda’s board follows a good rule for treasurers. They want a person to serve on the board for at least one year before serving as treasurer. “No new hand get into the money!” was how Amanda explains it. That sounds wise to me.

Carol and Amanda met online at the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 600+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product

Money Management in a Homeschool Organization

• Does your homeschool group manage their money well?
• Do you have a budget and know where the money is spent?
• When is it time to use accounting software?
• Do you know how to prevent fraud?

This 115 page book will help you to open a checking account, establish a budget, prevent mistakes and fraud, use software to keep the books, prepare a financial statement and hire workers. Sample forms and examples of financial statements in clear English are provided.

Click here for more information

The post Tips for a New Homeschool Group Treasurer appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Amanda’s role a secretary of her homeschool group, Heartland Homeschool Association in southeast Missouri included sending emails, newsletters and handling registration for 90 families! It was a large task. Listen to hear how Amanda stayed organized and reduced the full day-long paper registration to an online system that takes only 10 minutes!

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast host Carol Topp and Amanda discuss:

• What a homeschool organization’s secretary does
• Some tips for registering families for co-op classes
• Some useful tools she uses to send out newsletters and emails.
• How online registration helped her co-op
• What board minutes should look like
• How to run an effective board meeting

Carol and Amanda met online at the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 600+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product

Does your homeschool board know and understand its duties?

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

The post What Should a Homeschool Group Secretary be Doing? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

I understand her confusion. I discuss nonprofit status so often that homeschool leaders wonder if its absolutely necessary.

In this episode of the podcast, Carol explains

• What two things it takes to be a nonprofit
• The difference between nonprofit and tax exempt status
• If you’re not a nonprofit, what are you?
• Some of the tax advantages of being a nonprofit
• Other advantages of being a nonprofit

Featured Product

Have questions about nonprofit and tax exempt status? Do you know the difference?

Carol’s book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization has the answers

The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization

Does your homeschool group need to pay taxes? Could they avoid paying taxes by being a 501c3 tax exempt organization? Do you know the pros and cons of 501c3 status? Do you know what 501c3 status could mean for your homeschool group?

I have the answers for you in my book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. The information I share in my book has been helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, music and sports groups and will help you understand:

• The benefits of 501c3 status
• The disadvantages too!
• What it takes to make the IRS happy
• What your state requires
• Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
• What is the difference between nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption
• IRS requirements after you are tax exempt

The post Is it illegal to NOT be a homeschool nonprofit? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Melissa Robb from Rhode Island.  Melissa’s organization, ENRICH, hosts monthly information meeting for people interested in homeschooling. She discusses what she has seen:

• Parents now think about homeschooling when their children are infants or preschoolers
• Many parents are homeschooling to avoid a bad situation
• Some students may need to de-school or unschool
• Information sessions deliver more than information-they bring hope and confidence to parents considering homeschooling
• Over-compliance with legal requirements can be a problem 

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Resource:

Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA

Do you have questions about leading your homeschool organization? Carol Topp’s website, books and this podcast are a great way to learn the basics, but maybe you need advice specific to your group. Carol Topp, CPA can arrange a private phone consultations with you and your board members.

Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!

Cost: $75/hour to nonprofit organizations.

We can arrange a conference call so all your board members can call in from their own homes. The call can be recorded for those unable to attend.

Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.

The post Changes in Why People Homeschool appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast Melissa explains:

• Why she started does monthly Introduction to Homeschooling events for the general public
• What information she shares at the information events
• How these event offer emotional support to parents

Carol and Melissa met online at the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 500+ homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product

Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out
Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op like Becky did? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

The post Hosting an Introduction to Homeschooling Event appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Homeschool leader Becky Abrams leads a homeschooling co-op in Oregon. She has learned how to avoid take things personally. It takes practice, but Becky shares some tips and a very helpful mindset (involving a bus driver) that will help you overcome disappointment.

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast Becky explains:

• How to deal with unmet expectations
• How to avoid taking things (like a family leaving your co-op) personally
• A great illustration about how homeschool groups are like a bus!
• How to avoid stewing on emotional issues and disappointment
• Why member might leave your homeschool group
• A helpful mindset starts with controlling our thoughts

My favorite quote from Becky in this episode is “It’s very likely it doesn’t have anything to do with you!”

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 500 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product:

Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA

Do you have questions about leading your homeschool organization? Carol Topp’s website, books and this podcast are a great way to learn the basics, but maybe you need advice specific to your group. Carol Topp, CPA can arrange a private phone consultations with you and your board members.

Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!

Cost: $75/hour to nonprofit organizations.

We can arrange a conference call so all your board members can call in from their own homes. The call can be recorded for those unable to attend.

Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.

Click Here to request more information!

The post Don’t Take Things Personally appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Homeschool mother Becky Abrams started a homeschooling co-op from scratch which included finding people to help her lead the group. She finds her co-op members are thankful to be a part of something. Many want to have a voice and they are invited to help lead.

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Becky Abrams who started and leads a homeschool co-op in Oregon.

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast Becky explains:

• How she went about finding help
• How her co-op’s board came together
• How to have happy and thankful co-op members!
• How Becky invited new board members to join the leadership team
• How to let co-op members have a voice

My favorite quote from Becky in this episode is “If we’re going to do this…we want to be organized and have a board!”

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product:

Help your homeschool group get organized and run smoothly!

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

The post How to Have Happy and Thankful Homeschool Co-op Members appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Homeschool mother Becky Abrams started homeschooling out of desperation. “By October homeschooling was a disaster!” she said. Her 3 sons were miserable and lonely, and Becky had a newborn and was lonely herself! She tells host Carol Topp how desperation and necessity drove Becky to start a homeschool field trip group and later launch a homeschool co-op–all as a brand new homeschooler herself!

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Becky Abrams who started and leads a homeschool co-op in Oregon.   

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast Becky explains:

• Why she started homeschooling her 3 sons
• What drove her to start meeting other homeschool families
• How she connected with other homeschool families as a new homeschooler
• What she did when her sons needed to find friends

My favorite quote from Becky in this episode is “I was a brand new homeschooler and I’m leading a group?!”

Carol and Becky met online at the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 2500 homeschool leaders from across the USA (and internationally as well). You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolgroupleader

Featured Product

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op like Becky did? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

The post Necessity Leads New Homeschooler to Start a Homeschool Co-op appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

You lead a homeschool group to help parents successfully homeschool, right? But could your homeschool program actually be hindering their success as a homeschool parents?

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• How homeschool groups take on responsibilities that belong to the parent
• Do you assume your parent, especially new ones, don’t know how to homeschool? Some homeschool program undermine confidence of homeschool parents
• Some homeschool programs foster dependence on their program to homeschool successfully
• Is your group too controlling?
• Are your parents dependent on your group or program to successfully homeschool?
• How to identify if you are helping or hindering parents

Here’s a quote from the podcast:

 “If your group is taking over the education of the children then you are not helping that parent, especially that mom, to homeschool successfully. You are actually hindering her. You are making her dependent on your group.”

Instead you should empower her to homeschool her kids on her own

If one of your parents says, “I couldn’t have homeschooled without your group!” you should reflect on this question:

If my group closed tomorrow would our parents still continue to joyfully and confidentially continue to homeschool?

I hope so!

Share your thoughts on the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group!

Featured resource

Do you have questions about running your homeschool group?

Start by reading the Articles or search the blog. For more detailed information visit the bookstore  and listen to HomeschoolCPA’s podcast.

If you want individual help, consider a phone consultation with Carol Topp, CPA

Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!

Cost: $75/hour to nonprofit organizations.  $100/hour to for-profit businesses. $60 minimum.

Q &A by Email:  I am willing to answer questions by email, but it is very time consuming to read and reply to emails. I charge a reduced rate of $50/hour to read and reply to emails. Minimum $25.

Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.

Click Here to request more information!

The post Are You Helping or Hindering Parents to Homeschool? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Are you confused by the financial reports from your homeschool group?

Do you avoid asking questions because you don’t even know what to ask?

You’re not alone!

In this short podcast episode (8 minutes)  Carol Topp, the HomeschoolCPA, will tell you about a webinar she is hosting on Monday October 29, 2018 at 8 pm ET.

Financial Reports for Homeschool Groups: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

During this webinar you will learn:

• How to read a financial report
• Know what red flags to look for
• What are the two most important reports for your board to see regularly
• What mistakes treasurers make
• Use the financial report to make decisions and set goals.

You will be shown the good, the bad and the ugly of financial reports.

Join Carol Topp, CPA on Monday October 29 at 8 pm ET, 7 pm CT, 6 pm MT and 5 pm PT for a one-hour webinar

Financial Reports for Homeschool Groups: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The webinar will be recorded, so please Register so that you will be emailed the link to the video.

The advantages of attending live:

• Time for your questions and answers from Carol (Carol charges $75/hour for a private phone consultation, so this is a bargain!)
• Interact in the chat room with other homeschool leaders
• It will get done! I know you have good intentions to watch the video later, but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

Register now and join us on Monday October 29, 2018 at 8 pm ET, 7 pm CT, 6 pm MT and 5 pm PT

Featured resource

Do you have questions about running your homeschool group?

Start by reading the Articles or search the blog. For more detailed information visit the bookstore  and listen to HomeschoolCPA’s podcast.

If you want individual help, consider a phone consultation with Carol Topp, CPA

Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!

Cost: $75/hour to nonprofit organizations.  $100/hour to for-profit businesses. $60 minimum.

Q &A by Email:  I am willing to answer questions by email, but it is very time consuming to read and reply to emails. I charge a reduced rate of $50/hour to read and reply to emails. Minimum $25.

Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.

Click Here to request more information!

The post Are your Homeschool Group’s Financial Reports Confusing? Webinar for you! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Knowing Your Social Style Can Make Leadership Easier

Sometimes leading a homeschool group means you are working with people who are very different from you.

They want to socialize and you want to get a meeting started.

They want to discuss every possible option and you want to make a decision.

They want to hurry up and vote and you want to make sure everyone has input.

How frustrating!

In today’s episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, host Carol Topp explains what she has learned about social styles.

Social styles are based on research and classify people into four quadrants: Analytical, Driving, Amiable and Expressive. The quadrants are based on our tendency to be more assertive or responsive (the horizontal axis) and our tendency to be emoting or controlling.

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• What is a social style
• The 4 types of social styles
• How knowing your social style can help you have a better meeting
• Understanding others’ social style makes teamwork easier

From visiting SocialStyle.com and viewing their videos I know I am a Driving personality. Driving people are results-oriented, don’t like things that waste time, and prefer getting to the point and staying on target. They prefer others to show respect for time by sticking to a schedule.

But another board member is the Amiable style who tends to move slowly with less time discipline. They want time for small talk and socializing before moving to the matter at hand.

That pretty much conflicts with my desires!!

What to do?

Well, I need to learn to adapt to her style and maybe tone down my driving style a bit. Hear how I did that in the podcast.

Maybe you can adapt what you learn to your next homeschool board meeting. Tell us about it on the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group!

Featured resource

Another tool to help you run a smooth and efficient board meeting is having an agenda. The Board Manual for homeschool organizations has sample agenda for you to use. I think you’ll find it helpful to organize your board and run your homeschool organization successfully!

The Homeschool Organization Board Manual has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

The post Knowing Your Social Style Can Make Leadership Easier! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Sheri Payne from Virginia. Sheri is the Director of Leader Support for HEAV, the Home Education Association of Virginia. She shares advice on many topics including how she deliberately trained and mentored other leaders.

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp and Sheri discuss:

• Holding regular meetings of leaders
• The importance of being constantly in communication
• Asking hypothetical questions to train your replacement
• Let your leaders make mistakes and learn from them (just like parenting!)

My favorite quote from Sheri in this episode is, “We were constantly in communication.”

Be sure to tune into the other HomeschoolCPA podcast episodes with Sheri Payne including:

• How to Start a Virtual Homeschool Co-op #143
• Why You Can’t Lead Alone # 142

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product:

Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA

Do you have questions about leading your homeschool organization? Carol Topp’s website, books and this podcast are a great way to learn the basics, but maybe you need advice specific to your group. Carol Topp, CPA can arrange a private phone consultations with you and your board members.

Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!

Cost: $75/hour to nonprofit organizations.

We can arrange a conference call so all your board members can call in from their own homes. The call can be recorded for those unable to attend.

Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.

Click Here to request more information!

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – Change is in the Air Movie

This story embraces the imperfections that make us human, offers a way to set ourselves free and asks us all to take a good, long look at the wild birds in the sky.

Watch the trailer here!

The post Deliberately Mentoring Leaders: How Do You Do It? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Sheri Payne from Virginia. Sheri is the Director of Leader Support for HEAV, the Home Education Association of Virginia. She shares advice on many topics including the mistakes she made in leading a homeschool organization.

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp and Sheri discuss:

• Her biggest mistake as a leader: doing everything by herself
• The importance of getting a team
• Finding people who are good in areas you lack
• Peace-making and conflict resolution
• Training you successor and deliberately mentoring leaders

My favorite quote from Sheri in this episode is “I can’t be a lone wolf because I have deficiencies in my personality.”

Be sure to tune into the other HomeschoolCPA podcast episodes with Sheri Payne including:

• How to Start a Virtual Homeschool Co-op
• Deliberately Mentoring Leaders. How Do You Do It?

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product:

Help your homeschool group get organized and run smoothly!

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

The post Why You Can’t Lead Alone appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Sheri Payne who runs a virtual homeschool co-op that meets online. Participants attend from across the globe!

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast Sheri explains:

• How the virtual co-op works
• What technology is used
• How to operate it without cost to the parents
• The advantages of a virtual co-op
• The disadvantages of co-oping online remotely and online

My favorite quote from Sheri in this episode is “Using technology even Socratic discussions are possible!”

Carol and Sheri met online at the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA (and maybe the globe soon!). You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Have you ever thought about starting a homeschool co-op? Are you afraid it will be too much work? Do you think you’ll have to do it all by yourself? Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor, Kiwi Crate!

The post Leading a Virtual Homeschool Co-op appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

What can you do about it?

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Anjoli Gallo. Anjoli runs a group in southern Florida and she shares insight into dealing with conflict.  But she also shares some great tips on how she manages her time so leading a group doesn’t take over her life.

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp and Anjoli discuss:

• Challenges she faced as a new leader
• What to do when members blame you!
• Merging two groups together
• How she limits the time she works on group stuff
• Dealing with conflict (get them alone to talk about it)
• Why being a leader is like being a school principal
• Remember: you don’t know what is going on in peoples’ lives

My favorite quote from Anjoli in this episode is “Don’t call them out in front of everybody, you just speak to them privately… they will appreciate you not embarrassing them.”

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product

Is there conflict in your homeschool group? Need help managing the volunteers in your organization? Carol Topp’s book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out has a chapter devoted to Managing Volunteer and conflict!

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor, Kiwi Crate!

The post What’s a Good Way to Handle Conflicts in a Homeschool Group? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

One of the best things about being in a homeschool group is the community of support you can receive. But do you know how to build a sense of community?

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Angela Weaver. Angela runs a large group in Lynchburg, Virginia and she shares her experience on many topics. Angela had so much advice, that it takes three episodes and this is the third of three parts!

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp and Angela discuss:

• Having a common vision is key
• Ideas on how to build a community
• How a fundraiser for others can build community
• A sample purpose statement
• How the purpose statement gets acted out through activities
• How serving others can build community within your group
• Are homeschoolers losing a sense of community?
• What could happen if we don’t have a supportive community?

My favorite quote from Angela in this episode is “It’s important that everyone is on the same page so you make decisions that stay in line with your purpose.”

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product:

Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA

Do you have questions about leading your homeschool organization? Carol Topp’s website, books and this podcast are a great way to learn the basics, but maybe you need advice specific to your group. Carol Topp, CPA can arrange a private phone consultations with you and your board members.

Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It’s like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!

Cost: $75/hour to nonprofit organizations.

We can arrange a conference call so all your board members can call in from their own homes. The call can be recorded for those unable to attend.

Contact HomeschoolCPA, Carol Topp, CPA, to arrange a telephone consultation.

Click Here to request more information!

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Time 4 Learning

Time4Learning provides the tools and resources students need to build skills and confidence in the core subjects like math, language arts, science, and social studies. No matter how long you’ve been homeschooling or whatever your current situation, Time4Learning is a flexible, online curriculum that can be tailored to your child’s individual needs.

The comprehensive, award-winning curriculum allow students to study confidently and excel at their own pace, making it ideal for all kinds of learners, whether they are mainstream, gifted or special needs.

Click Here to Visit Time 4 Learning!

The post How Can Your Homeschool Group Feel Like a Community? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Angela Weaver. Angela leads a large group in Lynchburg, Virginia and she shares advice on many topics. Angela had so much experience, that it takes three episodes and this is the second of three parts!

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp and Angela discuss:

• How to avoid “freaking out” if an event doesn’t happen
• The perfect size of a board: large or small?
• Having teams do many jobs so the board isn’t doing everything
• How to improve communication on a board
• Having homeschool dads on the board
• Is an odd number of board members essential?
• What is the board president’s job? Is it to do everything? NO!

My favorite quote from Angela in this episode is “I’m not willing to sacrifice my sanity for a picnic.”  Can you relate?

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

Featured Product:

Help your homeschool group get organized and run smoothly!

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

But this is more than just a few cover sheets for your binder. It is also a 55-page board training manual with helpful articles on:

• Suggested Board Meeting Topic List
• Board Duties
• Job Descriptions for Board of Directors
• What Belongs in the Bylaws?
• Compensation and Benefits for Board Members
• Best Financial Practices Checklist
• How to Read and Understand Financial Statements
• Developing a Child Protection Policy

Read more about the Homeschool Organization Board Manual

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Time 4 Learning

Time4Learning provides the tools and resources students need to build skills and confidence in the core subjects like math, language arts, science, and social studies. No matter how long you’ve been homeschooling or whatever your current situation, Time4Learning is a flexible, online curriculum that can be tailored to your child’s individual needs.

The comprehensive, award-winning curriculum allow students to study confidently and excel at their own pace, making it ideal for all kinds of learners, whether they are mainstream, gifted or special needs.

Click Here to Visit Time 4 Learning!

The post What’s the Best Size for a Homeschool Group Board? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp and Angela discuss:

• The perils of being in leadership for too long
• Burnout for leaders
• How bylaws can help a homeschool group
• Hosting elections for board members
• The importance of term limits for homeschool board members
• Founders syndrome-avoid it!
• Having an events team
• What to do if no one wants to organize events

My favorite quote from Angela in this episode is, “No events happened if two people didn’t sign up to lead it.”  Wow! She found that that one simple rule worked!

In the podcast, Carol mentioned the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook Group. It is a closed group (meaning you have to request to join) of 530 homeschool leaders from across the USA. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/72534255742/

FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA:

Homeschool Co-ops:
How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out

Need more information on how to start and run a homeschool co-op? Carol Topp’s book, Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out  is packed with helpful tips and advice from other homeschool leaders.

Starting a homeschool co-op can be easy! This book Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out will give you ideas, inspiration, tips, wisdom and the tools you need to start a homeschool co-op, run it and not burn out!

Click Here to request more information!

The post Boards, Burnout and Bylaws: Leadership Tips from a Homeschool Leader appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Here’s what the IRS website states:

Tax Law Compliance Before Exempt Status Is Recognized

An organization that claims tax-exempt status under section 501(a), but has not yet received an IRS letter recognizing exempt status, is generally required to file an annual exempt organization return.

The IRS website goes on to explain when you must file an IRS information returns:

• Before you apply for tax exempt status
• While your application for tax exemption is pending
• After granted 501c3 status by the IRS.

Fortunately, the form your organization (and all small nonprofits with annual gross revenues of less than $50,000) would need to file is the 990N, an electronic postcard that asks about 8 questions: name and address of organization, the principle officer’s name and check a box that your annual gross revenues are under $50,000.

It is very short and would take less than 10 minutes once a year.

How to get added to the IRS database and file the Form 990N

Listen to the podcast as Carol Topp, CPA explains this very confusing requirement from the IRS:

Featured Product

Have more questions about your homeschool organization’s tax exempt status? My book, The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization would be a big help.

The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization

Does your homeschool group need to pay taxes? Could they avoid paying taxes by being a 501c3 tax exempt organization? Do you know the pros and cons of 501c3 status? Do you know what 501c3 status could mean for your homeschool group?

I have the answers for you in my book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. The information I share in my book has been helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, music and sports groups and will help you understand:

• The benefits of 501c3 status
• The disadvantages too!
• What it takes to make the IRS happy
• What your state requires
• Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
• What is the difference between nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption
• IRS requirements after you are tax exempt

The post Does a Nonprofit Need to File Any Tax Returns Before They Apply for Tax Exempt Status? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

The Internal Revenue Service calls the money a homeschool group or any nonprofit raises from a fundraiser “Unrelated Business Income,” meaning it is money collected in a trade or business that is not related to your primary mission (or what the IRS calls your “exempt purpose”).

Your homeschool organization could have unrelated business income if you sell:

• T-shirts
• candy bars
• entertainment book,
• candles
• pizza coupons
• ads on your website
• ads in your yearbook

Fortunately, the IRS has several exceptions to paying the UBIT tax:

• A $1,000 threshold
• Volunteer efforts
• Not regularly carried on
• Selling donated items

One of these exceptions may apply to most homeschool organizations.

Listen as Carol explains the 4 exceptions to UBIT:

Featured Product

Do you have more questions about conducting fundraisers? My book Money Management in a Homeschool Organization can help.

• Does your homeschool group manage their money well?
• Do you have a budget and know where the money is spent?
• Do you know how to prevent fraud?

This 115 page book will help you to open a checking account, establish a budget, prevent mistakes and fraud, use software to keep the books, prepare a financial statement, and hire workers. Sample forms and examples of financial statements in clear English are provided.

Money Management in a Homeschool Organization

The post What is Unrelated Business Income or UBIT? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

Do these small homeschool groups really need 501c3 tax exempt status?

No. They don’t.

They can run their activities without the benefits of 501c3 tax exempt status.

But then how does the IRS or their state view this group? Will they owe taxes on any surplus? Yes, they will owe tax because they do not have tax exempt status.  If they have a surplus, how do they go about filing a tax return and paying taxes?

There are a few possibilities. The IRS could view these homeschool groups as:

• A 501(c )(7) social club with self-declared tax exempt status
• An educational organization that could be so small* they can self-declare tax exempt status (or should apply for 501c3 status) and be filing an annual information return, most likely the 990-N ePostcard
• A gathering of friends simply pooling money for a group activity. But then they probably need to operate in cash (or Venmo payments) without a checking account, official name, EIN, etc.
• A business who should be paying taxes!

*under $5,000 of annual gross revenues

Can you guess which one the IRS prefers? Yep, it’s the last one! That means your homeschool group who hasn’t applied for tax exempt status should be paying taxes!

Listen to Carol Topp as she explains these options.

Featured Resource

In the podcast I mentioned my book:

The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization

Should your homeschool group be paying taxes? Could they avoid paying taxes by being a 501c3 tax exempt organization? Do you know the pros and cons of 501c3 status? Do you know what 501c3 status could mean for your homeschool group?

I have the answers for you in my book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. The information I share in my book has been helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, music and sports groups and will help you understand:

• The benefits of 501c3 status
• The disadvantages too!
• What it takes to make the IRS happy
• What your state requires
• Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
• What is the difference between nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption
• IRS requirements after you are tax exempt

The post Is My Homeschool Group Required to Have 501c3 Tax Exempt Status? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

When Applying for an EIN, They Want my Social Security Number!

Homeschool leader, Paula, was applying for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) online, but the IRS website asked for her SSN (Social Security Number). She is reluctant to give it out. Should she be concerned?

Someone (the “responsible party”) must give their Social Security Number (SSN) so that the IRS can always trace leadership of a nonprofit (or a business) to a human being. The IRS wants the name and Social Security Number of a specific individual it can contact if needed. Requesting a name and SSN is also meant to prevent people from setting up dummy or scam organizations.

Why does a homeschool group need an EIN?

1.     The homeschool group is brand new and needs an EIN to open a checking account in the group’s name.

2.     The organization needs a new EIN after it incorporates as a nonprofit corporation in their state.

Who is the Responsible Party?

3. In general, the Responsible Party is an individual who has direct or indirect authority over the organization and its assets.
4. The instructions to Form SS-4 give the definition of a Responsible Party as:
5. “responsible party” is the person who has a level of control over, or entitlement to, the funds or assets in the entity that, as a practical matter, enables the individual, directly or indirectly, to control, manage, or direct the entity and the disposition of its funds and assets.

Can I change the Responsible Party?

You can request the IRS remove your name from the EIN when you step down from being treasurer.
When that time comes, fill out IRS Form 8822-B and change the “responsible party” to the new leader.

Also listen to podcast #81 How can we change the contact name on our EIN?

If you have questions about applying for an EIN or the Form SS-4, read the chapter on “Checking Accounts Done Right” in my book Money Management in a Homeschool Organization

Featured Product:

Money Management in a Homeschool Organization

• Does your homeschool group manage their money well?
• Do you have a budget and know where the money is spent?
• Do you know how to prevent fraud?

This 115 page book will help you to open a checking account, establish a budget, prevent mistakes and fraud, use software to keep the books, prepare a financial statement, and hire workers. Sample forms and examples of financial statements in clear English are provided.

The post When Applying for an EIN, They Want my Social Security Number! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

The reason that most for-profit businesses obtain the LLC status is for limited liability. I organized my own sole proprietorship accounting practice as an LLC because I wanted limited liability and protection of my personal assets.

Becoming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a more complicated issue for nonprofit organizations. Most small nonprofits such as a homeschool co-op do not become LLC’s because the IRS has 12 conditions that must be met for the LLC to be tax exempt. For a nonprofit organization such as a homeschool co-op, nonprofit corporation status in your state brings similar protections of limited liability.

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• What does LLC mean?
• What is limited liability?
• How nonprofit corporation offers limited liability
• Becoming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a complicated issue for nonprofits.
• How the IRS views nonprofit LLCs

Read more about LLC status for homeschool groups:
Can a nonprofit homeschool co-op be an LLC?

Should my homeschool group file as an LLC?

Should your homeschool group be an LLC?

FEATURED PRODUCT

The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization

Does your homeschool group need to pay taxes? Could they avoid paying taxes by being a 501c3 tax exempt organization? Do you know the pros and cons of 501c3 status? Do you know what 501c3 status could mean for your homeschool group? I have the answers for you in my book The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization. The information I share in my book has been helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, music and sports groups and will help you understand:

• The benefits of 501c3 status
• The disadvantages too!
• What it takes to make the IRS happy
• What your state requires
• Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
• What is the difference between nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption
• IRS requirements after you are tax exempt

Click Here to request more information!

The post Should Your Homeschool Group Be An LLC? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

     

In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share:

• Is it okay to not allow members a vote?
• Sample bylaws can be found at HomeschoolCPA.com/Samples
• Can a board chose its own replacements?
• How can a board get input from the membership?

In the podcast Carol mentioned the duties of the board:

Duty of Care

• Read and understand your group’s mission, vision, and governing documents. I recommend a board binder for important documents.
• Attend board and committee meetings.
• Be informed and be prepared to participate in decision-making.

Duty of Loyalty

• Be prepared to put the organization’s goals above your own.
• Create and follow a conflict of interest policy. See a sample Conflict of Interest policy.
• Disclose personal financial interests when needed/excuse yourself from voting.

Duty of Management

• Develop policies about the financial management of the organization. My book Money Management in a Homeschool Organization has a checklist.
• Keep accurate and complete records of income and expenses and minutes.
• Develop a budget for your plans and your spending.
• Develop fundraising goals.

Duty of Compliance

• Understand and comply with governing documents, including bylaws. Sample bylaws.
• Know and comply with state and federal laws governing non-profit organizations, including registration and reporting requirements. If you’re unsure about what your filings requirements are, my book, The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization, will be helpful.

FEATURED PRODUCT

Homeschool Organization Board Manual

Sometimes current group leaders have none of the important paperwork for their organizations. Homeschool board members should keep all their organization’s important papers in a safe and accessible place. Usually, a 3-ring binder works well.

Author and homeschool advisor, Carol Topp, CPA, has created a Homeschool Organization Board Manual. It is a template to create a board member binder. It has:

• A list of important documents to keep in your binder
• Section dividers so you can organize the important papers
• Tools to help you run your meetings smoothly including
• A sample agenda that you can use over and over again
• A calendar of board meetings

Click Here for more information!

The post Should a Homeschool Nonprofit Let Members Vote? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.