PTA issues

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, there are tax consequences to using one's personal venmo or paypal account. Starting this year, they might receive a 1099 if there are $600 or more in transactions.

This is the part that may cause trouble when he/she file tax.

Not if she keeps track and donates it to school in the original donor name. In all honesty you sound so petty. It seems you have more of an issue with the PTA president and come up with some pathetic reasons on why she’s a criminal. You seriously need to be more mature.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone heard of a PTA president using their own personal Venmo for donations? Sounds fishy...who is tracking where they are using their funds? Is this legal?

This is a violation of IRS rules for 501-c-3 organizations. Co-mingling of personal and non-profit funds is not allowed as it is impossible to account for the money appropriately. Please report this to MCCPTA. The county organization has an interest in ensuring its members operate with appropriate financial practices.

https://www.mccpta.org/treasurer

Get a life! This is not co-mingling personal and non-profit funds. It is perfectly legal and all you have to do is to keep track of where the money is coming from and what it’s for. It’s no different than collecting cash then depositing it at a bank. I was auditor at our PTA.

Of course the trust can be abused, but the issue is likely that the PTA doesn’t have enough volunteers to run things smoothly.

The solution is to buy a membership management system like Totem, https://jointotem.com/, and a financial management software like PTAEZ. Everything costs about $500 per year. But if the entire PTA budget is only a couple of thousands it doesn’t make much sense.

The people criticizing this practice probably never volunteered their time and just like to complain from the sidelines. Even the tone is pathetic, like “report it to the parent organization” lol!. Lady, your attitude sucks! How about offering your help?

There is zero reason or excuse to use your personal accounts as a PTA board member. You don't seem to get how it works. We have a few thousand budget and we made it work and never ever too money directly. We would just use a spreadsheet as we couldn't afford a software program.

It sounds like you never volunteered for your PTA, I was actually very involved and know how it works. Nobody is going to say, send me school donations to my personal Venmo. The option is check, cash, credit card, and square (nobody is using it now). Occasionally someone will say, can I just Venmo the money? For convenience people will say, ok, here’s my Venmo I’ll transfer it to the school. I never took money, but I did give a donation to an officer that way. Is it possible she stole the money? Yes, but it could be the same with giving cash, it could not have been deposited.

If you’re not comfortable with Venmo, just say you prefer to pay in another way. If it’s a transaction between the president and another person, just stay out of it and give them the benefit of the doubt that they worked out an arrangement out of convenience and it’s none of your concern. Most people in the PTA volunteer because they care. To suggest reporting it as a crime is tacky and tasteless to say the least.

Actually I have far more experience than you and as that person I never accepted venmo. I gave them the school options, cash or check but we discouraged cash heavily. We use square and it's worked well. It has lots of payment options. It absolutely is my concern as when there isn't enough money in ours, guess who pays for things or has to scramble for donations? ME

Lots of options.

You’re right that the issue is “you”. If you are paying from your own money without being reimbursed, you need to stop buying things. If you don’t like to “scramble” for donations maybe the PTA is not the right place for you because that what PTAs do.

Sure it’s wrong for Susie to put her Venmo on flyers and PTA website for donations. It’s another story if Susie gave her Venmo to the parent that wanted to but a cookie from the bake sale, but forgot his wallet at home so he doesn’t have cash or a credit card with him.

You just sound like the classic case of PTA mom craving attention and recognition and hating on the president for some lame reason.

Don’t go that route unless you really have a strong case of embezzlement, not some story that was in the news eight years ago. That person is president because either she puts in a lot of work, or has deep roots in the community. If you go accusing her of some financial shenanigans, it will just blow in your face. Friendly advice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, there are tax consequences to using one's personal venmo or paypal account. Starting this year, they might receive a 1099 if there are $600 or more in transactions.

This is the part that may cause trouble when he/she file tax.

Not if she keeps track and donates it to school in the original donor name. In all honesty you sound so petty. It seems you have more of an issue with the PTA president and come up with some pathetic reasons on why she’s a criminal. You seriously need to be more mature.

There is no reason why a PTA president or anyone else would funnel money through their personal accounts. It's highly inappropriate. I'm assuming you are doing it if you are defending it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone heard of a PTA president using their own personal Venmo for donations? Sounds fishy...who is tracking where they are using their funds? Is this legal?

This is a violation of IRS rules for 501-c-3 organizations. Co-mingling of personal and non-profit funds is not allowed as it is impossible to account for the money appropriately. Please report this to MCCPTA. The county organization has an interest in ensuring its members operate with appropriate financial practices.

https://www.mccpta.org/treasurer

Get a life! This is not co-mingling personal and non-profit funds. It is perfectly legal and all you have to do is to keep track of where the money is coming from and what it’s for. It’s no different than collecting cash then depositing it at a bank. I was auditor at our PTA.

Of course the trust can be abused, but the issue is likely that the PTA doesn’t have enough volunteers to run things smoothly.

The solution is to buy a membership management system like Totem, https://jointotem.com/, and a financial management software like PTAEZ. Everything costs about $500 per year. But if the entire PTA budget is only a couple of thousands it doesn’t make much sense.

The people criticizing this practice probably never volunteered their time and just like to complain from the sidelines. Even the tone is pathetic, like “report it to the parent organization” lol!. Lady, your attitude sucks! How about offering your help?

There is zero reason or excuse to use your personal accounts as a PTA board member. You don't seem to get how it works. We have a few thousand budget and we made it work and never ever too money directly. We would just use a spreadsheet as we couldn't afford a software program.

It sounds like you never volunteered for your PTA, I was actually very involved and know how it works. Nobody is going to say, send me school donations to my personal Venmo. The option is check, cash, credit card, and square (nobody is using it now). Occasionally someone will say, can I just Venmo the money? For convenience people will say, ok, here’s my Venmo I’ll transfer it to the school. I never took money, but I did give a donation to an officer that way. Is it possible she stole the money? Yes, but it could be the same with giving cash, it could not have been deposited.

If you’re not comfortable with Venmo, just say you prefer to pay in another way. If it’s a transaction between the president and another person, just stay out of it and give them the benefit of the doubt that they worked out an arrangement out of convenience and it’s none of your concern. Most people in the PTA volunteer because they care. To suggest reporting it as a crime is tacky and tasteless to say the least.

Actually I have far more experience than you and as that person I never accepted venmo. I gave them the school options, cash or check but we discouraged cash heavily. We use square and it's worked well. It has lots of payment options. It absolutely is my concern as when there isn't enough money in ours, guess who pays for things or has to scramble for donations? ME

Lots of options.

You’re right that the issue is “you”. If you are paying from your own money without being reimbursed, you need to stop buying things. If you don’t like to “scramble” for donations maybe the PTA is not the right place for you because that what PTAs do.

Sure it’s wrong for Susie to put her Venmo on flyers and PTA website for donations. It’s another story if Susie gave her Venmo to the parent that wanted to but a cookie from the bake sale, but forgot his wallet at home so he doesn’t have cash or a credit card with him.

You just sound like the classic case of PTA mom craving attention and recognition and hating on the president for some lame reason.

Don’t go that route unless you really have a strong case of embezzlement, not some story that was in the news eight years ago. That person is president because either she puts in a lot of work, or has deep roots in the community. If you go accusing her of some financial shenanigans, it will just blow in your face. Friendly advice!

There is zero excuse for this and if you are doing it, you need to stop. The PTA should have an online payment system so this should not be an issue. If they have a phone, they can do it through a phone. If they have no money they don't need it or they can so it many other ways.

I don't want any recognition and rarely take any. And, yes, I do pay for some stuff out of pocket. Many PTA and room parents do that if they don't get donations.

[Anonymous]

OP, is this the first year your PTA president has been president? If she's been in that position multiple years, I'd be concerned that this potentially criminal activity is robbing your school of years of donations. Also there's the financial incentive on her part to continue the scheme for more than a year. .PTA presidents (and treasurers) generally serve one year and are happy to leave their post when their year is up.

[Anonymous]

There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

Ethics is clearly not in your dna.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

STOP. It's not legal to commingle private and nonprofit funds in a private account. Usually, people get away with it because PTAs are usually smaller dollar enterprises.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

STOP. It's not legal to commingle private and nonprofit funds in a private account. Usually, people get away with it because PTAs are usually smaller dollar enterprises.

Then I suggest you raise this issue at the next general PTA meeting. Let us know how it went.

Comingling money is not a crime, no matter how much you’d like it to be. Embezzlement is a crime but that would imply the money is used for a different purpose. Regardless of your dislike of the PTA president, you should appreciate the time people put in to volunteer for the school, give them the benefit of the doubt and be gracious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

STOP. It's not legal to commingle private and nonprofit funds in a private account. Usually, people get away with it because PTAs are usually smaller dollar enterprises.

Then I suggest you raise this issue at the next general PTA meeting. Let us know how it went.

Comingling money is not a crime, no matter how much you’d like it to be. Embezzlement is a crime but that would imply the money is used for a different purpose. Regardless of your dislike of the PTA president, you should appreciate the time people put in to volunteer for the school, give them the benefit of the doubt and be gracious.

Some of us are highly ethical and show full accountability. It’s rare a pta goes into that much detail. Ours does but that’s because a few of us choose to account for every dime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

STOP. It's not legal to commingle private and nonprofit funds in a private account. Usually, people get away with it because PTAs are usually smaller dollar enterprises.

It’s not legal only in your imagination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

STOP. It's not legal to commingle private and nonprofit funds in a private account. Usually, people get away with it because PTAs are usually smaller dollar enterprises.

Then I suggest you raise this issue at the next general PTA meeting. Let us know how it went.

Comingling money is not a crime, no matter how much you’d like it to be. Embezzlement is a crime but that would imply the money is used for a different purpose. Regardless of your dislike of the PTA president, you should appreciate the time people put in to volunteer for the school, give them the benefit of the doubt and be gracious.

Some of us are highly ethical and show full accountability. It’s rare a pta goes into that much detail. Ours does but that’s because a few of us choose to account for every dime.

Seriously, bring it up at the next meeting, I’m sure like minded people would appreciate your effort for transparency and accountability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s not enough information on how Venmo was used and what amount. If it’s a $10 T-shirt sale or a $500 donation, it makes a difference. Can the OP say in what context was used?

Another point, what’s OPs position in the PTA. If she’s an officer she could have access to financial documents, and if something is going on, it would be very easy to spot.

It’s far more likely people are lazy than there’s some malfeasance going on.

For what is worth I have given a donation through Venmo to the PTA former president, current secretary. She was organizing a camping trip and asked that if a family attends, a $75 donation is made to the school. My membership was not current at the time, didn’t want to go through the hassle of updating it, so I just asked that I give her the money and she gives it to school. PTAs are neighborhood organizations, kids know each other, parents are friends etc. occasional use of Venmo is not indicative of crimes being committed.

For any amount, it's highly inappropriate as it is a non-profit organization with accountability. All transitions have to be documented. Cash is fine if she deposits it directly and has a good accounting but something going into her personal bank account or venmo is not. Most people don't look at the PTA finances. Most don't even discuss it at the meetings. We give a breakdown at our meetings but that's very rare. The camping trip may not have been PTA sponsored so that might be different but for anything else it needs to go through the PTA accounts only.

You’re making a big deal out of nothing.

STOP. It's not legal to commingle private and nonprofit funds in a private account. Usually, people get away with it because PTAs are usually smaller dollar enterprises.

Then I suggest you raise this issue at the next general PTA meeting. Let us know how it went.

Comingling money is not a crime, no matter how much you’d like it to be. Embezzlement is a crime but that would imply the money is used for a different purpose. Regardless of your dislike of the PTA president, you should appreciate the time people put in to volunteer for the school, give them the benefit of the doubt and be gracious.

Some of us are highly ethical and show full accountability. It’s rare a pta goes into that much detail. Ours does but that’s because a few of us choose to account for every dime.

Seriously, bring it up at the next meeting, I’m sure like minded people would appreciate your effort for transparency and accountability.

Why would I bring it up when it’s already done by us.