Important Updates: Standards of Affiliation (SOA) Requirements for Local Units

FSPTA Admin
Aug 31
2 min read

Free State PTA is committed to ensuring that all of our local units remain in good standing by meeting the Standards of Affiliation (SOA) requirements. We want to inform you of updates and clarifications to the SOA checklist that will take effect this year.

Key Requirements and Deadlines

To remain in good standing, each local PTA/PTSA must complete and submit the following items:

Officer List (Due July 1st): Enter all current officers into Givebacks annually, even if no changes occur. President, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary must include home addresses.
AIM Insurance (Due July 1st): Upload your current Member Certificate of Insurance to Givebacks.
Bylaws: Must be revised every three years, approved by your membership, and uploaded with the meeting minutes.
Membership Dues (Initial deadline September 30th; monthly thereafter): Remit dues electronically via Givebacks or by mail using the Membership Form on www.fspta.org/resources.
Treasurer’s and Boardsmanship Trainings (Within 120 days of taking office): Accepted trainings include FSPTA Convention, Council training, or FSPTA-approved sessions:

Treasurer's Training - Required for Presidents and Treasurers,

Boardsmanship Training - Required for Presidents and one other officer.

Financial Review (Due October 31st): Upload the Financial Review form and annual financial report to Givebacks.
IRS 990 Filing (Due November 15th): Upload confirmation of accepted 990-N or full 990-EZ into Givebacks.
Maryland Charitable Registration (Due December 31st): Upload annual update of registration from Maryland One Stop into Givebacks.
Maryland Personal Property Return (Due April 15th): Upload a copy of the annual report to Givebacks.

Important Notes

All starred items on the SOA Local Unit Checklist are required to establish and maintain “Good Standing.”
Please click the Blue Button at the bottom of this form to download the SOA Local Unit Checklist.
The SOA Local Unit Checklist can be used by your board to track your unit’s completion dates. This form does not need to be submitted to Free State PTA.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact your council leadership (if applicable) or email SOA@fspta.org.

We appreciate your attention to these requirements and your continued commitment to upholding the standards, ethics, and mission of PTA. Your efforts ensure that we can collectively advocate for every child with one voice.

Thank you for your leadership and partnership.