HomeschoolCPA.com

Starting a Homeschool Group

Need One-On-One Help?

As of June 1, 2022, I, Carol Topp, CPA, am semi-retired and will no longer be offering one-on-one consultations. Instead, I offer you a selection of carefully selected, qualified, highly experienced homeschool consultants all who have lead (or are still leading) homeschool nonprofit organizations!

I have 100% confidence in these fabulous, knowledgeable, and skilled individuals. If they have a question or need clarification on an issue, they will reach out to me.
Recommended Homeschool Group Consultants

Becky Abrams

Becky Abrams is a homeschool leader in Oregon (Pacific time). She has extensive experience in starting homeschool groups, especially nonprofit hybrid homeschool programs and offers consultations.

Doreen Browning

Doreen Browning has extensive experience in both homeschool and non homeschool nonprofits and can help you understand this strange new world!

Rebecca Foley

Rebecca Foley knows all about hybrid homeschool groups, from crafting a vision to finding a building and hiring teachers. Her expertise is a great resource for all hybrid groups.

Sarah McCubbins

Sarah McCubbin offers helpful, encouraging articles, resources and consultations to help you run your group! She also knows a lot about setting goals, organizing, and running a homeschool group without burning out!

Ashley Richards

Ashley Richards leads a Catholic, all-volunteer homeschool co-op in Indiana. She offers consultations to leaders that want to discuss Classical, Catholic homeschooling. Ask her about getting a co-op organized and using systems to help keep you sane!

More Info >>>

Recent Blog Posts

Can we fund raise and then distribute the proceeds?

I am organizing a history tour of the East Coast for some homeschooling families. We would like to do some fundraising to help us with the cost of the tour (most businesses require an EIN to participate with their fundraiser programs). Is it okay for me to apply for an EIN, have the families fund raise and…

Penalties for failing to file 1099-NEC

I learned of a former Classical Conversations (CC) Director that left CC and started a nonprofit homeschool group in spring 2021. She forgot to file Form 1099-NEC for her 6 CC tutors that she paid in early 2021. The Form 1099-NEC is the form business and nonprofits must give to any non employee workers paid…

How to prepare board members for transition

A question was asked on the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group regarding planning for a transition. One issue I’d like to hear about on your podcast is how to choose board members, and prepare them well for a transition. I plan to retire from co-op coordinating when my youngest ages out of…

Finding grants for your homeschool group

Nicole Doyle, a homeschool leader from Georgia, shared with me several places where she received grants for her homeschool group: WalMart Foundation gave her group $500Target gave $350 for field tripsPublix (grocery store) gave Nicole’s homeschool group $200Kroger grocery store gave gift cardsHome Depot gave a $50 gift cards to buy suppliesSome employers like FedEx…

Homeschool Group FAQ

Should my homeschool group be a for-profit or non-profit?

There are many reasons why homeschool groups form and operate as nonprofit organizations rather than businesses.
Read Answer

Tiny groups are more informal, some don’t collect any money and most don’t have a formal board like a typical nonprofit homeschool group. Learn More

What do I need to know about starting a tiny homeschool group?

In this short podcast episode (12 minutes) Carol Topp, CPA explains the benefits of forming your homeschool group as a nonprofit corporation and why a leader would want limited liability protection. Listen to the Podcast

Should my homeschool group incorporate as a non-profit?

What does it take to be a nonprofit?

You might be surprised at how simple it is to form a nonprofit organization. Here’s what it takes

How to self declare 501c tax exempt status? It involves calling the IRS.

Your homeschool group may be able to “self-declare” 501c tax exempt status and not officially apply. Here’s what to do

FAQ on IRS Form 990-N ePostcard for small nonprofits.

The IRS Form 990-N is a simple, online form that all nonprofit tax exempt organizations with annual gross revenues of less than $50,000 must file every year. Read Instructions

Is my homeschool group a school?

Some homeschool groups look a lot like schools. They offer a full curriculum, there are teachers teaching classes, they rent space to conduct the classes, etc. But are they “schools?” See Answer

FAQ on Property Tax for Churches Hosting Homeschool Programs

Churches may be at risk for having their property tax exemption affected if they host a business. Read the FAQ

Should I pay teachers as employees?

I state pretty clearly in my book Paying Workers in a Homeschool Organization that teachers in a homeschool program should be treated as employees not Independent Contractors.

Here’s why. Read Full Article