NSTP - Starting State Branch Operations
Creating the Entity:
- The formation of any NSTP Branch or Chapter begins with the application for non-profit status with the IRS. Each State applying should have tentative selected their Board of Directors before applying for the non-profit status. Each State applying and partnering with NSTP must use the branding name NSTP, since you are an affiliate of the larger NSTP Organization. Example: NCSTP, FLSTP, CASTP, WASTP, OHSTP.
- Another Method of creating an NSTP Branch or Chapter is less burdensome than creating a non-profit entity and those with the smaller groups. Form 8498 allows those Professionals desiring the Continuing Professional Educational Credits (CPE's) needed to meet IRS regulations and stay in business. The Director of Practice regulates this method of CPE and Erolled Agents are covered along with those seeking to reach Enrolled Agent status. This form must be approved by the Director of Practice, if approved, must be reapplied every three years with documents of selected materials taught to participants. Having chosen to become an affiliate or partner with NSTP, each entity must use the branding name NSTP.
Reporting Requirements to NSTP:
Partnering with any Organization requires some reporting, however, NSTP must approve some, but not all, Instructional Materials that require NASBA approval. NASBA is a Trademark Sponsor of Qualified CPE.
Membership List:
NSTP does NOT provide any Brance or Chapter names of members. Our NSTP membership has requested this provision and NSTP honors that request. Each NSTP member has a membership number and can be referenced with the National office of NSTP, should a member join the Branch or Chapter.
Branch or Chapter Dues
NSTP does allow each Branch or Chapter to have a reasonable dues structure to cover the expenses of the operation. The Board of Directors of the entity is usually a volunteer Board with only out of pocket expense paid by dues collected.
State Meetings:
State meetings may be held as often as the Branch can afford the expense. The State Branches may also partner with the Internal Revenue Service, your State and Local officials to hold meetings of interest. While State and Local officials usually do not charge a fee for speaking, some recognition should be afforded the speaker. Speaker selection is very important to the Branch, so choose your speakers carefully. A State meeting should provide at least 8 CPE's, to make the meeting interesting to the attendees, always inviting IRS and/or State officials. NSTP National Office will provide advertisement of State meetings or Special Events encouraging participation.
National and Branch Meeting Events:
The National Office of NSTP will coordinate and partner with the Branch events, such as a Grand Event for Fall Updates, Special Topic Workshops and other functions that are helpful to the Branch. NSTP Speaker fees for travel and incidentals are paid by NSTP, IF the NSTP is hosting an event, also. Example: NCSTP host the Grand Event Fall Updates. Day 1 is NSTP Day, paid by NSTP. Day 2 is NCSTP Day with IRS, NC, SC, VA (states Tax Updates) paid by NCSTP.
Branch Chapters: NSTP has established ONE Branch per State, with many Chapters. Once the Branch is operational, many areas of the State may desire Chapters in their areas. It is important to open as many Chapters as possible within your State. Demographics play an important role in this process. In smaller States one Branch may be all that is needed to serve the area. In larger States it is almost impossible to serve the Professional at a central location. Chapters provide an influx of new members to the organization and enlarge the NSTP organizational membership. As an affiliate of NSTP the Branch and Chapter gain is NSTP gain, as we are the "Service to the Tax Professional".
Suggestions: Need members? Try www.yellowpages.com (accountants, CPA, Taxes), Local Telephone Book, e-mail newsletter OR Newsletter from Branch or Chapter. Ask IRS or State for articles for the newsletter. Network with your colleagues; ask for their help, they need you! Pick good people that are not afraid to WORK! Get Sponsors to help fund your State meetings, software folks etc. Networking with Social Security, TIGTA, SBSE, Immigration, State and Local Unemployment, Chamber of Commerce, Kiawanis and Rotary Clubs, AARP, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and other charitable organizations are the sources that provide much success of the Branch and local Chapter.
CATCH THE NSTP VISION!
Dorothy B. Leamon, NSTP President
