Are your homeschool co-op members happy and thankful? Or maybe they are complaining to you. Can that be changed? 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...
Nov 15, 2018•15 min
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 homescho...
Nov 08, 2018•13 min
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...
Nov 01, 2018•12 min
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 ...
Oct 25, 2018•9 min
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 sty...
Oct 18, 2018•14 min
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 communit 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 di...
Oct 11, 2018•11 min
What’s the biggest mistake homeschool leaders make? It’s trying to be a lone wolf and do everything by yourself. 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 lea...
Oct 04, 2018•12 min
Homeschool families are pretty familiar with homeschool co-ops. It’s a gathering of homeschool families to cooperate together in teaching classes. They usually meet once a week at a location close to the participating families. But have you ever heard of a virtual homeschool co-op? 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 She...
Sep 27, 2018•19 min
Conflict, hurt feeling, gossip, even bullying. Does it happen in your homeschool group Probably! 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...
Sep 20, 2018•14 min
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 ...
Sep 13, 2018•16 min
Do you wonder if your homeschool group leadership team is too large or too small? What is the best size to be? 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 hap...
Sep 06, 2018•13 min
Ever wish you could just sit down with another homeschool leader who understands you and your issues? In today’s podcast Carol Topp interviews homeschool leader Angela Weaver. Angela runs a large group in Lynchburg, Virginia and she shares insight into many topics. It will feel like you’re listening to a good friend. Angela had so much wisdom, that it takes 3 episodes! In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp and Angela discuss: The perils of being in leadership for too long Burn...
Aug 30, 2018•17 min
Does a Nonprofit Need to File Any Tax Returns Before They Apply for Tax Exempt Status? IRS requires organizations to file information returns before they apply for tax exempt status. 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 ...
Aug 23, 2018•14 min
A nonprofit group may raise a lot of money from fund raising. These fundraisers could be so successful the leaders may wonder if the homeschool group owes anything to the government in taxes. For the most part, fund raising is not considered part of your nonprofit group’s mission; it is just a means to the end. After all, your group’s mission is to encourage homeschooling, not to sell ads, pizza or other products. The Internal Revenue Service calls the money a homeschool group or any nonprofit r...
Aug 16, 2018•13 min
Some homeschool groups are very small and are not interested in the benefits of tax exemption such as accepting donations or doing fundraising. 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...
Aug 09, 2018•14 min
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...
Aug 02, 2018•12 min
Have you heard of LLC status? It stands for Limited Liability Company status. Sounds like a good things, right? Doesn’t everyone want to limit their liabilities? Yes, they do! So maybe your homeschool group should be an LLC! Or maybe not! 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 Liabilit...
Jul 26, 2018•16 min
Should your homeschool nonprofit group let its members vote? There are many nonprofit groups that do not give their members a vote, but some do! What are the pros and cons or each arrangement? 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:...
Jul 19, 2018•12 min
Does your homeschool group need to protect your leaders? Sure you do, so you may consider purchasing Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance. D&O insurance is sometimes called “legal defense insurance.” It covers lawsuits filed against nonprofit board members, most which are related to employees. If your homeschool organization does not hire employees (and many do not), your risk is low and D&O insurance may not be necessary. In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp wi...
Jul 12, 2018•13 min
On the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook page, a question was asked about being an inclusive group (open at all) or exclusive group (limiting membership). Many homeschool leaders contributed their experiences and reason for their group’s decision. Carol shared those views in Episodes # 129 and #130 which you can find here: Reasons to be an Inclusive Homeschool Group Reasons to be an Exclusive Homeschool Group In this episode of the HomeschoolCPA podcast, Carol Topp will share some of the r...
Jul 05, 2018•15 min
Should public-school-at-home parents be joining your homeschool group? Or perhaps your group desires to be more exclusive and have all members be “independent” or “traditionally” homeschooling. On the I Am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook page, a question was asked about the pros and cons of mixing homeschool and public-school-at-home students in your group-or, put differently, being inclusive (open at all) or exclusive (limiting membership). Many homeschool leaders contributed their experienc...
Jun 28, 2018•14 min
An inclusive homeschool group allows everyone to join regardless of their method of homeschooling and that includes students that are doing public school at home. Is public school-at-home really homeschooling or not? Should public school-at-home parents be joining your homeschool group? Some leaders grapple with the question of whether their group should be inclusive or more exclusive. A question was asked about the pros and cons of mixing homeschool and public-school-at-home students in your gr...
Jun 21, 2018•13 min
A homeschool curriculum touted the benefit of their program to be “No parental involvement needed.” Is that a good feature or not? Listen as Carol Topp, CPA warns homeschool leaders of the trap they can fall into if they don’t include parents in their homeschool program. Visit Carol’s website here ! FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA: 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? ...
Jun 14, 2018•15 min
“I’m looking at a homeschool program that meets twice a week because it will hold me accountable,” explained a mother of preschoolers interested in homeschooling. My question to her was, “Do you need accountability?” Maybe not! Listen as Carol Topp explains her reply to this new mom considering a homeschool program for a very young child. Visit Carol’s website here ! FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA: Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and not Burn Out Have you ever thought about s...
Jun 07, 2018•13 min
A homeschool co-op offers drop-off high school classes and wants to remain high quality and low cost. The leader is struggling. I say she can’t offer all three: Cheap, good and fast (or convenient for parents). She’ll have to give up one of those goals to remain viable. Listen as Carol Topp, the HomeschoolCPA , explains how she advised this homeschool leader. FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA: Money Management in a Homeschool Organization Does your homeschool group manage their money well? Do ...
May 31, 2018•12 min
Policies for Homeschool Co-ops This podcast is an excerpt from a workshop titled Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. What types of policies should your homeschool co-op have? How will having policies help you avoid burning out as you lead your group? Carol Topp, the HomeschoolCPA, answers these questions and more from homeschool leaders. Visit Carol’s website here ! FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA : Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA Phone Consultation: A pr...
May 24, 2018•11 min
Insurance Questions for Homeschool Co-ops This podcast is an excerpt from a workshop titled Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. Carol Topp, the Homeschool CPA answers questions from homeschool leaders about insurance, waivers, and using a church’s insurance coverage. Visit Carol’s website here ! FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA : Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service...
May 17, 2018•12 min
Boards, Bylaws and Budgets for Your Homeschool Co-op This podcast is an excerpt from a workshop titled Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. When running your homeschool co-op you should have a board, bylaws and a budget. Carol Topp, CPA offers advice and tips on these important topics to running a successful group. Visit Carol’s website here ! FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA : Phone Consultation with Carol Topp, CPA Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to...
May 10, 2018•13 min
Nonprofit Incorporation for Your Homeschool Co-op This podcast is an excerpt from a workshop titled Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. Carol Topp, CPA explains the benefits of forming your homeschool co-op as a nonprofit corporation and why a leader would want limited liability protection. Visit Carol’s website here ! FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA: The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization Does your homeschool group need to pay taxes? Could they avoid paying ta...
May 03, 2018•12 min
When starting a homeschool co-op, consider your mission. This podcast is an excerpt from a workshop titled Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. Carol Topp, the HomeschoolCPA, reminds homeschool leaders that you cannot be all things to all people, nor is your homeschool co-op responsible for homeschooling other people’s children! So having a mission will help you focus and avoid burning out. Visit Carol’s website here ! FEATURED PRODUCT from HomeschoolCPA : Phone Consu...
Apr 26, 2018•14 min
