Best Financial Practices for Scout Units Capitol Area Council Austin, Texas
Who manages the money? Everyone on the Unit Committee is responsible for the finances of the unit! Appoint a Treasurer Have the Treasurer report at each committee meeting Be willing to answer questions from volunteers about the finances of the unit
Banking Open a Checking Account Two names on the account – not related parties! Checks/withdrawals require 2 signatures Have signers be on committee Cash Balance, receipts and payments are part of Treasurers report All funds pass through the bank account
Banking Oversight Monthly reconcilation Bank balance +/- outstanding items = book balance Reconciled by someone other than the Treasurer (or at least inspected) Second person looks through check images Make sure vendor names make sense Look at amounts, make sure match statement
Petty Cash Committee sets a limit for petty cash Treasurer tracks petty cash Who has it? When did they check it out? How much? After activity, remaining petty cash is returned to Treasurer with receipts
Deposits with Capitol Area Council Units may deposit funds with CAC Registration Shop merchandise Where to get forms Scout Shop Controller Your District Executive Designate authorized persons Similar to a Debit Account No substitute for a checking account Not credit account Sales History/Account History Available
Tax ID Numbers Your entity is chartering organization Ask charter partner to share T.I.N. Do not use a volunteer’s social security number Form SS-4 at www.irs.gov Tax hotline 1-800-829-4933 Form 990-N
Exempt Status? Your unit is exempt if: Do not incorporate Chartered by a tax-free entity or Chartered by a church Do not incorporate Your unit is part of your chartering organization Do not apply for tax-exempt status Units are not legal entities Unit Status = Charter Partner Status Churches Have tax-free status May not have applied for a “determination letter”
Donations Units may not solicit cash donations Soliciting violates charter and bylaws Units may accept cash donations Local council does not receive gifts on behalf of units Volunteerism grants may not go to units
Call your District Executive Questions? Need help? Call your District Executive