PRSA is introducing a new Chapter and District Affiliation Agreement and Group Tax Compliance Initiative to establish a clearer, more consistent framework for Chapter and District governance, affiliation and operations.
The initiative builds on information previously shared with PRSA leaders. It reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening governance, supporting long-term sustainability, and providing greater clarity about the responsibilities of PRSA, its Chapters, and its Districts.
Because PRSA holds an IRS group tax exemption that covers many Chapters and Districts, the organization is required to provide general supervision and annually verify and report accurate information about participating entities. The new agreement will help PRSA meet these federal requirements while safeguarding the tax-exempt status many Chapters and Districts rely on.
The initiative is not intended to oversee day-to-day finances or create unnecessary administrative burdens. Instead, it replaces an informal process with a clear, predictable annual schedule. It also gives Chapters and Districts greater clarity on their responsibilities, along with the resources and support PRSA will provide throughout the process.
What Chapters and Districts Will Be Asked to Do
Each Chapter and District will be responsible for:
- Reviewing the Chapter and District Affiliation Agreement with its leadership team or board.
- Confirming whether it operates under PRSA’s group tax exemption or maintains its own independent tax-exempt status.
- Providing or confirming basic organizational information, including its legal name, address, Employer Identification Number, key contacts, general financial information and Form 990 filing status.
- Designating one point of contact, typically the treasurer or secretary, to oversee the annual information-certification process.
- Notifying PRSA when relevant information changes.
- Signing and returning the updated agreement by Nov. 16, 2026, so PRSA can complete its IRS group-exemption submission on schedule.
Most of the requested information is already maintained by Chapters and Districts. Moving forward, it will be collected through a streamlined annual process designed to make expectations more predictable and help identify potential compliance concerns before they affect an entity’s standing.
Updated Timeline
PRSA will provide information, guidance and opportunities for leaders to ask questions throughout the implementation period. The updated timeline includes:
- Aug. 26: First informational session for PRSA Chapter and District leaders and PRSSA Chapter leaders.
- Sept. 14: Follow-up email to PRSA Chapter and District leaders and PRSSA Chapter leaders.
- Sept. 17: Second informational session for PRSA Chapter and District leaders and PRSSA Chapter leaders.
- Nov. 16: Deadline to sign and return the Chapter and District Affiliation Agreement.
Registration details for the informational sessions will be shared separately.
Resources and Support
Additional FAQs, supporting documents and staff guidance will be provided throughout the implementation period. Chapters and Districts that are uncertain about their tax-exempt status or whether they participate in PRSA’s group exemption are encouraged to contact PRSA staff for assistance.
Through this initiative, PRSA, its Chapters and its Districts can work together to build a stronger, more consistent foundation for governance, compliance and long-term sustainability.
Illustration credit: natrot
