Field Services - Frequently Asked Questions

Membership:

Q. I have been indefinitely suspended from my department. Do I have to continue paying dues until a final determination has been made?

A. No. Unlike other organizations, CLEAT realizes that you will be experiencing severe financial hardships. Just contact the CLEAT Administrative office and they will change your membership to inactive and note that you are encountering a legal problem.

Q. If I am reinstated to my department do I have to pay back dues?

A. No. CLEAT knows that you will be catching up on financial responsibilities.

Q. I am being activated into the military from my reserve or guard unit. Do I need to continue paying dues to CLEAT?

A. No, please inform the administrative office in Austin and you will be placed in an inactive membership status. Upon return check with your employer to make sure your dues are again deducted from you paycheck if available or begin paying dues by bank draft, credit card, individual check, money order or by pay pal.

Q. Who do I contact for membership recruiting information if a friend or co-worker is interested in joining CLEAT.

A. You can contact any of the CLEAT offices.

Q. Does CLEAT have an incentive program for recruiting new members?

A. Yes, make sure new members you have referred place your name on the “referred by” line on the CLEAT membership application card. Click here for Information on the CLEAT membership reward program.

Q. Does CLEAT mandate membership in the affiliated local association?

A. If a local association is affiliated, meaning that more than 50% of the eligible officers are members of CLEAT, then membership in the local association is required. CLEAT has always recognized that true power comes from a strong local association. If you have a question in regards to membership in the local association, please give us a call.

Political Action Committees:

Q. Why is it important for a local association to be politically involved?

A. Like any other interest group, local associations must educate and influence political leaders about the issues that are important to its members.

Q. Can CLEAT assist our association in setting up a political action committee?

A. The Field Services Division will assist affiliated local associations in forming a political action committee. The CLEAT Field Services Division does not give legal advice or interpretation of Ethics Commission statute and rules. We do share information based on past experiences. If in doubt, always contact the Ethics Commission.

Statutory Obligations:

Q. Why is it important to maintain a current registered agent with the Secretary of State?

A. The purpose of having a registered agent is, in part, to receive civil process at a designated physical address. The Secretary of State periodically sends an inquiry to make sure that there is a current registered agent at the designated address. If the inquiry is returned the Secretary of State may suspend the Articles of Incorporation.

The General Counsel of CLEAT can be designated as an affiliated association’s registered agent. You can contact him by calling the San Antonio or Austin CLEAT offices.

Q. Will CLEAT assist local associations with filing forms to the IRS?

A. CLEAT will assist with examples of how to file forms to obtain tax exempt status with the IRS for newly formed local associations. CLEAT does not provide CPA services. The local association should seek a CPA to assist in filing of forms such as the 990 or 990EZ. You can find enter these forms and other information at the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/lists/0,,id=97817,00.html

Q. Does our association have to pay state franchise tax to the Texas Comptroller?

A. Under current law non-profit organizations that are given exempt status by the IRS can also be exempt from the payment of franchise tax and therefore resulting in not having to file forms with the Comptroller’s office. The Field Services Division will explain the process for affiliated associations.