How to Send the IRS an e-Postcard: Form 990-N
Small nonprofits move fast to help their communities and make big differences in the world. Thanks to the Form 990-N e-Postcard, filing with the IRS is easy.
What is an e-Postcard?
Just like sending a postcard on vacation, you can use this short form to let the IRS know your organization doesn’t need to pay taxes. Unlike a National Park landscape, Form 990-N (e-Postcard) can only be sent to the IRS electronically.
On this form, you will be reporting your organization’s Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal name and mailing address, your website if you have one, and proof that your organization is under the $50,000 cutoff for gross receipts.
Who files Form 990-N?
Nonprofits whose gross receipts add up to less than $50,000 have to file Form 990-N with the IRS to remain tax-exempt. These organizations are not required to file Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Even if their gross receipts meet the mark, some organizations are not allowed to file Form 990-N. Two of the most common excluded organizations are Private Foundations and Section 527 political organizations. Private Foundations need to file Form 990-PF, while Section 527 political organizations can file Form 990 or Form 990-EZ, depending on their gross receipts. Visit the full list of IRS Form 990-N ineligible organizations.
When is it Due?
This year, due to the global health crisis of COVID-19, the IRS deadline has been pushed back to July 15, 2020, for all the organizations whose deadlines previously fell between April 1, 2020, and July 14, 2020.
Normally, IRS Form 990-N is due by the 15th day of the 5th month after your accounting period ends. If your organization uses the calendar year for its finances, that would usually mean your deadline is May 15. For 2020, all May 15 filers now have until July 15 to file Form 990-N.
Is Form 990-N Optional?
Your organization needs to file either Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N. If your gross receipts are under $50,000, you get to pick which one.
Form 990-N has 8 questions and can be filed in 3 simple steps.
Form 990-EZ is two pages long and is for organizations with under $200,000 in gross receipts and under $500,000 in net assets.
Form 990 is a six page form.
Some organizations that qualify for Form 990-N choose to file a longer form, which requires them to report more financial information, for additional transparency with the public. If your goal is just to remain tax-exempt, provide the standard information, and spend less time doing paperwork, Form 990-N is the perfect choice for your organization.
File in 3 Steps
Filing Form 990-N is simple with ExpressTaxExempt.
Step 1: Search your organization’s EIN.
By inputting your organizations’ Employer Identification Number, you can access your filing history and get started on Form 990-N.
Step 2: Select your filing year and review From 990-N summary.
You can select from past years or update your organizations’ information in this step.
Step 3: Review and Transmit to the IRS
With Express Tax Exempt, you can file unlimited returns from a single account. You will always be able to verify your status instantly, and if your form ever gets rejected, we will re-transmit it for free. Whether you travel fast with Form 990-N or take the scenic route to filing Form 990, Express Tax Exempt is here to help.
