How to Copy Information From Previous Form 990 Series Returns Using the Copy Return Feature
Filing the same 990 series return every year can feel repetitive and time-consuming. With ExpressTaxExempt, you can copy information from a previous year’s return for the current year to save time and energy. Your information is saved securely in our cloud-based software, and some can be copied onto subsequent tax forms with our Copy Return feature. As long as you have filed with ExpressTaxExempt in a previous year, you can use this feature.
How can I copy my information?
You can copy certain information from previous years’ returns using our Copy Return feature as long as your previous return was accepted by the IRS. To take advantage of this feature, follow these steps:
- Log in to your ExpressTaxExempt Account
- On your dashboard, click “start new return.” Select the form you wish to file and choose the form-based filing option.
- Only certain information can be copied. When you get to one of these fields, select the field and click the “copy from prior year” button.
- Choose the information to copy and click “copy.”
- The information is automatically filled in the corresponding fields.
- Once you have copied all the information you wish to copy, continue filling your information into the form.
- Review your form, pay, and transmit it to the IRS.
What information can I copy?
The information you can copy depends on the form you are filing. You can use the Copy Return feature on Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF. Currently, the Copy Return feature is only supported for Schedules A, B, and O.
On Form 990, you may copy information for:
- Part III, Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
- Part IV, Checklist of Required Schedules
- Part V, Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
- Part VI, Governance, Management, and Disclosure
- Part VII, Compensation of Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors, Sections A and B
- Part XII, Financial Statements and Reporting
- Schedules A and B
On Form 990-EZ, you may copy information for:
- Part II, Balance sheets
- Part III, Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
- Part IV, List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees
- Part V, Other information
- Part VI, Section 5-1(c)(3) Organizations Only, Line 51 and 52
- Schedules A and B
On Form 990-PF, you may copy information for:
- Part VI-A, Statements Regarding Activities
- Part VI-B, Statements Regarding Activities for which Form 4720 May be Required
- Part VII, Information About Officers, Directors, Trustees, Foundation Managers, Highly Paid Employees and Contractors, Lines 1-3
- Part VIII-A, Summary of Direct Charitable Activities
- Part VIII-B, Summary of Program-Related Investments
- Part XIII, Private Operating Foundations
- Part XIV, Supplementary Information Line 3a and 3b
- Schedule B
Can I copy information from a previous year using a different filing format?
Yes, you can use a different filing method and still utilize our Copy Return feature. However, you may only use the feature for these transitions:
- Interview-based to form-based
- Form-based to form-based
- Interview-based to interview-based
Unfortunately, you may not copy a previous year’s information when transitioning from a form-based filing to an interview-based return.
Can I copy information from a previous year if I didn’t file with ExpressTaxExempt before?
No. If you used a different service provider to file in previous years, we cannot store that information and allow you to copy it. However, once you’ve filed with us one time, we will securely store your information and you may copy it for your future returns.
ExpressTaxExempt’s Copy Return is just one of many features offered to make your experience more enjoyable and efficient. To learn more about this and the rest of our great features and start filing, visit our website at ExpressTaxExempt.com.
