How to Keep Your Tax-Exempt Status With IRS Form 990
Let’s face it, nobody likes filing their taxes. (Well except for accountants, possibly) In just a few days nonprofits working on a typical fiscal year will have their big IRS Form 990 deadline. There are plenty of rules/regulations that come with it and failing to meet them could cost severe penalties. I am sure this is not your favorite subject but it is surely an important one. We will simplify as much as possible while showing you how to keep your tax-exempt status with IRS Form 990.
How to Keep your Tax-Exempt Status With IRS Form 990
To maintain your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, the IRS requires you to file an annual tax report. There are different variations of IRS Form 990 based on your nonprofits size and financial situation. But no matter the size or type your organization will need to file some type of Form 990.
Which 990 Form Should I File?
Just because your organization is tax-exempt it doesn’t mean the IRS or the general public doesn’t want to know more about your donations. Really quite the opposite actually. Being open and honest about your finances is part of being both accountable and transparent.
The type of IRS Form 990 you are required to file is dependent on your organization’s total gross receipts and/or assets.
Form 990:
Form 990-EZ:
If your charitable organization’s gross receipts were less than $200,000, and your total assets are less than $500,000 you will need to file Form 990-EZ.
Form 990-N:
If your organization’s gross receipts for the previous fiscal year was less than $50,000, then this form is for you. This one is actually very different from the other types and is referred to as an e-Postcard.
When Is The Deadline For Filing 990?
Your IRS Form 990 deadline is the 15th day of the 5th month after your tax year ends. So if you tax-exempt organization runs on a typically fiscal year, your deadline is May 15th!
Form 990 Deadline:
May 15th, 2018
What Happens If I Fail To File?
So, what happens if you don’t file your IRS Form 990? If you fail to file or submit your form late there is a $20 penalty pre-day up to $10,000 or five percent of your organization total gross receipts.
Sounds like a big mess, right?…. Moral of the story — try to file by the deadline. That’s all I am going to say.
