Get the free IRS Form 990 Tax Return

Get Form

We are not affiliated with any brand or entity on this form

Fill out

Complete the form online in a simple drag-and-drop editor.

eSign

Add your legally binding signature or send the form for signing.

Share

Share the form via a link, letting anyone fill it out from any device.

Export

Download, print, email, or move the form to your cloud storage.

Why pdfFiller is the best tool for your documents and forms

Learn more about security

End-to-end document management

From editing and signing to collaboration and tracking, pdfFiller has everything you need to get your documents done quickly and efficiently.

Accessible from anywhere

pdfFiller is fully cloud-based. This means you can edit, sign, and share documents from anywhere using your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Secure and compliant

pdfFiller lets you securely manage documents following global laws like ESIGN, CCPA, and GDPR. It's also HIPAA and SOC 2 compliant.

What is Form 990

The IRS Form 990 Tax Return is a tax document used by tax-exempt organizations in the United States to report their financial information to the IRS.

pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms

Show more Show less

Fill fillable 990 form: Try Risk Free

Rate free 990 form

4.2

satisfied

25 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations that require tax-exempt status
Foundations needing to report fiscal activities
University fiscal offices responsible for financial compliance
Tax preparers assisting in nonprofit tax filings
Officers who have signing authority on tax documents
Accountants focused on nonprofit financial reporting

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

What is the IRS Form 990 Tax Return?

The IRS Form 990 serves as a crucial tax document for tax-exempt organizations in the United States. This form is designed to report key information about an organization's mission, activities, and financial status. For the tax year 2011, Form 990 helps organizations disclose their operational information, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Included in this extensive form is vital data regarding the organization's activities and overall financial health. Specifically, the form details how funds are utilized, supporting transparency and accountability among nonprofits.

Purpose and Benefits of Submitting the IRS Form 990 Tax Return

Submitting the IRS Form 990 is essential for maintaining financial transparency among tax-exempt organizations. By providing detailed financial reporting, organizations can bolster their credibility with donors and the public.

Key benefits of filing this form include maintaining tax-exempt status and fostering trust within the community. Regularly submitting Form 990 demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and responsible financial management.

Who Needs to File the IRS Form 990 Tax Return?

The IRS mandates that various types of organizations submit Form 990. Generally, tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts exceeding specific thresholds must file this form.

Some organizations may qualify for exceptions based on their income levels or structural characteristics. It's crucial for nonprofits to understand these criteria to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Key Features of the IRS Form 990 Tax Return

Form 990 includes several essential sections that require careful attention from both officers and preparers. For instance, organizations must provide detailed financial statements, disclosure notes, and reports on governance.

A mandatory signing requirement is in place, requiring an officer and a preparer to sign the form.
Various schedules within Form 990 capture specific information, enhancing clarity and detail.

How to Fill Out the IRS Form 990 Tax Return

When filling out the IRS Form 990, organizations should gather the necessary documents and information before starting. A systematic approach is critical to ensuring all required fields are accurately completed.

Begin by reviewing the prior year's Form 990 for consistency.
Collect financial records, including income statements and balance sheets.
Follow a field-by-field guide to accurately fill out sections related to revenue, expenses, and programs.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them When Filing the IRS Form 990 Tax Return

Organizations often encounter typical mistakes while filling out Form 990. These errors can lead to unnecessary delays or penalties.

Incorrectly reporting financial data can skew overall accuracy.
Failing to include necessary supporting documents may result in a rejection of the form.

Taking the time to review and validate information against the required standards is paramount for a successful filing.

Submission Methods for the IRS Form 990 Tax Return

Organizations have multiple methods for submitting the IRS Form 990. The two primary options available are electronic filing and traditional mailed submission.

Electronic filing is often more efficient and provides immediate confirmation of submission.
If choosing to mail, follow the necessary steps to track and confirm receipt by the IRS.

What Happens After You Submit the IRS Form 990 Tax Return?

After submitting the IRS Form 990, organizations can expect a confirmation of receipt. This confirmation serves as an assurance that the IRS has received the filing.

Organizations should track their submission status through the IRS portal.
The IRS processes the form and may follow up if additional information is needed.

Staying aware of the post-filing process is essential for maintaining compliance and addressing any potential issues proactively.

Security and Compliance When Handling the IRS Form 990 Tax Return

When handling the IRS Form 990, data security is of utmost importance. Organizations must implement measures that protect sensitive information throughout the filing process.

Employing services that utilize 256-bit encryption is crucial for safeguarding data.
Compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR ensures robust protection against data breaches and mismanagement.

Take the Stress Out of Filing Your IRS Form 990 Tax Return with pdfFiller

Leveraging pdfFiller can significantly ease the filing process for your IRS Form 990. pdfFiller provides an array of capabilities allowing users to edit, fill out, and eSign the form seamlessly.

With pdfFiller, organizations benefit from a streamlined process, improving not only efficiency but also security, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected throughout the submission process.

Last updated on Mar 12, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

Begin by visiting pdfFiller's website and logging into your account. If you don’t have an account, create one for free.
2.

Use the search feature to locate the IRS Form 990. You can search for it by entering 'IRS Form 990 Tax Return' in the search bar.
3.

Once you find the form, click on it to open in the pdfFiller editor. You will see the various sections available for input.
4.

Before filling out the form, gather all necessary financial information, including income statements, expense reports, and any other relevant documents.
5.

Start filling in the required fields. Use the editing tools on the sidebar to add text, checkboxes, or dates as needed, ensuring all information is accurate.
6.

As you complete each section, refer to the accompanying instructions and consult with a financial professional if needed to avoid errors.
7.

After completing the form, carefully review each entry and ensure all required fields are filled in correctly before submitting.
8.

When you are satisfied with the completed form, use the 'Save' option to keep a copy for your records.
9.

You can also download a PDF version of the completed form by clicking the download button, or choose to submit it directly through pdfFiller if applicable.

FAQs

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us anytime!

Contact Support

What organizations are eligible to file Form 990?

Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities and tax-exempt organizations required to report their financial activities to the IRS, including charities and foundations.

What is the filing deadline for IRS Form 990?

The deadline for filing IRS Form 990 is usually the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization's fiscal year. Extensions may be available, but must be applied for in advance.

How can I submit Form 990 after completing it?

Form 990 can be submitted electronically through the IRS e-file system, or mailed to the appropriate IRS address as specified in the instructions accompanying the form.

What supporting documents do I need to include with Form 990?

You should attach any necessary schedules or exhibits required to provide a complete picture of your financial activities. This often includes financial statements and details of revenue sources.

What are common mistakes to avoid when filing Form 990?

Common mistakes include incorrect or missing financial data, failing to include required signatures, and not filing by the deadline. Double-check all entries before submission.

How long does it take for the IRS to process Form 990?

Processing times for Form 990 can vary, but you may expect a confirmation from the IRS within a few months. Keep track of your submission for updates.