Get the free Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

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 Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax is a tax document used by tax-exempt organizations in the US 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

4.5

satisfied

23 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations seeking tax-exempt status
Officers responsible for signing tax documents
Preparers who assist in filing tax forms
Financial analysts reviewing nonprofit financials
Compliance officers ensuring IRS regulations are met

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

What is the Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax?

Form 990 is a crucial tax document utilized by tax-exempt organizations in the United States to report financial information to the IRS. This form acts as a transparent account of an organization's activities, mission, and financial health, specifically for the year 2013. For tax-exempt organizations, completing Form 990 is vital for compliance and transparency in IRS reporting.

The significance of Form 990 extends beyond mere compliance; it plays a critical role in establishing trust with donors and maintaining public confidence in nonprofit organizations. By providing a detailed overview of their financial and operational practices, organizations fulfill their obligation to report their tax status accurately.

Purpose and Benefits of the Form 990

Form 990 serves multiple purposes, all of which contribute to enhancing financial transparency and accountability among tax-exempt organizations. This form provides a structured way for organizations to present their financial data to stakeholders, increasing their credibility and fostering trust with donors.

Financial Transparency: By filing Form 990, organizations share vital information about their finances.
Public Trust: Accessibility of this information helps build confidence among potential donors and the community.
Operational Management: The insights gained from Form 990 can aid organizations in managing their resources effectively.

Who Needs the Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax?

Various types of organizations are required to file Form 990, including nonprofits and charities. These organizations must adhere to specific guidelines based on their size and income levels to determine their obligation to file.

Nonprofits: Most nonprofit organizations are mandated to complete this form annually.
Charities: Charitable institutions must also submit Form 990 to satisfy IRS regulations.
Size and Income Thresholds: Certain requirements vary depending on the organization's income and gross receipts.
Exemptions: Organizations that meet specific criteria may be exempt from filing.

How to Fill Out the Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Step-by-Step)

Completing Form 990 requires careful attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure accurate filing.

Gather Financial Statements: Ensure you have the organization’s financial reports on hand.
Complete Essential Sections: Fill in details such as revenues, expenses, and program accomplishments.
Review the Form: Double-check for accuracy and completeness in all fields.
Secure Signatures: Obtain required signatures from an officer and the preparer.

Understanding common pitfalls, such as incorrect figures or missing information, can prevent errors during the filing process.

Required Documents and Supporting Materials for Form 990

To complete Form 990, organizations must prepare specific supporting documents that validate their financial claims.

Financial Statements: These are essential to substantiate the reported data.
Supplementary Schedules: Additional schedules may be required based on the form's outputs.
Accurate Documentation: Proper documentation ensures compliance and assists in the audit process.

How to Submit the Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Submitting Form 990 involves choosing between e-filing or paper submission. Each method has specific regulations and deadlines that organizations must follow.

Methods of Submission: Organizations can file electronically through IRS-approved software or submit paper forms.
Deadlines: Awareness of deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties.
Consequences: Late or incorrectly submitted forms can lead to significant penalties or compliance issues.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them When Filing Form 990

Organizations often make common mistakes during the filing process. Identifying these errors can help prevent issues.

Missing Signatures: Ensure all required parties sign the form before submission.
Incorrect Figures: Verify all financial figures for accuracy to avoid IRS inquiries.
Review and Validation: Conduct a thorough review and validation to catch mistakes early.

Utilizing resources for additional help can further streamline the filing process.

Security and Compliance When Handling Form 990

Data security is paramount when dealing with Form 990, especially given the sensitive nature of the information involved. Organizations must adhere to stringent security protocols.

Security Measures: Implementing 256-bit encryption is essential for protecting data.
Compliance Regulations: Familiarity with HIPAA and GDPR compliance is necessary for safeguarding organizational data.
Protection During Filing: Using secure platforms ensures that sensitive information remains confidential throughout the submission process.

Using pdfFiller to Complete and Submit Your Form 990

Organizations can greatly benefit from utilizing pdfFiller for their filing needs. This platform simplifies the process of editing and submitting Form 990.

Editing and Filling: Users can modify text and fill in necessary fields directly within the PDF.
eSigning Capabilities: The platform allows for easy electronic signatures, streamlining the process.
User-Friendly Interface: A straightforward interface makes navigation and submission easier for all users.

Sample or Examples of a Completed Form 990

For better understanding, reviewing a sample completed Form 990 can be invaluable. Access to actual forms can serve as a reference for correct field completion.

Link to Sample: Providing a link to a sample form aids in visualizing the completed document.
Field Explanations: Understanding how specific fields are filled can clarify any ambiguity.
Review Considerations: Highlighting the importance of review processes ensures accuracy.

Last updated on Mar 18, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

Access pdfFiller and use the search function to find 'Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax'.
2.

Open the form in pdfFiller's editor to begin filling it out.
3.

Gather necessary financial information, such as revenue, expenses, and assets, before you start the filling process.
4.

Fill in each field carefully, starting from the top, ensuring all required information is provided accurately.
5.

Leverage pdfFiller’s tools to add explanations or notes where extra information is helpful.
6.

Use the review function to check for errors or missing fields before finalizing your document.
7.

Once the information is complete, save your work and download a copy for your records.
8.

If needed, submit the completed form directly through pdfFiller or follow other submission methods as required by the IRS.

FAQs

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

Contact Support

Who is required to file Form 990?

Organizations that are tax-exempt under IRS rules and have gross receipts over a certain threshold must file Form 990. This includes nonprofits and charities.

What is the deadline for submitting Form 990?

Form 990 is typically due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization's tax year. Late filings may incur penalties.

How can I submit Form 990?

You can submit Form 990 electronically using e-file services or by mail, depending on your organization’s reporting requirements.

What supporting documents are needed with Form 990?

While supporting documents like financial statements are not submitted with Form 990, they should be kept on file for IRS review. Necessary schedules should be included if applicable.

What are common mistakes to avoid when filling out Form 990?

Common mistakes include underreporting revenue, failing to sign the form, or submitting incomplete information. Ensuring clarity and accuracy is crucial.