Get the free Form 990 Tax Exemption Application

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 Tax Exemption Application is a tax document used by tax-exempt organizations 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

4.6

satisfied

38 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations seeking tax-exempt status
Financial officers preparing annual tax reports
Tax preparers filing on behalf of nonprofits
State entities under New Jersey law
Accountants ensuring compliance with IRS regulations
Individuals responsible for nonprofit financial oversight

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

What is the Form 990 Tax Exemption Application?

Form 990 is a vital document that nonprofit organizations in the U.S. must complete to report their financial information to the IRS. This tax exemption application is crucial for organizations seeking tax-exempt status, as it reflects their activities and financial health for the year 2013. By completing Form 990, nonprofits can maintain transparency and accountability, which is essential for public trust and support.

The form requires information about the organization’s mission, programs, and financial details, offering insights into its operations and use of funds. Understanding the importance of this form ensures that nonprofits can effectively communicate their purpose and report their fiscal responsibility.

Purpose and Benefits of the Form 990 Tax Exemption Application

Organizations utilize Form 990 to fulfill their obligation to report financial information to the IRS, demonstrating compliance with legal requirements. The form serves multiple purposes, including providing a transparent view of the organization’s financial status to donors, grant-making agencies, and the public.

Being classified as a tax-exempt organization offers significant benefits, such as exemptions from federal income tax and enhanced credibility with funding sources. Ultimately, this supports transparency and fosters trust in nonprofit activities, encouraging more individuals and organizations to contribute and engage.

Who Needs the Form 990 Tax Exemption Application?

Form 990 is required for a variety of tax-exempt organizations, including charitable organizations, foundations, and certain social welfare groups. All qualifying entities must comply with existing filing requirements to maintain their tax-exempt status. The roles necessary for signing this form include both an officer of the organization and a preparer who assists in gathering and inputting the data.

Failure to file Form 990 can have serious implications, including the loss of tax-exempt status and potential penalties, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate filing.

How to Fill Out the Form 990 Tax Exemption Application Online (Step-by-Step)

Filling out the Form 990 tax exemption application online can streamline the process. Follow these step-by-step instructions for completing the form through pdfFiller:

Access the Form 990 template on pdfFiller.
Begin by entering the organization’s calendar year and name.
Provide details about the mission and programs as required.
Fill in financial information, including income and expenses.
Review all entries for accuracy and completeness.
Sign the form using pdfFiller’s eSignature feature.

Be mindful of common fields that require special attention, such as financial summary sections, to prevent errors during submission.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Many organizations encounter common mistakes when filling out Form 990, which can lead to complications. Errors can include inaccurate financial reporting, incomplete sections, and failure to include required signatures. To avoid these pitfalls, consider the following tips:

Double-check numerical data for accuracy.
Ensure all fields are filled out completely and correctly.
Have a second individual review the application before submission.
Stay informed about specific IRS requirements for Form 990.

Accuracy in financial reporting is paramount to avoid penalties or rejection from the IRS.

How to Submit the Form 990 Tax Exemption Application

Submitting Form 990 can be done through various methods depending on the organization’s preference. Options include online submission via the IRS e-file system or mailing a physical copy. It’s crucial to be aware of deadlines and any associated fees that may apply to your specific submission method.

After submitting, organizations should confirm their submission and track application status, ensuring all stages of the process are completed successfully.

What Happens After You Submit the Form 990 Tax Exemption Application?

Once Form 990 is submitted, the IRS undertakes a review process to assess its completeness and accuracy. Organizations may experience various outcomes, including acceptance of the submission or potential rejection due to errors or missing information.

If needed, organizations can correct or amend their application. Understanding common rejection reasons can help nonprofits avoid these issues during the review process.

Supporting Documents and Information You’ll Need to Gather

To successfully complete Form 990, organizations must gather necessary documents and supporting materials. Essential items include:

Financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements.
Details regarding grants and contributions received.
Information on programs and activities conducted during the fiscal year.
Board meeting minutes reflecting major decisions.

Preparing a pre-filing checklist can streamline the process and help ensure that all required documentation is ready before filling out the form.

Security and Compliance while Filling Out the Form 990 Tax Exemption Application

Data security is crucial when submitting sensitive financial information through Form 990. Organizations must ensure that their data is protected to avoid breaches or misuse. Using pdfFiller provides enhanced security features such as 256-bit encryption and compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.

Maintaining user privacy is vital while handling the form, ensuring that all personal and financial details are securely managed throughout the process.

Leveraging pdfFiller for a Seamless Form 990 Filing Experience

pdfFiller offers an efficient platform for users to create, edit, and eSign their Form 990 seamlessly. This tool allows for easy access to the necessary forms from any browser without downloads, enhancing user experience. Take advantage of pdfFiller's features such as instant form filling and collaborative editing to simplify the entire filing process.

Utilize the platform to manage documents effectively and ensure your Form 990 is completed accurately and on time.

Last updated on Mar 24, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

Access pdfFiller and search for 'Form 990 Tax Exemption Application'. Open the form to begin editing.
2.

Familiarize yourself with pdfFiller's interface. Use the toolbar to navigate the form and add information in each field.
3.

Gather all necessary financial documents, including revenue details, expenses, and mission-related data before filling out the form.
4.

Complete all required fields accurately, ensuring that you include information about your organization's mission, activities, and finances for 2013.
5.

Once all fields are completed, review the form thoroughly on pdfFiller for any missing information or errors.
6.

Finalize the form by confirming all details are correct. Use pdfFiller's review features to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines.
7.

Save the completed form and download it in your preferred format. You can also submit electronically through pdfFiller if available.

FAQs

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

Contact Support

Who is eligible to file the Form 990 Tax Exemption Application?

Nonprofit organizations that are seeking tax-exempt status can file Form 990. Eligibility typically includes organizations that meet IRS criteria for tax exemption under section 501(c).

What is the deadline for submitting Form 990?

Form 990 is generally due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of your tax year. It's crucial to check specific deadlines as they may vary based on the organization's fiscal year.

How can I submit Form 990 once completed?

You can submit Form 990 electronically via the IRS website or by mail to the appropriate address listed on the IRS instructions. Using pdfFiller may allow electronic submissions depending on the service.

What supporting documents are needed with Form 990?

Supporting documents may include financial statements, schedules of compensation for officers, and detailed breakdowns of revenue and expenses. Ensure all necessary documentation is complete to avoid processing delays.

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

Common mistakes include incomplete fields, incorrect financial data, and missing signatures from the required officers and preparers. Double-check all entries before submission to ensure accuracy.