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

50 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations
Charitable foundations
Tax-exempt entities
Financial officers
Board members of nonprofits
Accountants specializing in nonprofit tax
Auditors reviewing nonprofit finances

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

Understanding the IRS Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

The IRS Form 990 serves as a critical financial report for tax-exempt organizations, detailing their mission, activities, and financial performance. This form is essential for promoting transparency and accountability among nonprofits, ensuring they fulfill their public trust. The 2013 version of Form 990 includes specific reporting requirements that organizations must adhere to while filing.

Using IRS Form 990, tax-exempt organizations provide essential information to the IRS, allowing for oversight and compliance verification.

Why Filing the IRS Form 990 Is Essential for Nonprofits

Timely filing of the IRS Form 990 is legally mandated for most nonprofit organizations. Not submitting the required tax return can lead to significant penalties, including loss of tax-exempt status. Maintaining compliance by filing accurately helps organizations uphold their credibility and trust with both the IRS and the public.

Organizations that file on time can also benefit from enhanced reputation and continued eligibility for federal funding and grants.

Who Needs to File the IRS Form 990?

Various types of tax-exempt organizations, including charities, foundations, and associations, are required to file Form 990. Specific income thresholds determine filing requirements; smaller nonprofits may qualify for simplified forms based on their annual revenue. Texas-based organizations must also follow particular state rules in conjunction with federal requirements.

Understanding who needs to file can prevent inadvertent non-compliance.

Getting Ready to File: Pre-Filing Checklist for the IRS Form 990

Before filing, organizations should gather several key documents and supporting materials. Required information includes details about the mission, activities, and finances of the organization. It is crucial to watch for common errors that may occur during preparation to avoid delays or rejections.

Mission statement
Financial statements
List of board members
Program descriptions

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the IRS Form 990

Completing the IRS Form 990 involves a detailed walkthrough of each section. Key data points include the organization's financials, governance structure, and program accomplishments. Field-by-field instructions can bolster accuracy and help organizations avoid common pitfalls in the filing process.

Gather all necessary information and documents.
Complete each section methodically, ensuring accuracy.
Review your completed form for any errors.

How to Submit the IRS Form 990: Methods and Best Practices

Organizations have various methods for submitting the IRS Form 990, including electronic and paper filing options. It is essential to be aware of submission deadlines to ensure compliance. After submitting, organizations should track their confirmation to verify that the filing was received and processed appropriately.

Electronic filing through the IRS website
Mail submission via USPS
Confirming receipt with the IRS

Maintaining Compliance: Security and Record Retention for Form 990

Ensuring security during the filing process is paramount. Organizations must implement encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive data. Additionally, there are defined record retention requirements that organizations must follow post-submission to comply with IRS regulations.

Being aware of privacy regulations is crucial for maintaining compliance and safeguarding organizational data.

Using pdfFiller for IRS Form 990: The Smart Choice for Nonprofits

pdfFiller offers an intuitive platform designed to streamline the Form 990 filing process. Organizations can utilize features such as editing, eSigning, and cloud storage to simplify their filing endeavors. Testimonials from users highlight pdfFiller's ease of use and effectiveness in managing nonprofit documentation.

Edit and annotate documents easily
Store files securely in the cloud
eSign documents directly within the platform

Explore More IRS Form 990 Resources and Tools

Additional resources related to IRS Form 990 can aid nonprofits in their filing efforts. This includes direct links to official IRS guidelines and instructions. Organizations are encouraged to explore other forms that may also be relevant for comprehensive tax compliance.

IRS guidelines for Form 990
External tools for filing assistance
Access to other tax-related forms

Start Your Filing Journey with pdfFiller Today!

Utilizing pdfFiller ensures a smooth and secure completion of IRS Form 990. The platform's robust security features and responsive user support make it a reliable choice for nonprofits. Organizations are encouraged to leverage pdfFiller to meet their filing needs efficiently.

Last updated on Mar 28, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

To complete IRS Form 990 on pdfFiller, first visit the pdfFiller website and log into your account or create one if you do not have an existing account.
2.

Once logged in, use the search bar to find the 'IRS Form 990' or navigate to the Tax Forms section. Select the correct version based on the tax year.
3.

Open the form in pdfFiller. You will see the form displayed on the screen, with fields available for editing.
4.

Before starting, gather the necessary financial documents, including revenue statements, expenses, and any prior year's Form 990 for reference.
5.

Begin filling out the form by clicking on the fields that require information. Use the text boxes to enter details about your organization’s mission, activities, and financial status.
6.

Review each section carefully to ensure all required information is included. Make use of pdfFiller’s annotations and tips to guide yourself through the various sections of the form.
7.

After you finish entering information, review the completed form for accuracy and completeness. Make any necessary edits to ensure all statements are true and correct.
8.

When satisfied with the completed form, utilize the options provided by pdfFiller to save your work. You can download the form in different file formats or directly submit it to the IRS, depending on your needs.

FAQs

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

Contact Support

Who is required to file IRS Form 990?

Organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code must file IRS Form 990 to report their financial activities to the IRS annually. This form is crucial for maintaining tax-exempt status.

What is the deadline for filing IRS Form 990?

IRS Form 990 is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of your organization’s fiscal year. If your fiscal year ends on December 31, the due date would be May 15 of the following year. Extensions can typically be requested.

How can I submit IRS Form 990?

The IRS Form 990 can be submitted electronically through the IRS website or by mailing a physical copy to the designated IRS address. However, many tax-exempt organizations opt to file electronically for quicker processing.

What supporting documents do I need with Form 990?

When filing IRS Form 990, organizations typically need to include their financial statements, detailing revenue and expenses, as well as information about their operations and governance. Review specific requirements for additional documentation.

What are common mistakes to avoid on IRS Form 990?

Common mistakes include filing under the wrong tax year, failing to report all sources of income, and not providing proper financial details. Double-check all entries for accuracy to avoid delays or penalties.

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

Processing times for IRS Form 990 can vary but typically take from 30 to 90 days. If submitted electronically, the processing time may be quicker compared to paper submissions.

Is IRS Form 990 available in PDF format?

Yes, IRS Form 990 is available in PDF format. You can fill it out online using platforms like pdfFiller or download it from the IRS website to complete it manually.