Get the free IRS Form 990 for Nonprofit Organizations

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 for Nonprofit Organizations 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

4.8

satisfied

41 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations seeking tax-exempt status
Tax officers responsible for financial reporting
Preparers assisting nonprofits with tax submissions
Financial auditors reviewing nonprofit accounts
Board members ensuring compliance with tax regulations

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

What is the IRS Form 990 for Nonprofit Organizations?

IRS Form 990 serves as a critical tax document for tax-exempt organizations in the United States. This form aids nonprofit organizations in reporting their financial activities to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Its significance lies in ensuring transparency and accountability among nonprofits, highlighting their financial practices and long-term viability.

The necessity of reporting accurate financial information cannot be overstated, as it not only reflects operational transparency but also aids in maintaining public trust. The 2014 version of IRS Form 990 requires organizations to detail their mission, activities, and financial condition, providing a comprehensive overview that is essential for stakeholders.

Purpose and Benefits of the IRS Form 990 for Nonprofit Organizations

Filing IRS Form 990 serves multiple purposes for nonprofit organizations. Primarily, it enhances transparency regarding a nonprofit's mission and operational activities, giving stakeholders and the public insight into its financial health and governance. This clarity strengthens trust among donors, stakeholders, and the community.

Additionally, submitting this form is crucial for nonprofits to maintain their tax-exempt status, which is vital for ongoing operations. By regular filing, organizations often unlock potential funding opportunities that rely on completed filings, underscoring the form’s role in strategic financial planning.

Who Needs to File the IRS Form 990?

Understanding which organizations are required to file IRS Form 990 is essential for compliance. Generally, all tax-exempt nonprofits must file this form annually unless they meet specific exclusions. Eligibility is determined based on various criteria, including the organization's size and revenue.

Large nonprofits with gross receipts over $200,000 or total assets exceeding $500,000.
Smaller organizations may qualify to file Form 990-EZ or Form 990-N.
Exceptions exist for faith-based organizations and very small nonprofits.

How to Fill Out the IRS Form 990 Online (Step-by-Step)

Completing IRS Form 990 online can be efficiently managed through pdfFiller. Follow these step-by-step instructions for accurate completion:

Access the form on pdfFiller's platform.
Enter all required financial information accurately.
Review details for common pitfalls, such as incorrect financial figures or missing signatures.
Utilize pdfFiller’s tools for annotations and digital signatures.
Final review and submission of the completed form.

Common Errors in IRS Form 990 and How to Avoid Them

Filing IRS Form 990 can be fraught with common errors that jeopardize compliance. Frequent mistakes include erroneous data entries, missed signatures, and outdated information. To mitigate these issues, take diligent care in validating the information before submission.

Double-check numerical entries against financial records.
Ensure all required fields are filled, especially signature areas.
Seek guidance if unsure about specific reporting requirements.

Submission Methods for the IRS Form 990

Organizations have various methods for submitting IRS Form 990. The submission can be carried out either electronically or via traditional mail. Consider the following details regarding submission:

Electronic submission is typically faster and allows for easier verification of receipt.
Mail submissions may encounter longer processing times; ensure the form is postmarked by the deadline.
Keep in mind any fees associated with electronic submissions.

What Happens After You Submit the IRS Form 990?

Upon submitting IRS Form 990, organizations can track the status of their filing. A confirmation of receipt will be sent, indicating that the form has been recorded by the IRS.

Next steps may vary depending on the quality of the submission. Organizations should be prepared to respond promptly to any notices or requests for additional information from the IRS to maintain their compliance.

Ensuring Security and Compliance with IRS Form 990

When handling IRS Form 990, security and compliance are paramount. pdfFiller provides robust security features such as 256-bit encryption, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected throughout the filing process.

Adhere to best practices for maintaining data privacy.
Understand compliance standards related to IRS submissions.
Implement proper record retention techniques for submitted forms.

Leveraging pdfFiller for IRS Form 990 Completion

Utilizing pdfFiller can greatly enhance the efficiency of IRS Form 990 preparation. Key capabilities of the platform include features such as eSigning and annotations that simplify the filling process.

Numerous users have benefitted from pdfFiller, enabling them to complete their IRS Form 990 submissions seamlessly. By adopting this technology, organizations can enhance their filing experience and ensure compliance with IRS requirements.

Last updated on Mar 29, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

To access the IRS Form 990 on pdfFiller, navigate to the homepage and search for 'IRS Form 990'. Click on the document link to open it.
2.

Once the form is open, familiarize yourself with the layout. Use the toolbar to zoom in for clarity, and highlight sections where you'll input data.
3.

Gather necessary information before starting the form. You will need financial statements, details about your organization's mission, and information on all activities during the tax year.
4.

Begin filling in the designated fields. Click on text boxes to type in your data, and use dropdown menus where applicable. Make sure to fill in all required fields marked with an asterisk.
5.

After filling out the form, review each section carefully. Check for accuracy in your inputted data to ensure compliance with IRS requirements.
6.

Finalize the form by clicking the 'Review' button, which will provide a summary of your inputs. Ensure all signatures from the officer and preparer are included.
7.

Once verified, save your work through the 'Download' option. Choose your preferred format, or submit directly through the 'Submit' feature on pdfFiller.

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?

Nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status in the U.S. must file IRS Form 990 to report their financial activities annually, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

What is the submission deadline for Form 990?

IRS Form 990 must be filed by the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of your organization's fiscal year. Extensions can be requested if additional time is needed.

How do I submit IRS Form 990?

Form 990 can be submitted electronically through e-filing platforms that support IRS submissions. Alternatively, it can be printed and mailed to the IRS at the designated address.

What documents are needed to complete Form 990?

To complete IRS Form 990, you will need your nonprofit's financial statements, budgeting information, details about revenue and expenses, and documentation supporting your tax-exempt status.

What common mistakes should I avoid when filing?

Ensure accuracy when entering financial figures, double-check all signatures, and confirm that you have included all necessary schedules. Failing to do so can lead to rejections or penalties.

How long does it take for Form 990 to be processed?

Processing times for IRS Form 990 can vary; typically, electronic submissions are processed within three weeks, while mailed forms may take longer due to manual handling.

Can I amend IRS Form 990 once submitted?

Yes, organizations can amend IRS Form 990 by filing Form 990-X. This should be done as soon as discrepancies or errors are discovered to avoid penalties.