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 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

27 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations seeking tax-exempt status
Accountants preparing financial filings for nonprofits
IRS officers reviewing tax-exempt organizations
Board members managing financial oversight
Auditors auditing nonprofit finances
Legal representatives assisting nonprofits

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

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

Form 990 is integral for tax-exempt organizations in the United States, facilitating their obligation to report financial data to the IRS. Specifically designed for nonprofits, this return showcases the organization's mission, activities, and financial performance for the year 2013. Key information required includes revenue, expenses, and details about organizational governance, which together paint a comprehensive picture of the entity’s fiscal health.

The importance of Form 990 extends beyond mere compliance; it fosters transparency and accountability among nonprofits, assuring stakeholders of their commitment to ethical standards. Understanding and properly completing this form can enhance public trust and compliance with IRS regulations.

Purpose and Benefits of the Form 990

Filing Form 990 is a vital requirement for tax-exempt organizations, serving multiple purposes that go beyond taxation. This form not only fulfills legal obligations but also promotes financial transparency, encouraging the responsible handling of funds. By making financial data available, organizations can build trust with donors and the public alike.

Benefits of filing Form 990 include fostering public confidence, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and positioning the organization favorably in the eyes of potential funders. This nonprofit financial report thus serves as a significant tool for both accountability and strategic planning.

Who Needs to File the Form 990?

Tax-exempt organizations, such as charities, foundations, and certain educational institutions, are mandated to file Form 990. This requirement is essential to maintain their tax-exempt status. Furthermore, specific eligibility criteria dictate which organizations must submit this form based on their annual gross receipts and the nature of their activities.

Organizations with annual gross receipts over $50,000
Public charities and private foundations
Religious organizations in some circumstances

In Tennessee and nationwide, the threshold for filing may differ, so it is crucial to verify the rules pertinent to the organization’s specific location and type.

When and How to File the Form 990

Timelines for filing Form 990 are strict, with organizations required to submit their returns on the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of their accounting year. Failure to meet this deadline can lead to severe consequences, including penalties that may impact the organization’s finances.

Online submission through IRS e-File is encouraged for efficiency
Paper filing is also an option, though it may delay processing

Organizations need to ensure they understand these deadlines and the potential repercussions of late filings to maintain compliance with regulations.

How to Complete the Form 990 Online Using pdfFiller

Using pdfFiller, completing Form 990 can be streamlined through a series of straightforward steps. First, access the form electronically, followed by filling in the required fields with accurate data. After entering the details, utilize the eSigning feature for necessary signatures from both the officer and the preparer.

Navigate to pdfFiller's platform and select Form 990
Fill out each section with the required information
Use tools to check for errors before finalizing

This user-friendly platform not only simplifies the process but also provides features designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Field-by-Field Breakdown of Form 990

To successfully complete Form 990, understanding each section and its requirements is crucial. The form includes various fields that demand detailed financial data, governance structures, and operational expenditures. Properly addressing these fields helps avoid the common pitfalls associated with filing.

Mission and purpose of the organization
Financial summary outlining revenues and expenses
Details regarding governance and compensation

Providing accurate information reduces the chances of errors and ensures compliance with IRS expectations.

Review and Validation of Your Form 990 Submission

Before submitting Form 990, organizations should conduct a thorough review to ensure that all information is complete and accurate. A checklist can be beneficial in this process, covering crucial components to verify.

Confirmation that all required fields are filled
Double-checking for numerical accuracy in financial data
Ensuring signatures from both the officer and preparer are included

This step is essential as missing information or signatures can lead to delays or penalties.

Consequences of Not Filing or Late Filing Form 990

Organizations that fail to file Form 990 or submit it late face significant penalties. Potential consequences include monetary fines and the risk of losing tax-exempt status, which can impact fundraising and public trust adversely.

Understanding these implications is critical for tax-exempt organizations, as compliance not only avoids penalties but also safeguards the organization’s mission and operational integrity.

Security and Compliance When Filing Form 990

Handling sensitive data while filing Form 990 necessitates adherence to stringent security standards. Organizations must prioritize protecting personal and financial information throughout the filing process. Using platforms like pdfFiller offers robust security features to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

256-bit encryption to safeguard data
SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance

Emphasizing data protection helps maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the information provided to the IRS.

Leverage pdfFiller for Your Form 990 Submission

Utilizing the tools offered by pdfFiller can significantly enhance the efficiency of the Form 990 filing process. The platform consolidates various document management tasks, allowing seamless editing, filling, and storing of forms.

eSigning capabilities for quick signature collection
Options for editing and converting documents as needed

Leveraging these features simplifies and expedites submission, ensuring that organizations can focus on their mission while maintaining compliance with IRS requirements.

Last updated on Apr 1, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

Access the Form 990 on pdfFiller by visiting their website and searching for 'Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.'
2.

Open the PDF form by clicking on the title after your search results appear.
3.

Familiarize yourself with the structure of the form, noting the required fields and sections that need to be completed.
4.

Before starting, gather your organization’s financial records, mission statements, and previous tax documents to provide accurate information.
5.

Begin filling in the form by clicking on the fields and typing your data directly into the PDF using pdfFiller’s interface.
6.

Make sure to complete every required field; hover over the items for guidance if necessary.
7.

After entering all your organization’s information, carefully review each section for accuracy to prevent common mistakes.
8.

Finalize the form by ensuring you have signed it in the designated areas for both the officer and preparer.
9.

Once completed, save your progress by clicking on the 'Save' button, and choose whether to download the PDF or submit it electronically.
10.

After saving, you can download the completed form to your computer or submit it directly to the IRS via pdfFiller's submission options.

FAQs

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

Contact Support

Who is eligible to file Form 990?

Form 990 is required for organizations that are registered as tax-exempt under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes charities and nonprofits with gross receipts over $200,000 or total assets over $500,000.

What is the deadline for filing Form 990?

Generally, Form 990 is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of an organization’s fiscal year. For organizations following a calendar year, the deadline is May 15.

How can I submit Form 990?

Form 990 can be submitted electronically using the IRS e-File system or by mailing a paper form directly to the IRS. Check the IRS guidelines for detailed submission procedures.

What supporting documents do I need for Form 990?

Supporting documents typically include financial statements, a list of board members, and a narrative of the organization’s activities throughout the fiscal year. Ensure that you have these ready before filing.

What are common mistakes to avoid when filing Form 990?

Common mistakes include leaving required fields blank, providing incorrect financial figures, and failing to obtain necessary signatures. Thoroughly review your form to minimize errors.

How long does it take to process Form 990?

Processing times for Form 990 can vary, but it typically takes the IRS several weeks to review submissions. Expect delays if there are errors or incomplete information on the form.

Is Form 990 a public document?

Yes, Form 990 is considered a public document, and it is made available by the IRS and various nonprofit databases. This transparency helps ensure accountability in the nonprofit sector.