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 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

4.0

satisfied

58 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations seeking tax-exempt status
Charitable organizations required to file annual tax returns
Foundations and trusts managing exempt funds
Religious organizations complying with IRS requirements
Educational institutions benefiting from tax exemptions
Professional associations operating as tax-exempt entities

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

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

Form 990 is a crucial reporting document utilized by tax-exempt organizations in the United States to convey their financial information to the IRS. This IRS Form 990 ensures that these organizations comply with federal tax laws while promoting transparency about their financial activities. By filing this form, organizations contribute to an environment of trust and accountability in the nonprofit sector.

Purpose and Benefits of Filing Form 990

Filing Form 990 is essential for organizations aiming to maintain their tax-exempt status. It not only fulfills legal obligations but also provides numerous benefits, such as enhancing financial reporting and public trust. By regularly submitting this form, organizations demonstrate their commitment to transparency, which can foster greater donor confidence and community support.

Who Needs to File Form 990?

Various types of organizations are required to file Form 990, including public charities and private foundations. Generally, any tax-exempt organization with gross receipts exceeding $200,000 or total assets greater than $500,000 must submit this return. Additional criteria for exemption exist for some organizations, such as smaller nonprofits, which may qualify to file Form 990-N instead.

Key Features of Form 990

Form 990 encompasses several key sections that provide an overview of an organization's financial health. Key features include:

Reporting areas for revenue, expenses, and net assets
Details about governance and management structures
Disclosures related to compensation and contracts
Segments for public support and fundraising efforts

These features bolster the form's capacity for transparency, helping stakeholders understand how organizations operate financially.

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

Filling out Form 990 online can be efficiently accomplished using pdfFiller. Follow these steps:

Log into your pdfFiller account and open Form 990.
Enter the name of your organization in the designated field.
Provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN) accurately.
Fill in financial sections with precise revenue and expense data.
Review all entries to ensure accuracy before submission.

Using pdfFiller streamlines the process, allowing for easy modifications and enhanced organizational efficiency.

Pre-Filing Checklist for Form 990

Before kickoff with Form 990, gather the necessary documents and information. Key items include:

Financial statements from the previous year
Board meeting minutes for governance information
Details on program services and fundraising activities
Documentation of expenditures and compensation

Having this information ready ensures a smoother filing experience.

Common Errors When Filing Form 990 (and How to Avoid Them)

Organizations often encounter common mistakes while completing Form 990. Typical errors include:

Incorrect reporting of financial data
Omitting required disclosures
Failing to include appropriate signatures

To minimize such errors, adopt best practices for review and validation, ensuring all sections are checked before submission.

Where to Submit Form 990 and Next Steps

Form 990 can be submitted electronically via the IRS e-file system or by mail, depending on the organization's preference. After submission, organizations will receive a confirmation and can track their submission status using the IRS online tools. This process ensures that the form is handled efficiently and transparently.

Security and Compliance When Handling Form 990

When dealing with Form 990, maintaining security for sensitive financial documents is vital. pdfFiller uses 256-bit encryption and adheres to compliance standards, including HIPAA and GDPR, to ensure data protection. These measures guard against unauthorized access and ensure privacy during the filing process.

Get Started with pdfFiller for Your Form 990

Utilizing pdfFiller for completing Form 990 offers significant advantages. Users benefit from features like eSigning, document editing, and high-level security. Getting started on the platform makes the form-filling process straightforward and efficient, enabling organizations to focus on their missions.

Last updated on Apr 1, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

To access the Form 990 on pdfFiller, visit the website and search for 'Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.' Click on the relevant link to open the form in the editor.
2.

Once the form is open, familiarize yourself with the fillable fields. Use pdfFiller's intuitive interface to click on each box to input data easily.
3.

Gather necessary information before you begin filling out the form. Ensure you have your organization's name, employer identification number, address, and contact details ready.
4.

Start with the 'Name of organization' field, entering the complete legal name of your nonprofit. Proceed to fill in your organization's Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can find on previous tax returns.
5.

In the address section, provide the complete physical address of your organization, ensuring accuracy for IRS correspondence. Add your contact telephone number as required.
6.

Input the gross receipts and other financial details as prompted. Take your time to double-check numbers for accuracy, as they need to reflect your actual financial activity.
7.

Review the entire form by scrolling through all sections. Use pdfFiller's review tools to catch any errors or missing information before finalization.
8.

To save your work, click on the save icon in pdfFiller, and choose the location on your device. If you need to download, select the download option to save it as a PDF.
9.

Once you’re satisfied with the completed form, you can choose to submit it electronically through the guidance provided by pdfFiller, or print it out for traditional mailing to the IRS.

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 to be filed by tax-exempt organizations, which include nonprofits, charities, and foundations. Generally, organizations with gross receipts above a specified limit must file annually.

What is the deadline for submitting Form 990?

The deadline for filing Form 990 is typically the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of your organization's fiscal year. For many organizations, this usually falls on May 15th.

How can I submit Form 990?

Form 990 can be submitted electronically through e-filing services or printed and mailed to the IRS. Recommended submission methods include using authorized e-file providers.

What supporting documents are required for Form 990?

Along with Form 990, tax-exempt organizations may need to provide financial statements, schedules, and other pertinent documents to support the data reported on the form.

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

Common mistakes include inaccurate financial reporting, missing signatures, incomplete sections, and failure to review the form thoroughly before submission. Double-check all entries for precision.

How long does it take to process Form 990?

Processing times for Form 990 can vary. Generally, the IRS takes several weeks to process electronically submitted forms, while paper submissions take longer due to manual handling.

Are there any fees associated with filing Form 990?

There are no fees for filing Form 990 itself with the IRS. However, if you use a tax preparer or e-filing service, costs may apply for their assistance.