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 activities and operations 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

4.9

satisfied

61 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations seeking tax-exempt status
Executives or directors of tax-exempt entities
Accountants preparing nonprofit tax returns
Financial officers reporting to the IRS
Boards of directors of charitable organizations
Organizations in Kentucky with annual reporting obligations
Senior services organizations operating in the U.S.

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

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

The Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax is vital for tax-exempt organizations in the United States. This IRS Form 990 serves as a financial reporting tool that helps these organizations disclose their financial activities and operational details to the IRS. By submitting this return, organizations also promote transparency and accountability in their financial dealings.

The significance of Form 990 extends beyond regulatory compliance; it is a tool that enhances the public trust by showcasing an organization’s mission, revenue sources, and expenditures. The information contained in this form is essential for donors and stakeholders, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding funding and support.

Purpose and Benefits of Filing Form 990

Organizations are required to file Form 990 to ensure compliance with federal tax laws and to maintain their tax-exempt status. The benefits of filing extend to fostering transparency, increasing public trust, and enhancing the credibility of the nonprofit sector. By providing a detailed view of financial data, this form can attract potential funding and grants.

Moreover, filing Form 990 is beneficial for financial reporting, as it provides valuable insights into an organization's fiscal health. Accurate and timely submissions can significantly influence the willingness of donors and grant-making bodies to support nonprofit initiatives.

Who Needs to File Form 990?

Only certain organizations are required to file Form 990, primarily those classified as tax-exempt entities under IRS regulations. These include charities, educational institutions, and certain types of foundations. To determine if an organization needs to file, it must meet specific criteria regarding its income and activities.

Organizations with gross receipts exceeding $200,000 must file Form 990.
Organizations with total assets exceeding $500,000 at the end of the tax year are also required to submit this form.
Smaller organizations may file Form 990-EZ or Form 990-N, depending on their gross receipts.

Key Features of Form 990 for 2013

The 2013 version of Form 990 includes several key features designed to enhance transparency and compliance. This form is structured to capture comprehensive information about an organization’s governance, financial activity, and program accomplishments.

Financial statements including revenue, expenses, and net assets.
Governance structures and key management personnel details.
Information regarding the organization’s programs and services provided.

How to Fill Out the Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax Online

Completing the Form 990 online can be simplified using pdfFiller. To effectively fill out this form, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Begin by accessing the specific version of the Form 990 that corresponds to your organization.
Fill out the revenue section, detailing all sources of income.
Document your expenses accurately in the designated field.
Ensure all governance information, including board member names, is completed.
Review all sections for accuracy before submission.

Digital Signatures for Form 990: What You Need to Know

When signing Form 990, organizations have options for both digital and wet signatures. Digital signatures can streamline the submission process, especially if using tools like pdfFiller that support eSigning. It’s vital to ensure that any digital signature complies with IRS requirements to prevent delays.

Wet signatures require physical signing and can delay submission if not handled promptly.
Digital signatures, when applied correctly, offer a secure and quick method for signing.

When and Where to Submit Form 990

Organizations must pay close attention to filing deadlines for Form 990 to avert penalties. The form is typically due on the 15th day of the seventh month after the end of the organization's tax year.

For submission, the completed Form 990 must be sent directly to the IRS. Organizations can submit electronically using approved e-filing systems, ensuring faster processing and confirmation.

Late filing may result in penalties, with fees escalating for prolonged delays.
Non-filing can lead to the revocation of tax-exempt status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form 990

Filing Form 990 requires attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls. Frequent errors include omissions in financial data or incorrect reporting of revenues. Organizations can manage these issues effectively by implementing a review process.

Double-check all financial figures for accuracy.
Confirm that all required schedules are included with the Form 990.
Create a checklist for validation to ensure all sections are properly completed.

Security and Compliance: Protecting Sensitive Information

Handling sensitive information on Form 990 necessitates robust security measures. Organizations should prioritize data protection through secure channels, especially when using platforms like pdfFiller.

pdfFiller implements 256-bit encryption and adheres to SOC 2 Type II standards.
Compliance with HIPAA and GDPR ensures the protection of sensitive data.

Streamline Your Filing Process with pdfFiller

pdfFiller can assist organizations in efficiently completing and submitting Form 990. The platform offers user-friendly features that enhance the filing experience, including document editing, eSigning, and secure storage options.

Utilizing pdfFiller simplifies the complexities of filing while ensuring organizations can focus on their mission without being bogged down by administrative tasks.

Last updated on Apr 6, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

Begin by accessing pdfFiller and logging into your account. If you don’t have an account, create one.
2.

Search for 'Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax' in the pdfFiller search bar.
3.

Open the form by clicking on the link. Ensure you are on a device that allows PDF editing.
4.

Gather the necessary information, including your organization’s mission statement, financial statements, and governance structure.
5.

Navigate through the form filling out each required field. Use the intuitive text boxes provided in pdfFiller.
6.

If you need to input specific data, refer to the collected information to ensure accuracy.
7.

After filling in all the fields, carefully review the information entered to confirm there are no mistakes.
8.

Utilize pdfFiller’s review features to check the completed form against checklist items specific to Form 990.
9.

Finalize the form by ensuring all required signatures are applied. Use the signature feature if necessary.
10.

Once finalized, save the form to your pdfFiller account or download it as a PDF document.
11.

Follow the submission guidelines, either by mailing it to the IRS or e-filing if applicable.

FAQs

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

Contact Support

Who is eligible to file Form 990?

Any organization that is recognized as tax-exempt under IRS rules must file Form 990 if their annual gross receipts exceed the threshold set by the IRS.

What is the deadline for submitting Form 990?

Form 990 is typically due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization's fiscal year. Extensions can be filed if additional time is needed.

How can I submit Form 990?

Form 990 can be submitted either by mailing a hard copy to the IRS or electronically filing it using IRS-approved e-filing options.

What supporting documents are needed with Form 990?

Usually, supporting documents include financial statements, audit reports, and organizational bylaws. Ensure that all necessary attachments are included with your submission.

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

Some common mistakes include incorrect EIN numbers, missed signature lines, and failure to include all required financial documents. Always double-check for accuracy.