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

60 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Tax-exempt organizations in the US
Nonprofits required to file tax returns
CPAs assisting nonprofits
Foundations seeking transparency
Board members reviewing financial reports
Grant applicants needing tax documentation

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

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

Form 990 serves as a crucial tax document for nonprofit organizations in the United States, allowing them to report financial information to the IRS. This form highlights the organization’s mission, activities, and financial status for the year 2013. It is essential for ensuring accountability and transparency within the nonprofit sector.

The submitted form must include signatures from the organization's president and a certified public accountant (CPA), indicating that all reported information is accurate. Nonprofits must understand the importance of this form, as it helps maintain their tax-exempt status and enhances public trust.

Purpose and Benefits of Filing Form 990

Filing Form 990 is vital for tax-exempt organizations as it fosters transparency and accountability. Organizations benefit from maintaining their tax-exempt status, which is crucial for their continued operation and support. Alongside transparency, timely filing can enhance public trust and support from donors.

Failure to file Form 990 can lead to severe consequences, including the revocation of tax-exempt status. Thus, organizations must prioritize the completion of this form to avoid negative repercussions.

Who Needs to File Form 990?

Form 990 filing is mandatory for specific organizations, including various nonprofits and tax-exempt entities. Organizations at certain income thresholds are required to submit this form to the IRS.

Nonprofits and charitable organizations
Foundations and other tax-exempt entities

It is important that eligible organizations understand their filing obligations based on their revenue and type. Specific entities, such as public charities, often file this form.

When to File Form 990

Organizations must be aware of the critical timelines associated with Form 990. The standard filing deadline for this form is the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s fiscal year. Extensions may be available if needed.

Know state-specific deadlines
Understand the consequences of late filing or failure to submit

How to Fill Out Form 990 Online

Completing Form 990 online is straightforward, particularly through platforms like pdfFiller. Users should follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure efficient completion of the form:

Access pdfFiller and select Form 990.
Fill in necessary details, referencing required documents.
Review your entries for accuracy.

A checklist of frequently needed information will make the process easier and ensure accuracy during completion.

Common Errors When Completing Form 990

Submitting Form 990 comes with its challenges, and organizations must be cautious of common pitfalls. Mistakes can range from numerical errors to incomplete sections. To help avoid these issues:

Create a validation checklist before submission.
Double-check all entered information.

Implementing a thorough review process is essential for preventing errors during submission.

How to Sign and Submit Form 990

Signing Form 990 involves understanding the differences between digital and wet signatures. Organizations should know when each type is required based on their submission method.

Digital signatures are suitable for electronic submissions.
Wet signatures may be necessary for mailed submissions.

Once the form is signed, it can be submitted to the IRS either electronically or by mail. Organizations should confirm their submission and monitor its status to ensure it has been processed correctly.

Security and Compliance While Handling Form 990

Maintaining security and compliance during the Form 990 filing process is essential. Utilizing platforms like pdfFiller offers robust security features for managing sensitive documents.

Organizations should remain aware of data protection policies relevant to Form 990 submissions, including GDPR and HIPAA compliance. Implementing effective record retention policies further protects the organization’s financial documents.

Getting Started with pdfFiller for Your Form 990

pdfFiller provides an efficient platform for managing Form 990 needs. Users can take advantage of features like eSigning and cloud storage to streamline the filing process.

The tool facilitates the creation and management of Form 990, ensuring ease of use and accessibility. User testimonials reveal high satisfaction and success rates among organizations using pdfFiller for their tax form needs.

Example of a Completed Form 990

For better understanding, organizations can reference a sample of a completed Form 990. Examining this template can clarify what accurately filled sections look like, aiding in the completion of the actual form.

Instructions on customizing the example using pdfFiller’s various tools will assist in achieving a tailored submission that meets all necessary requirements.

Last updated on Apr 8, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

Access pdfFiller and search for 'Form 990'. Click on the relevant form link to open it.
2.

Once open, navigate the form using the pdfFiller interface. Use the toolbar to zoom in for clarity and select fields to fill out.
3.

Before starting, gather all necessary financial documents, including income statements and balance sheets, to ensure accurate information entry.
4.

Begin completing the form fields by entering your organization's name, address, and EIN in the designated areas. Fill in the financial details section accurately based on your gathered data.
5.

Continue to complete each section of the form, such as revenue, expenses, and net assets. Use drop-down menus and input fields where required for accurate data entry.
6.

Once all sections are filled, review your entries for any discrepancies or errors. Utilize pdfFiller's editing tools to make necessary adjustments.
7.

Finalize the form by ensuring that it is fully completed, including any public disclosures. Check that required signatures are included from both the president and CPA.
8.

After final review, save your work by clicking the 'Save' option. To submit, choose whether to download or directly submit through pdfFiller, making sure to follow IRS submission guidelines.

FAQs

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

Contact Support

Who is eligible to file Form 990?

Tax-exempt organizations, including nonprofits and charitable foundations, must file Form 990 to report their financial information to the IRS. Eligibility typically includes organizations recognized under IRS Section 501(c)(3) or similar provisions.

What is the deadline for submitting Form 990?

Form 990 is generally due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization's fiscal year. Organizations with a December 31 fiscal year-end must file by May 15. Late submissions may incur penalties.

What submission methods are available for Form 990?

Form 990 can be submitted electronically using the IRS e-file system. Organizations may also submit a paper form via mail, but e-filing is encouraged for efficiency and tracking.

What supporting documents are required for Form 990?

Along with Form 990, organizations should include financial statements like income statements, balance sheets, and any relevant schedules. Additionally, certain disclosures may require attachments depending on activities and financial activities.

What common mistakes should be avoided when filing Form 990?

Common mistakes include failing to sign the form, overlooking deadlines, and inaccurately reporting financial data. Ensure all information is complete, accurate, and matches your records before submission.

What are the processing times for Form 990?

Processing times for Form 990 can vary based on submission method and volume of filings at the IRS. Electronic submissions are typically processed faster than paper filings, with confirmations sent within a few days.

Can I amend my filed Form 990?

Yes, if errors are identified after filing, an amended Form 990 can be submitted. Use Form 990-X for amendments, and ensure that the changes are clearly documented with accurate data.