Get the free Form 990 Tax Exempt Organization Return

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 Tax Exempt Organization Return 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

4.4

satisfied

25 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 990 is needed by:

Nonprofit organizations
Tax professionals and preparers
IRS compliance officers
Financial auditors
Charitable organizations
Foundations and trusts

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

What is Form 990 Tax Exempt Organization Return?

Form 990 is an essential tax document used by tax-exempt organizations to report their financial information to the IRS. This form plays a critical role in maintaining transparency and accountability for nonprofit organizations. As required by law, nonprofit organizations must file this form annually to ensure compliance.

The significance of the 2013 filing year also underscores accurate reporting, as it relates directly to the financial practices of the organization during that period. Understanding the requirements for Form 990 is crucial for any tax-exempt entity.

Purpose and Benefits of Filing Form 990

Filing Form 990 offers several advantages for nonprofit organizations. First, transparency in financial reporting positively influences public perception and trust. By showcasing financial details, nonprofits can enhance their credibility among stakeholders.

Maintaining tax-exempt status is another integral benefit associated with proper filing. Moreover, filing Form 990 can open doors to potential funding opportunities, as many grant-making entities examine compliance prior to awarding funds.

Who Needs to File Form 990?

Not all organizations are required to file Form 990, but specific tax-exempt entities must adhere to this requirement. These include charities and foundations, which must meet certain revenue thresholds to trigger the filing process.

Identifying the roles involved in submitting this form is essential. Typically, an officer of the organization must sign the document, while a designated preparer handles the completion of the form.

Required Documents and Information for Form 990

To successfully file Form 990, certain documents and information are needed. The following list outlines the key financial documents required:

Income statements
Balance sheets
Details regarding the organization's mission and activities

Gathering this information before beginning the filing process can streamline the process, ensuring accurate completion of Form 990.

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

Completing Form 990 online can be a straightforward process if you follow these step-by-step instructions:

Access the form via pdfFiller.
Fill in the required fields with accurate financial data.
Edit and review the form for any errors.
Utilize pdfFiller’s eSigning feature to add necessary signatures.
Submit the form electronically or follow the provided instructions for paper submission.

Using pdfFiller’s features can simplify the editing and signing process, ensuring a smoother filing experience.

Field-by-Field Instructions for Form 990

Understanding the major sections of Form 990 is crucial for accurate completion. Each section requires specific information, and being clear about what to include can prevent mistakes.

Common entries for major fields typically cover:

Organization identification, including name and EIN
Financial information detailing income and expenses
Program service accomplishments

Awareness of common errors, such as misreporting income or failing to provide adequate details, allows for more accurate submissions.

Submission Methods and Where to Submit Form 990

Once Form 990 is completed, it must be submitted through appropriate channels. Organizations can choose between e-filing or submitting a paper form. For those opting for mail, specific address and contact information is essential.

Additionally, it is vital to be aware of submission deadlines to avoid penalties. After submission, organizations should know what to expect regarding the processing of their documents.

Security and Compliance of Filing Form 990

Filing Form 990 with adequate security measures is paramount. Using platforms like pdfFiller ensures data protection through 256-bit encryption, which safeguards sensitive organizational information.

Adhering to IRS regulations during the filing process is equally important to maintain compliance and avoid potential repercussions. The features offered by pdfFiller assist organizations in handling their documents securely.

What to Do After Submitting Form 990

Once Form 990 is submitted, organizations should take steps to monitor the status of their submission with the IRS. Knowing how to track submission status can provide peace of mind.

In the case of any required corrections or amendments to the form, being familiar with the procedures helps organizations rectify issues promptly. Understanding potential audits or queries related to the submitted forms will also aid in compliance.

Enhance Your Filing Experience with pdfFiller

Using pdfFiller can transform the experience of completing Form 990. The platform offers valuable features that support efficient form completion, including editing capabilities and secure eSigning.

Users have shared positive testimonials regarding their successful experiences while filing forms with pdfFiller, emphasizing the ease and security of the platform. Starting to use pdfFiller can significantly enhance the filing process for organizations.

Last updated on Apr 18, 2016

How to fill out the Form 990

1.

To start, go to pdfFiller and log in or create a new account. Once logged in, use the search bar to type in 'Form 990 Tax Exempt Organization Return' and select it from the results.
2.

After you open the form, familiarize yourself with the fields and sections. Use the toolbar to navigate between different parts of the form easily.
3.

Before filling out the form, gather all necessary financial information, including your organization's revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities for the tax year 2013.
4.

Begin filling in the form by entering the organization’s name, address, and EIN in the designated fields. Be certain to check that each entry is correct and complete.
5.

Continue to complete the financial sections, providing accurate figures in each line item as guided by the form instructions. Use pdfFiller’s annotation tools to make notes if necessary.
6.

Once you have filled in all required fields, carefully review the form for accuracy and completeness. Ensure that all calculations are correct and all necessary signatures are included.
7.

When satisfied with your entries, proceed to save your work. Use the save option, then download the completed form in PDF format or submit it directly through pdfFiller.

FAQs

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

Contact Support

Who needs to file Form 990?

Form 990 is required for tax-exempt organizations operating in the U.S., including nonprofits, foundations, and charitable trusts, to report their financial activities to the IRS.

What is the deadline for submitting Form 990?

Typically, Form 990 is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization’s fiscal year-end. For organizations with a December 31 fiscal year, this means the submission deadline is May 15.

Can Form 990 be filed electronically?

Yes, Form 990 can be filed electronically using IRS-approved e-filing services. This is often recommended for faster processing and confirmation of receipt.

What documents are required to support Form 990?

Organizations should attach supporting documents such as financial statements, a list of board members, and any schedules that provide detailed financial data necessary for the IRS.

What are common mistakes to avoid when completing Form 990?

Common mistakes include calculation errors, missing signatures, incomplete fields, and failing to include required attachments. Double-check all entries for accuracy.

How long does it take to process Form 990?

Processing times can vary but typically take about 4 to 6 weeks after submission, depending on the IRS workload and whether the form is filed correctly.