Form preview

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
Illustration
Fill out
Complete the form online in a simple drag-and-drop editor.
Illustration
eSign
Add your legally binding signature or send the form for signing.
Illustration
Share
Share the form via a link, letting anyone fill it out from any device.
Illustration
Export
Download, print, email, or move the form to your cloud storage.

Why pdfFiller is the best tool for your documents and forms

GDPR
AICPA SOC 2
PCI
HIPAA
CCPA
FDA

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.
Form preview

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

Users Most Likely To Recommend - Summer 2025
Grid Leader in Small-Business - Summer 2025
High Performer - Summer 2025
Regional Leader - Summer 2025
Show more Show less
Fill fillable 990 form: Try Risk Free
Rate free 990 form
4.6
satisfied
38 votes

Who needs Form 990?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.
Picture
Form 990 is needed by:
  • Nonprofit organizations required to file tax returns.
  • Officers responsible for signing tax forms.
  • Tax preparers handling nonprofit financial reporting.
  • Financial managers overseeing nonprofit accounting.
  • Auditors auditing tax-exempt entities.
  • Consultants advising nonprofits on reporting requirements.

Comprehensive Guide to Form 990

Overview of Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

The Form 990 is a crucial document for tax-exempt organizations, enabling them to report their financial information to the IRS. This form serves multiple purposes, including demonstrating transparency and accountability to the public. Organizations such as charities, foundations, and other nonprofit entities typically use Form 990 to fulfill their tax requirements.
In particular, the 2013 version of Form 990 outlines the essential components that organizations must disclose, such as their mission and activities, financial data, and governance structures. By understanding the form's significance, organizations can better manage their compliance with federal tax regulations.

Understanding the Benefits of Filing Form 990

Filing Form 990 offers several advantages for tax-exempt organizations. One primary benefit is enhanced transparency in financial reporting. When nonprofits share their financial information, they build trust with donors and stakeholders, reinforcing their commitment to accountability.
Moreover, completing this form is necessary for complying with federal tax requirements, which is vital for maintaining tax-exempt status. Organizations that neglect to file can face significant repercussions, emphasizing the importance of adherence to these reporting obligations.

Key Components of Form 990

Form 990 consists of various sections that provide a comprehensive overview of an organization’s activities and financial situation. Key components include a description of the mission, a summary of ongoing activities, and a detailed account of the organization’s financial status for the reporting year.
  • Required signatures from both an officer and a preparer ensure accountability.
  • Organizations must understand data entry expectations for effective compliance.
  • Key disclosures include revenue, expenses, and balance sheet items.

Who Needs to File Form 990?

Not all organizations are required to file Form 990, and eligibility is generally determined based on income levels and the type of nonprofit entity. Organizations classified as 501(c)(3), for instance, have specific financial thresholds that dictate their filing obligations.
Understanding the differences in filing requirements for various types of nonprofits is important. Organizations that fail to meet the necessary criteria risk losing their tax-exempt status, which underscores the importance of accurately determining their obligations regarding Form 990.

How to Complete the Form 990 Online (Step-by-Step)

Completing Form 990 online can streamline the filing process. Follow these steps for efficient completion:
  • Gather all necessary information, including financial statements and prior tax documents.
  • Access the form within pdfFiller and begin filling out the required fields.
  • Utilize the field-by-field instructions to ensure accuracy throughout the process.
  • Review and validate the information before submission to avoid errors.

Filing and Submission of Form 990: What You Need to Know

When it comes to filing Form 990, organizations have several options. They can choose between e-filing or submitting a paper form, depending on their preference or available resources.
It's crucial to be aware of submission deadlines and any associated fees. Late filing or failure to submit can lead to penalties, emphasizing the need for timeliness and accuracy in the filing process.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many organizations encounter common pitfalls when completing Form 990. Frequent errors include misreporting financial data and failing to include the required signatures, which can delay processing.
  • Overlooking essential sections can lead to incomplete filings.
  • Utilizing pdfFiller's tools can help minimize mistakes and ensure thorough reviews.

Post-Submission: What Happens After You File Form 990?

After submitting Form 990, organizations should establish a method to track the status of their filing. It's essential to monitor for any notifications from the IRS regarding rejections or required corrections.
Additionally, maintaining records after filing is important to ensure compliance and accessibility in case of future inquiries or audits from tax authorities.

Security and Privacy When Handling Form 990

When dealing with sensitive financial documents, security is paramount. pdfFiller incorporates industry-standard encryption and adheres to compliance standards such as HIPAA and GDPR to protect user information.
Users can feel assured that their financial data is secure while utilizing the platform for Form 990 filing, highlighting the significance of choosing a reliable service for handling tax forms.

Enhancing Your Filing Experience with pdfFiller

Using pdfFiller can significantly enhance your experience when completing Form 990. The platform offers user-friendly features for easy editing, signing, and document management, making the filing process more efficient.
Moreover, comprehensive customer support and resources are available to assist organizations with any filing inquiries, ensuring a smoother and more confident submission process.
Last updated on Aug 28, 2015

How to fill out the Form 990

  1. 1.
    Access pdfFiller and log in or create an account if you haven't done so.
  2. 2.
    Use the search bar to locate the Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.
  3. 3.
    Open the form by clicking on it, which will launch the editing interface.
  4. 4.
    Gather the necessary financial information, including revenue, expenses, and assets, to complete the form accurately.
  5. 5.
    Navigate through the form using pdfFiller’s intuitive interface. Click on each required field to enter your organization’s information.
  6. 6.
    Ensure you fill in all mandatory fields, which may include organizational details, financial figures, and mission statements.
  7. 7.
    Review the completed form thoroughly before finalizing to ensure all information is accurate.
  8. 8.
    Use the preview function to see how the final document will appear.
  9. 9.
    Once satisfied with the form, choose to save it, download it, or submit it electronically via pdfFiller's options.
  10. 10.
    If submitting electronically, follow the prompts to send it directly to the IRS or any other relevant agency.
Regular content decoration

FAQs

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us anytime!
Nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under IRC Section 501(c) are generally required to file Form 990 to report their financial activities to the IRS.
Form 990 is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s fiscal year. Extensions may be requested if more time is needed.
Form 990 can be submitted electronically through the IRS e-file system. Otherwise, organizations can print and mail the form to the designated IRS address.
Organizations must provide financial statements, schedules for specific income and expenses, and any additional documentation that supports the information reported on the form.
Ensure all fields are accurately filled, double-check the financial information, and make sure required signatures are included to avoid delays or rejections.
The processing time for Form 990 can vary, but organizations typically should expect confirmation from the IRS within a few weeks after submission.
There is no filing fee for Form 990; however, if you choose to use a service for electronic filing, there may be associated fees for those services.
If you believe that this page should be taken down, please follow our DMCA take down process here .
This form may include fields for payment information. Data entered in these fields is not covered by PCI DSS compliance.