Posted
Feb 25, 2026 10:44 AM
Most nonprofit organizations, with a few exceptions, are required to file an annual form with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The form is officially named “Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax.”
Colloquially, we call it “the 990.”
Basic facts about the 990
The 990 is an informational return, filed annually with the IRS by organizations with tax-exempt status. There are four types of forms: 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and the 990-PF.
The form is due on the 15th day of the fifth month following the close of an organization’s fiscal year. The 990 includes various schedules, each completed only if the organization meets certain requirements.
The form is due on the 15th day of the fifth month following the close of an organization’s fiscal year. The 990 includes various schedules, each completed only if the organization meets certain requirements.
Which form do we file?
Organizations with gross receipts greater than or equal to $200,000, or total assets greater than or equal to $500,000 at the end of the tax year, file Form 990 (“full form”). Expenses on the full 990 are reported in three functional expense categories:
- Programs
- Management/General
- Fundraising
Organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and total assets at the end of the tax year less than $500,000, can choose to file Form 990-EZ (“short form”). Smaller organizations with gross receipts normally $50,000 or less file Form 990-N (“e-postcard”). Private foundations, regardless of financial status, file Form 990-PF.
Organizations eligible to submit the Form 990-N or the Form 990-EZ can choose to file the Form 990, in which case they must file a complete return.
Consult the IRS website and your finance professionals to confirm which form to file as there are some specific exceptions to this information for certain organizations.
Organizations eligible to submit the Form 990-N or the Form 990-EZ can choose to file the Form 990, in which case they must file a complete return.
Consult the IRS website and your finance professionals to confirm which form to file as there are some specific exceptions to this information for certain organizations.
When do we file?
If your fiscal year is the calendar year, the form is due May 15. Organizations with other fiscal years file by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of your fiscal year (November 15 for a July-June fiscal year, for example).
You may file for a six-month deadline extension by filing Form 8868, provided the form is filed before the return due date. There are penalties for late filings, which can amount to several thousand dollars.
You may file for a six-month deadline extension by filing Form 8868, provided the form is filed before the return due date. There are penalties for late filings, which can amount to several thousand dollars.
What else do we need to know?
File every year! Organizations that fail to file for three consecutive years automatically lose their tax-exempt status, and must file for reinstatement.
Take advantage of the narrative portions of the form (such as the statement of mission accomplishments). Prospective funders and donors review 990s from past years when deciding if (and how much) to give.
The 990 must be available for public inspection, and organizations must inform the IRS how they will be made available: On their website, on another website, by request, or some other method. The IRS also posts 990s on their website, but this public disclosure copy excludes some information about contributors.
Consult the IRS website for responses to frequently asked questions about the 990 filings.
Need assistance filing your Form 990? Contact Nadjah Shackelford at nadjah@501commons.org.
Take advantage of the narrative portions of the form (such as the statement of mission accomplishments). Prospective funders and donors review 990s from past years when deciding if (and how much) to give.
The 990 must be available for public inspection, and organizations must inform the IRS how they will be made available: On their website, on another website, by request, or some other method. The IRS also posts 990s on their website, but this public disclosure copy excludes some information about contributors.
Consult the IRS website for responses to frequently asked questions about the 990 filings.
Need assistance filing your Form 990? Contact Nadjah Shackelford at nadjah@501commons.org.