May 15

Tax Form 990-N – Clarification on Reporting Requirements

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kendra1If your tax-exempt organization “normally” has gross receipts of $25,000 or less, you should file Form 990-N with the IRS. The following are reminders of the who/how much/when/where and what you need to file:

  • Who must file?  Small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts that are normally $25,000 or less must file the e-Postcard. Exceptions to this requirement include:
    1. Organizations that are included in a group return, and
    2. Churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches.
    3. Private foundations
    4. Section 509(a)(3) supporting organizations
  • Gross receipts are considered to be $25,000 or less if the organization:

    • 1. Has been in existence for 1 year or less and received, or donors have pledged to give, $37,500 or less during the organization’s first tax year;
    2. Has been in existence between 1 and 3 years and averaged $30,000 or less in gross receipts during each of its first 2 tax years; or
    3. Is at least 3 years old and averaged $25,000 or less in gross receipts for the immediately preceding 3 tax years (including the year for which calculations are being made).

  • Due Date – by the 15th day of the 5th month after the close of your tax year (for example, if your organization has a December 31st year end, the return is due May 15th).
  • Failure to File: If you do not file your e-Postcard on time, the IRS will send you a reminder notice but you will not be assessed a penalty for filing the e-Postcard late. However, an organization that fails to file required e-Postcards (or information returns – Form 990 or 990-EZ) for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status.
  • Where to file: http://epostcard.form990.org. You must register and obtain a login ID in order to create a 990-N. There is no paper form.
  • What additional information is needed?


    • 1. EIN
    2. Legal name and mailing address
    3. Any other names the organization uses
    4. Name and address of a principal officer
    5. Website address of the organization
    6. Confirmation that the organization’s annual gross receipts are normally $25,000 or less
    7. Statement that the organization has terminated, if applicable

    Have other questions? Post a comment or call me at 817-332-2301.

    Kendra Gollihar

    Categories: Gov't/United Way Agencies, Private Schools and Universities, Public/Private Foundations, Tax Compliance
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