IRS Form 990

IRS Form 990 Assistance for Nonprofit Organizations

Annual IRS reporting is an important responsibility for most tax-exempt organizations. Form 990 provides information about a nonprofit's finances, programs, governance, and operations. It also helps the Internal Revenue Service monitor compliance with federal tax requirements and allows the public to learn more about an organization's activities.

Support 501, Inc. provides Form 990 assistance to help nonprofit organizations understand their annual reporting responsibilities, organize financial information, and prepare for applicable filing requirements. Our goal is to help nonprofit leaders approach annual reporting with better organization, accurate records, and a clear understanding of the information being reported.

Understanding IRS Form 990

Form 990 is an annual information return used by many tax-exempt organizations. The appropriate filing depends on the organization's classification, gross receipts, total assets, and applicable exceptions.

Common filings in the Form 990 series include:

• Form 990: The standard annual information return for organizations required to file the full return.

• Form 990-EZ: A shorter return available to eligible organizations that meet the applicable requirements.

• Form 990-N: An electronic notice, commonly called the e-Postcard, generally available to eligible organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less.

• Form 990-PF: The annual return generally required for private foundations.

Some organizations are exempt from filing these annual returns or notices. Nonprofits should confirm their specific filing obligations rather than assume that their tax-exempt status eliminates the requirement.

Our Form 990 Services

Financial Record Organization

Preparing an accurate return begins with organized accounting records. We help organizations identify and organize financial information needed for annual reporting, including revenue, expenses, contributions, grants, compensation, assets, liabilities, and other relevant transactions.

Well-maintained records help support the amounts reported and make it easier to identify missing information before filing.

Form 990 Review and Preparation Support

Support 501, Inc. assists organizations with reviewing relevant financial information and organizing required reporting details. Depending on the agreed scope of services, assistance may include reviewing draft returns, identifying incomplete information, coordinating supporting schedules, and helping ensure that reported information is consistent with available records.

Additional schedules may be required based on the organization's activities, financial transactions, governance arrangements, or other circumstances.

Governance and Organizational Reporting

Form 990 requests information about certain governance practices, officers, directors, key employees, compensation, and organizational activities. We help nonprofits organize the documentation needed to address applicable questions and identify areas requiring clarification before the return is finalized.

Filing Deadlines and Compliance Planning

For organizations using a calendar tax year, Form 990 and Form 990-EZ are generally due on the 15th day of the fifth month after the tax year ends, typically May 15. An eligible organization may request an automatic six-month extension using Form 8868. An extension generally provides additional time to file, not additional time to pay any tax due.

Most required Form 990-series returns and notices must be submitted electronically. Organizations should verify current IRS instructions and filing requirements for their particular return.

Why Timely Filing Matters

Most organizations required to file an annual return or notice risk automatic revocation of federal tax-exempt status if they fail to file for three consecutive years. Reinstatement can involve additional procedures, fees, and administrative work.

Maintaining a compliance calendar, reviewing accounting records throughout the year, and preparing early can help organizations avoid preventable filing problems.

Get Help with Your Form 990

Support 501, Inc. helps nonprofit leaders organize their annual reporting process and understand the information needed to support Form 990 compliance.