Federal Taxation Issues for Tax-exempt Non-profit Organizations
Q: |
Do tax-exempt nonprofit organizations file tax returns to IRS? |
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A: |
In general, exempt organizations must file annual tax returns (Form 990 Series) to the IRS, even though they do not pay federal taxes |
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Q: |
What is Form 990 series and which Form 990 to file? |
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A: |
Form 990 is an annual information return required to be filed with the IRS by most organizations exempt from income tax under section 501(a), and certain political organizations and nonexempt charitable trusts. Which form an exempt organization must file generally depends on its financial activity, as indicated in the chart below.
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Q: |
Are all exempt organization required to file annual returns to IRS? |
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A: |
No. There are exceptions to file annual returns (Form 990 Series), such as an integrated auxiliary of a church, or a school below college level affiliated with a church or operated by a religious order. |
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Q: |
What information must disclose on Form 990? |
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A: |
An exempt organization must disclose the following information on Form 990 series:
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Q: |
When is the Form 990 Series due? |
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A: |
The due date to file Form 990 Series is the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization's accounting period ends (May 15th for a calendar-year filer). You can electronically file Form 8868 to request a 6-month automatic extension of time, except for 990-N (postcard) filers. |
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Q: |
Any penalty if fails to file Form 990 Series? Any penalty if fails to file Form 990 Series? |
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A: |
Yes. If an organization does not file a required annual tax return or files late, the IRS may assess penalties. In addition, if an organization does not file as required for three consecutive years, it automatically loses its tax-exempt status. There is no extension request for Form 990-N filers, thus there is no penalty assessments for filing Form 990-N late. If your 990-N is late, the IRS will send a reminder notice to the last address received. |