Tax Exempt Form 990-N (The e-Postcard)

***Aplos now offers FREE e-Filing for Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Click here for more!***

There is an easier way to fulfill federal filing requirements for small tax-exempt organizations.  The Form 990-N (e-Postcard) requires less information than the annual tax Form 990 and Form 990-EZ.

Who qualifies?

Tax-exempt organizations that have gross receipts less than $50,000 are required to electronically submit form 990-N (e-Postcard) unless the nonprofit elects to file Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Tax-exempt organizations that have gross receipts $25,000 in the tax years ending December 31, 2007 and before December 31, 2010 also fit the criteria to file an e-Postcard.

Is my organization exempt? Some entities exempt from filing the e-Postcard (Form 990-N) include:

• Churches, their integrated auxiliaries
• Church conventions or associations of churches
• Organizations required to file a different return (for example if gross receipts are over $50,000 or private foundations).

What do I need to file?

The e-Postcard requires less information than the 990 or 990-EZ.  To complete the online form you must have the following:

1. Employer identification number (EIN) aka Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
2. Tax year
3. Legal Name
4. Mailing address
5. Any other names the organization uses
6. Name and address of a principal officer
7. Website address if the organization has one
8. Confirmation that the organization’s annual gross receipts are $50,000 for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2010 (between 12/31/07 – 12/31/2010 the gross receipts total cannot exceed $25,000).
9. If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is going out of business.

When is it due?

The e-Postcard is due every year by the 15^th day of the 5^th month after the close of you tax year.  Your tax-exempt’s fiscal year and calendar year may be different.  However, if your nonprofit’s year-end is December 31^st, than your e-Postcard (Form 990-N) is due every May 15^th.

How do I file?

***Aplos now offers FREE e-Filing for Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Click here for more!***

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This information is meant to be informative. Please seek the advice from a tax advisor or CPA to see how this article may apply to your tax-exempt organization.

The IRS lists several FAQs regarding exempt organizations annual reporting requirements.