Calendar Year Filers: Today's Your Last Day to Submit Form 990!

Today’s the big day: May 15 is finally here!

If you’re filing the 990 Form for your organization that operates on a calendar tax year, there’s a chance you’ve been preparing for this day all year! Well, maybe not if you’re e-filing Form 990-N, but it’s just as important to make sure you file that one on time as well.

To clarify: calendar year filers are those organizations that operate on a fiscal year that follows the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. So if your yearly financial obligations are grouped starting on January 1 and ending on December 31 each year, this means you.

Now, those of you paper filing a 990 Form, make sure to have that bad boy complete, stamped, and mailed TODAY to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service Center

Ogden, UT 84201-0027

Or this address if you’re using a private delivery service:

201 West Rivercenter Blvd.

Attn: Extracting Stop 312

Covington, KY 41011

But those of you who have jumped on the e-filing wagon, you’re in for a real treat: you have until 11:59 p.m. (your time) to securely transmit your 990 Form with an IRS-authorized e-filing option. Luckily, you’ve got one right here with ExpressTaxExempt!

990-N (e-Postcard) filers, you can use our new site, epostcard.expresstaxexempt.com to complete your return in just three steps! And for those of you filing longer 990 Forms, like the 990-EZ, 990-PF, or the actual 990 Long Form, you can get your return done just as easily - but, of course, in a few more steps - with your ExpressTaxExempt account. We’ve broken down the forms into an interview-style, Q & A format so completing your 990 Form is easier than ever. We’ve also got built-in error checks to make sure no box is left incomplete and no “t” is left uncrossed.

Not to mention, we’ve got the 990 extension form, Form 8868, on hand that you can e-file right from your ETE account if you think you’re going to need more time to complete your form. And if you have any questions at all during the process, we’re here to help! Our customer support team is available via phone, live chat, and email to help make sure your form gets e-filed, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

So what are you waiting for? Time’s running out to file your Form 990!

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Final Reminder for May 15 Filing Deadline

Alright, guys, here it is. Big breath. Your final reminder that the May 15th deadline is literally right around the corner and, if your tax-exempt organization operates on a calendar tax year, that means you need to file a Form 990 by then!

Got it? Good. Because now you’re on your own!

Okay, don’t worry: we wouldn’t really leave you all on your own.

While it is up to you to make sure that 990 Form gets filed on time, ExpressTaxExempt is here to help you every step of the way, from “Start New Form” to “Transmit My Return”! Whether you need to file Form 990, 990-EZ, the 990-N, or 990-PF, you can complete your return just by signing up for an account, answering a few questions about your tax-exempt organization, and securely transmitting it to the IRS.

This year, we even have a fancy-pants new site just for the 990-N filers! It’s epostcard.expresstaxexempt.com, and you can use it to check the tax-exempt status of your organization, your organization’s filing history, and, yes, securely e-file that e-Postcard. There’s no need to sign up again; if you already have an ExpressTaxExempt account, you can use it to e-file on ePostcard!

And if you get in there and get started on your 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF and realize that you’re still going to need more time to complete your return, you can take a break and e-file the 8868 Extension Form right from your account. You’ll get an automatic six-month extension of time to file and can come back to your account to complete your return sometime before your new November deadline.

As always, if you need any questions while you’re filing or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Just give us a call at (704) 839-2321, live chat with us, or send us an email to support@ExpressTaxExempt.com and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Happy filing everyone!

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Last Minute Form 990 Filing Tips

The deadline for organizations to file 990 Forms is quickly approaching! If you’re filing for an organization that operates on a calendar year tax year, we want to make sure you have everything you need to be fully prepared for the deadline. And since we’ve already established e-filing is the best route at this point, here are a few tips for last minute Form 990 e-filing!

Know Which Form You Need to File
Before we even get started, you’ll need to know which form in the 990 series your organization’s required to file. Typically, you can go determine this based on the form you’ve filed for previous years. However, if this is your first year filing or you’re just not sure which form to file, here’s a simple guide:

• -Form 990-N, the e-Postcard, is filed by organizations with gross receipts (income) of $50,000 or less during the tax year.
• -Form 990-EZ is filed by organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 or total assets less than $500,000.
• -Form 990, the long form, is filed by organizations with gross receipts greater than $200,000 during the tax year or with total assets greater than or equal to $500,000.
• -Form 990-PF is filed by all tax-exempt organizations considered to be Private Foundations, regardless of total gross receipts.

E-file the e-Postcard Faster than Ever
Not to brag, but we’ve made e-filing the e-Postcard an easier and faster process than ever before! You can use our new website, epostcard.expresstaxexempt.com, to e-file your 990-N in just THREE steps. Or, if you’re constantly on the go, working and non-profiting, you can download our free Form 990-N app for iPhones, Androids, and tablets, which can also have your 990-N filed in just a few minutes. Oh, and psst: we’ve also got a free extension Form 8868 mobile app you can download as well, which may be good to know because…

You Can Extend Your Deadline and Get More Time to File
If it really gets down to the wire and you know you’re not going to make the deadline, just extend it. This year, it’s easier than ever since the IRS condensed the once 2-part 8868 Form into one automatic extension form. Now, all you have to do is complete one form - you don’t even need a reason why you need more time to file - and send it off and you’ll automatically receive a 6-month extension to file.

Give Us a Call If It Gets to Be Too Much
Like your organization is there for others, we’re here for you. If you need any help at all in your 990 filing process, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, at (704) 839-2321 and through live chat on our site. We also offer 24/7 email assistance at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com!

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How to File the Updated 8868 Extension Form

IRS Form 8868 is a tax extension form for exempt organizations and private foundations needing to increase their filing deadlines for 990 tax returns. The form separates into two sections - Part I and Part II - with each one offering a 3-month extension of time.

For the 2016 filing year, the IRS has eliminated the separate sections and now offers the 8868 form as a single filing that grants an automatic 6-month extension of time. Completing the new 2016 Form 8868 is similar as it was before; however, here are some IRS guidelines to follow when submitting an extension:


Basic Organization Details
Begin the form by adding essential information about your exempt organization or private foundation which includes the following:

• Organization Name
• Organization Address
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN)

The IRS added the social security option for individuals filing the form. If you are filing on behalf of a nonprofit or private foundation, you should enter the federal employer identification number.


Return Codes/Books/Group Return
Enter the return code that represents that tax form you want to extend its filing time:

Form 990/990-EZ - 01 Form 990-T (corporation) - 07

Form 990-BL - 02 Form 1041-A - 08

Form 4720 (individual) - 03 Form 4720 (other than individual) - 09

Form 990-PF - 04 Form 5227 - 10

Form 990-T (sec. 401(a) or 408(a) trust) - 05 Form 6069 - 11

Form 990-T (trust other than above) - 06 Form 8870 - 12

You need to enter the full name of the person or officer that manages the organization’s books or financial statements along with the organization’s phone number, fax number, or both. You also have a choice to indicate whether the organization does not have an office or place of business within the United States.

If the extension is for a group return, the IRS requires you to enter the organization’s 4-digit Group Return Number (GEN). You can select if the extension is for the whole group or part of the group. If it’s for part of the group, you should attach a list of names and EINs of those organizations.

Tax Year Period
On Line 1, enter the extended due date which is six months after the initial filing deadline. For example, if your due date is June 15, then your extended date is December 15. Then, you can choose if the extension is for a calendar year or fiscal year. If it’s for a calendar year, then enter the numerical year, i.e. 2016. For fiscal tax years, enter the begin date followed by the end date, i.e. March 1, 2016, to February 28, 2017.

Important: The updated Form 8868 only applies to tax year 2016 and upcoming tax years in the future. If you happen to be filing an extension for 2015, you’ll need to revert to the 2-part form.

For organizations filing for a tax year period less than a full 12 months, you can indicate the reason why on Line 2.


Tax Liabilities
Line 3a, b, and c are for exempt organizations and private foundations with tax amounts owed to the IRS. Enter any tentative taxes minus nonrefundable credits on Line 3a. List refundable credits, estimated tax payments made, and any prior year overpayments as a credit on Line 3b. Subtract your total sum of 3b from 3a to get your “Balance due.” on Line 3c - that’s the amount you have to pay either through EFTPS or with a check or money order.

E-file Tax Extensions
E-filing Form 8868 to the IRS is the best way for both individuals and tax professionals. By using IRS-authorized, e-file services like ExpressTaxExempt or ExpressExtension, you can typically complete and transmit a 2016 8868 form in less than 10 minutes. The IRS processes e-filed forms much quicker than paper filing, so you’ll receive confirmation and a copy of your extension soon after transmitting. And with e-filing, you usually have until Midnight local time of the deadline date to submit your form.

For any questions about your organization’s information, tax year period, tax liabilities, or Form 8868 return codes, you can contact the IRS Tax-Exempt Hotline at 877.829.5500. If you’re interested in e-filing your extension form, you can reach ExpressTaxExempt at 704.839.2321 or via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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E-file 990-N or Form 8868 from Anywhere

The IRS requires tax-exempt organizations to file an annual information return each year - this is nothing new within the nonprofit industry.

But filing a tax return for your exempt organization takes a significant amount of time away from other organizational programs and activities - even if you operate a small nonprofit.

Well, no longer will you have to set aside precious time to file a return for your tax-exempt group. ExpressTaxExempt offers an easy and secure way to transmit 990 forms quicker than ever. And here’s the fun part, you can get your filing done within minutes without being near a desk or computer!

Form 990-N Mobile App
With the FREE ExpressTaxExempt - Form 990-N app, small tax-exempt organizations with less than $50,000 in gross receipts can e-file their 2016 990-N (e-Postcard) directly from a iOS or Android mobile device. You can complete the entire e-filing process from anywhere at any time - the only information needed is basic organization details, tax year period, and confirmation of total revenue less than $50,000.

Before transmitting to the IRS, your e-Postcard is automatically checked to ensure you answered everything correctly. And once the IRS approves your filing, you’ll receive a confirmation directly to your email. If you get a rejected return, the app points out what information you need to correct and allows you resend your form without any extra costs.

Form 8868 Mobile App
If your nonprofit or charity has gross receipts over $50,000, and you want extra time to file your 2016 form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF, you can download the FREE ExpressTaxExempt - Form 8868 and conveniently file a tax extension using your iOS or Android handset.

E-filing only takes minutes to complete, and all you need is your organization’s basic details, tax year period, and select the annual tax return you typically file with the IRS. You can also enter any estimated tax liabilities if necessary. Your extension form gets checked for any mistakes before transmitting, and you’ll receive a PDF copy of the extension after sending it.

New e-Postcard Application Site
ExpressTaxExempt is constantly developing new simple and secure ways for exempt organizations to file tax returns with the IRS. And now, small tax-exempt groups can quickly e-file IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) just by using their employer identification number (EIN).

With our new e-Postcard portal, you can search your EIN and view which years you have or have not filed. Select the tax year you want to submit, and we automatically load your information directly from the IRS database - all you need to do is confirm that gross receipts are less than $50,000 and transmit. Go to epostcard.expresstaxexempt.com from your phone’s mobile browser and complete your 2016 e-Postcard filing before May 15.

Contact our US-based customer support if you have any questions about e-filing 990 forms or about your filing status; we’re happy to help! You can reach us at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or send us an email - day or night - to support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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