Filing 990 at The Last Minute? Learn These Tips!

We believe that filing tax returns for your exempt organization should be as hassle-free as possible.

That’s why we offer an easy, intuitive tax-filing software that works with you to help keep that all-important compliant status with the IRS for your organization.

We’ve taken the complication out of filing Form 990 and reduced it to a form that is as tamed as a kitten!

Read on below to find out which 990 Form you should use when filing, what filing information you should have available, and how to make filing a breeze!  That’s as easy as 1-2-3!

Just to be sure...

When approaching the task of filing a 990 for your organization, take a few moments to read over this chart to get an overview of the various forms, as well as a heads up about what you’ll need.

You may have noticed...

There’s a big difference between Form 990-N and the rest of the IRS Form 990 forms. Either way, you will be filing based on the financial status of your organization, determined based on your gross receipts and assets.

IRS Form 990 and IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) are the most confused forms. If you are responsible for filing your nonprofit’s tax return, knowing which form to use is essential.

So, let’s dig a little deeper into the differences in filing IRS Form 990 versus filing Form 990-N.

Filing Form 990-N:

IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) is for nonprofit organizations with gross receipts that do NOT exceed $50,000. This form is typically filed by smaller nonprofit organizations and is the quickest 990 tax form to complete.

990-N sounds pretty great, right?  Be careful! There are certain organizations that aren’t allowed to file the e-Postcard version of 990.  Check this list and be sure you’re not on it before you try filing Form 990-N.

990-N is a no-go for:

• Political organizations required to file an exempt organization return annually
• Private foundations (File Form 990-PF)
• Supporting organizations such as:
• Organizations with gross receipts $5,000 or less and classified as a section 501(c)(3) religious organization.
• Auxiliaries of Churches
• Exclusive religious activities (by religious orders)

Filing Form 990:

If you’ve figured out that you can’t file a 990-N, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook! If you want to remain tax-exempt and avoid hefty IRS penalties, you’ll still be filing, but you’ll use one of the other 990 forms available.  It will be either the 990 EZ, Form 990, or the IRS Form 990 PF.

Regardless, ExpressTaxExempt is here to get you through it. Regardless of the form, we have a simple process in place to help guide you through filing. We really walk you through it, so you can have the confidence that you’re completing the right form, and completing it correctly.  We’ve pulled out all the stops, including checks that keep all your information accurate.

Ready to file?

The uniqueness of Form 990 is that it has a deadline on the 15th of every month.

Depending on the calendar or fiscal tax year of your organization, you may have a 990 Form due soon!

Click below and start your simple process for filing Form 990 at the last minute.

Don’t let procrastination get in the way! File today!

File 990 today!

Read More »

How To File By the July Form 990 Deadline

We are almost halfway through another month which means a new Form 990 deadline is right around the corner.

Exempt organizations with a fiscal tax year starting in March must file IRS Form 990 by the July 15 deadline.

However, with July 15 falling on a Sunday this year, you technically have until Monday, July 16 to file your IRS Form 990. Woot woot! \o.o/

Let’s review how to file by the July Form 990 deadline to keep your organization in good standing with the IRS.

How To File By the July Form 990 Deadline

Select The Correct Form 990

There are four types of 990 Forms that exempt-organizations can file. Here’s a super-quick guide on the IRS Form 990 Series to help you determine which 990 Form to file:

Form 990:

If your tax-exempt organization’s gross receipts are greater than $200,000 and your total assets (art, historical pieces, etc.) are greater than $500,000 then this is the form you are searching for.

Form 990-EZ:

If your charitable organization’s gross receipts were less than $200,000, and your total assets are less than $500,000 you will need to file Form 990-EZ.

Form 990-N:

If your organization’s gross receipts for the previous fiscal year were less than $50,000, then this form is for you. This one is actually very different from the other types and is referred to as an e-Postcard.

Form 990-PF:

Form 990-PF is filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treats as private foundations.

IRS Form 990 E-filing Checklist

Before completing your organization’s Form 990, take a moment to locate and organize all your necessary tax-related information to make the filing process easier and less time-consuming.
Depending on which Form 990 you must file, a variety of information will need to be provided:

Information Needed To File Form 990-N
Employer Identification Number Legal Name Fiscal year period	Principal Officer Current Address Gross Receipts under $50,000

Information Needed To File Form 990/990-EZ/990-PF
EIN Legal Name Fiscal year period Current Address Contact number Exemption type List of Officers and Key Employees Prior year return Contributions for the past 5 years Other Revenue details Expenses Investment Income details Numbers of Employees, Contractors & Volunteers	Organization’s Mission Accomplishments for the year (Grants Paid, Projects finished, etc.) Donor Advised Fund Information Endowment Funds Information Assets              (Art, Historical treasures, etc.) Policies Details of Activities (Political, lobbying, foreign transactions, etc.) Related organization

How To File Form 990

Now that you know how to file by the July Form 990 deadline, file online using ExpressTaxExempt’s self-guided filing process. We assist tax-exempt and nonprofit organizations by providing automatic schedules and worksheets, 100% US-based customer support, prior year filings, and more! Register today and let us help you stay in good standing with the IRS.

File IRS Form 990

Read More »

5 Nonprofit Myths You Need To Leave in 2018

Do you remember getting in trouble for telling a “little white lie” while growing up? Well, a few white lies and myths are floating around regarding nonprofit organizations that we want to do away with, starting today. Here are five nonprofit myths you need to leave in 2018. 

5 Nonprofit Myths You Need To Leave in 2018

1) Form 990 only has to be filed every 3 years

Tax-exempt organizations are required to file Form 990 tax returns annually. If an organization fails to file IRS Form 990 for three consecutive years, their tax-exempt status will be revoked. 

2) My organization used all our donations for the year and has no money left. There is no way we can be penalized for failing to file

Myth! IRS penalties are calculated based on the gross receipts of an organization, not its income. For this reason, organizations must file a Form 990 [annually] regardless of the amount of money that remains after the organization’s tax year has ended. 

3) Nonprofits only report substantial contributions on IRS Form 990

Too easy, right? A tax-exempt organization filing IRS Form 990 must report all donations. You will also need to include contribution details for donations $5,000 or more.

4) All small nonprofits can file Form 990-N

Private foundations must file a Form 990-PF regardless of their size or gross receipts. To learn more about IRS Form 990-PF, click here.

5) Nonprofits focus on big donors, not small ones

Lies, lies, and more lies. Nonprofit organizations are thankful for any donation they receive! As a nonprofit leader, you know how hard it is to muster up funds to adequately impact your community.

Although large donors are great and help sustain the work of your organization, be sure to also focus on those that make smaller donations to keep a good “cushion” of donors.

The Truth Sets You Free

As you lead your organization into the second half of 2018 leave these nonprofit myths behind and walk in truth. Don’t forget to keep detailed financial records and documents so you can be prepared to file your organization’s Form 990 at the end of your tax year.

ExpressTaxExempt offers a simplified e-filing process to handle your annual 990 tax filings and takes pride in keeping nonprofits compliant with the IRS. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the experienced team of experts located in historic Rock Hill, SC. We are available by phone, live chat, and email in both English and Spanish for your convenience. Click here to contact us today! 

Read More »

Time Is Running Out: File A Tax Extension Form 8868 Today

The due date for Form 990 is here! Nonprofit or charitable organizations worldwide have completed or are in the process of completing an IRS Form 990 to maintain tax-exempt status for their organization.

With only hours left to e-file Form 990 before the midnight deadline, here is how to beat the 990 extension due date 2017 by quickly filing tax extension Form 8868. Let’s be honest; you can rush through filing your 990 tax form today and possibly make major mistakes, or you can apply for a Form 990 extension. Time is running out: file a tax extension Form 8868 today!

Time Is Running Out: File A Tax Extension Form 8868 Today

If you need more time to e-file Form 990 you can file an extension for Form 990 and receive six additional months to file.

Not that we’re saying filling out a tax-exempt return is a brisk, afternoon activity (trust us, we know). But six months is a fairly long time… Until the time is up.

Unfortunately, today is the 990 extension due date for 2017 tax returns for nonprofit organizations operating on a calendar year.

Tax-exempt returns that are due today must be transmitted by midnight (local time), so head on over to our homepage where all your exempt organization e-filing needs can be easily met.

Even consider using our sister product TaxBandits, the new #1 home for everything tax exempt,
where you can transmit your Form 990 or apply for IRS Form 8868 using one account, and still enjoy the same e-filing features you’ve come to trust with ExpressTaxExempt.

Our live support team in Rock Hill, South Carolina is at the edge of their seats waiting to speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have about e-filing IRS Form 990 or an IRS Form 990 extension.

Give us a call at (704) 684-4751, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., EST. Since it’s “deadline day” we are even going to stick around a few extra hours to be of assistance.

We can also be reached 24/7 through support@taxbandits.com, or chat with us live.

File Your IRS Form 990 Extension Now!

Read More »

How To Never Mistake IRS Form 990 and Form 990-N Again

Tomorrow is your Form 990 due date! But before you file it is important to know which 990 tax form is required by the IRS. File Form 990 based on the financial status of your organization before tomorrow’s deadline!

IRS Form 990 and IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) are the most confused forms. If you are responsible for filing your nonprofit’s tax return, you need to know that which form is required by your tax-exempt organization.  Today we will dig deeper into how never to mistake IRS Form 990 and Form 990-N again.

How To Never Mistake IRS Form 990 and Form 990-N Again

To make a long story short, IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) is for nonprofit organizations with gross receipts that do NOT exceed $50,000. This form is typically filed by smaller nonprofit organizations and is the quickest 990 tax form to complete. 

The following type of nonprofit organizations are not permitted to file an IRS Form 990-N:

• Political organizations required to file an exempt organization return annually 
• Private foundations (File Form 990-PF)
• Supporting organizations such as:
• Organizations with gross receipts $5,000 or less and classified as a section 501(c)(3) religious organization. 
• Auxiliaries of Churches
• Exclusive religious activities (by religious orders) 

Although these types of organizations are not permitted to file Form 990-N (e-Postcard), they must still file a Form 990 tax form to remain tax-exempt and avoid hefty IRS penalties. The appropriate form for your organization is based on your gross receipts and assets. One of the following forms must be filed by May 15th.

Form 990 Series 

Form 990-N (e-Postcard) - For organizations reporting gross receipts less than $50,000

Form 990-EZ (Short Form) - For organizations reporting gross receipts less than $200,000 and total assets less than $500,000

Form 990 (Long Form) - For organizations reporting gross receipts equal to or greater than $200,000 and total assets equal to or greater than $500,000

Form 990-PF - For organizations identifying as an exempt private foundation, taxable private foundation, or a nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation.

For more information about which 990 tax form your organization should file and where to file Form 990, click here. If you are ready to file, ExpressTaxExempt has everything you need to remain compliant with the IRS by e-filing Form 990.

If you need more time apply for an extension for Form 990 using tax extension Form 8868.

File 990-EZ Online                                       File 990 Online

Read More »

New Schedule A Features Just in Time For The May 15 Deadline

Organizations that operate on a calendar tax year (January - December) have a major tax filing deadline coming up on May 15th. If you have filed a Form 990 or Form 990-EZ before, you know that there are “Schedules” that are attached to your return which provides necessary additional information regarding your organization.

There are a total of 24 Schedules between Form 990 & 990-EZ; today we will focus on the most commonly filed Schedule (Schedule A) and its newly developed features with our sister product TaxBandits. Here’s what you need to know about new Schedule A features just in time for the May 15 deadline.

New Schedule A Features Just In Time For The May 15 Deadline

TaxBandits makes the e-filing process easier for all of our clients by automatically generating Schedule A once you provide answers to prompted questions when preparing your Form with our software.  

Well, we have talked about it enough, so let’s dive into the world of Schedule A. 

What is Schedule A?

Schedule A is used by tax-exempt organizations or any organization that files Form 990/990-EZ to provide information about its public charity status and public support. This Schedule allows your organization to explain its program services and give its mission statement or other descriptions of its charitable goals. 

Essentially, any non-profit that is supported by the public must file this Schedule along with their Form 990. 

Filing Schedule with TaxBandits

Filing Schedule A can be rather time-consuming and intimidating; but not when you easily file with TaxBandits! TaxBandits’ comprehensive software offers a simplified filing process that can be completed quickly, efficiently, and correctly the first time. 

When filing Schedule A with TaxBandits you can eliminate the guessing game of whether or not you passed or failed the public support test. Our built-in audit feature lets you know before you transmit. 

Other newly developed features now allow filers to simply enter contribution totals instead of individual contributions and determines the exact figures for Public Support based on answers provided to our prompted questions during the filing process. 

Best of all, current ExpressTaxExempt and TaxBandits users now have the ability to copy standard information from their previous year return to the current year; saving a great deal of time from the standard filing process.

As the big nonprofit Form 990 filing deadline quickly approaches on May 15th, take advantage of the convenient e-filing process that TaxBandits offers. Our newly developed features for filing Schedule A are sure to make your filing experience pleasant and stress-free.

Get a Head Start on Schedule A Today!

Read More »

The Best Advice for Nonprofits on Tax Day

Tax Day 2018 has officially arrived! Your initial instinct may be to focus on your personal income tax return, but your organization may need to also submit a return to the IRS by midnight.

If your nonprofit or tax-exempt organization operates on a fiscal tax year beginning in December and running until November, you must file a 990 Form by TODAY, April 17th, Tax Day.

Today is the last day to file taxes 2018 for your nonprofit organization.

If this deadline caught you off guard, here's the best advice for nonprofits on Tax Day.

Advice for Nonprofits on Tax Day

The most recognized and discussed tax day of the year is today, April 17th. As a leader of a tax-exempt organization, here is what you need to know about the Form 990 series as well as tax extension Form 8868.

Form 990 Series

Form 990-N (e-Postcard): Filed by tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts less than or equal to $50,000.

Form 990-EZ: Filed by tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts that come to less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

Form 990: Exempt organizations with more than or equal to $200,000 in gross receipts or total assets more than or equal to $500,000 typically file Form 990.

Form 990-PF: Filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treats as private foundations. 

Tax Extension Form 8868 Due Date

Need more time to file your IRS Form 990? Using IRS Form 8868, your organization will automatically get 6 months to file Form 990. To avoid penalties, you will need to file by midnight TONIGHT! That’s right, Form 8868 is due today, April 17th, 2018. If you file after Tax Day 2018, your IRS extension form will be rejected.

Steps To E-file IRS Form 8868

1. Register or sign in with ExpressTaxExempt
2. Add organization's basic information such as name, EIN, address, and contact number
3. Select the IRS form which you are applying for the tax extension
4. Enter your organization's tax year period
5. Choose your tax extension type and provide information for signing authority
6. Review your return and fix any errors
7. Pay and transmit to the IRS

To make Tax Day even better for your nonprofit, you should take advantage of a personal income tax extension using TaxBandits. Extension Form 4868 is used by individual or joint taxpayers to receive an automatic extension of up to 6 months to file their returns. TaxBandits also handles Form 990 Series tax filing so you can complete both forms from one account. 

It takes just a few minutes to apply for an income tax extension using TaxBandits. Sign-up for a free account today. 

File Tax Extension Form 8868 Today!

Read More »

Make Sure Your Organization is in The Clear After The Tax Deadline

As the biggest tax day of the year approaches, your initial instinct may be to handle your personal tax filings; but what about your exempt organization?

Your Federal Tax Return is not the only tax form due this tax season. ExpressTaxExempt is here to make sure your organization is in the clear after the tax deadline.

Is My Organization Required To File Form 990?

If your nonprofit or tax-exempt organization operates on a fiscal tax year beginning in December and running until November, you must file one of the following 990 Forms by April 17th:

Form 990-N (e-Postcard): Filed by tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts less than or equal to $50,000.

Form 990-EZ: Filed by tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts that come to less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

Form 990: Exempt organizations with more than or equal to $200,000 in gross receipts or total assets more than or equal to $500,000 typically file Form 990.

Form 990-PF: Filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treats as private foundations.

How To Meet the April 17 Tax Deadline

There is still an adequate amount of time to meet the April 17th tax deadline; especially when you e-file with ExpressTaxExempt!

Our step-by-step tax preparation takes the hassle out of IRS nonprofit filing by providing a simplified interview-style e-filing process.

Our tax software works to keep your organization compliant with the IRS all year long. Plus, when you file your Form 990, 990-N, 990-EZ, or 990-PF with ExpressTaxExempt, upon approval from the IRS, we will instantly send your tax return to GuideStar to be shown on their database with our Express990 feature.

Learn more about how to take advantage of this partnership here.

Need More Time to File? We’ve Got You Covered!

If you have a lot on your plate and need more time to file, ExpressTaxExempt has you covered.

Simply e-file Form 8868 from your ExpressTaxExempt account for an additional 6 months of filing time for your tax-exempt organization. This form must be filed by the original due date of your organization’s 990 filing deadline.

Steps to E-File Extension Form 8868

1. Register or sign in with ExpressTaxExempt
2. Add organization's basic information such as name, EIN, address, and contact number
3. Select the IRS form which you are applying for the extension
4. Enter your organization's tax year period
5. Choose your extension type and provide information for signing authority
6. Review your return and fix any errors
7. Pay and transmit to the IRS

See how simple that is? File with ExpressTaxExempt and forget about IRS penalties and the headache of filing tax forms for hours. Get started today to make sure your organization is in the clear this tax season!

Read More »

Final Day to Meet the January 15 Deadline

Can you believe that we’re already halfway through the first month of 2018? Although it seems like we were just watching the ball drop a couple of days ago, January is quickly passing us by and the first Form 990 filing deadline is here!

Does My Organization Need To File Today?

While all exempt organizations must file Form 990 annually, only organizations whose tax year ENDED on August 31 or organizations that had a tax year which ended on February 28/29 with an original filing deadline of July 15 but filed a 6 month extension must file today. 

Typically, Form 990 deadlines fall on the 15th of each month, however, due to the MLK Day holiday being on January 15, filers received an additional 24 hours to submit their Form 990 by Tuesday, January 16.

Which 990 Form Should I File?

The “Golden Question!” Here are the four types of 990 Forms that can be filed. Simply select the form that best matches the financial status of your organization:

Form 990 - filed by organizations with gross receipts more than or equal to $200,000 or total assets equal to or greater than $500,000.

Form 990-EZ - The Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax and is filed by organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

Form 990-N - for organizations with gross receipts that are less than or equal to $50,000. This form can only be filed electronically. 

Form 990-PF - filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-Exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treat as private foundations.

What Happens If I File Form 990 Late?

If you’re required to e-file Form 990-N (e-Postcard), there aren’t really any immediate penalties for filing late. Just be sure to get it in as soon as you can if you realize a little too late that you’ve missed the deadline. Keep in mind, though, that if you go more than three consecutive years without e-filing a 990-N (or any 990 form), your tax-exempt status will be automatically revoked by the IRS and you’ll need to apply again for it.

However, if you have to file the 990 Long Form, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-PF, the IRS does impose penalties for filing your form late. You may be able to get out of these penalties if the organization can provide reasonable cause for why the 990 Form was filed late. If not though, the IRS will charge you $20 for each day the return is late, with the maximum penalty being $10,000 or 5% of your organization’s gross receipts, whichever is less.

And that’s just if your organization earned fewer than $1,000,000 in gross receipts for the tax year you’re reporting. If your organization had gross receipts of more than $1 million, the penalty increases to $100 per day late, with a maximum penalty of $50,000.

Can I File For an Extension?

If you file Form 990-N, no. But that’s just because it’s so easy: all you do is confirm your organization’s identifying information (name, EIN, address), confirm you made fewer than $50,000 in gross receipts by checking a box, and e-file.

If you file Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF, yes! You can use Form 8868 to get an automatic 6-month extension of time to file your 990 Form.

ExpressTaxExempt Is Here To Help!

If your organization is required to file by the January 15/16 deadline, you can quickly complete your Form 990 right now with ExpressTaxExempt! We provide the most hassle-free and simple way to instantly file Form 990 and transmit it directly to the IRS. 

If you need any assistance while filing, just give our US-based team of experts a call. We’re here for you Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM EST at 704.839.2321. You can also reach us via live chat and through our 24/7 email support at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com and we’ll help however we can!

Read More »

Maintain Your Exempt Status with the January 15 Deadline

The New Year has come and many nonprofit organizations have kicked off 2018 with a great start. 

As you begin to carry out the work of your organization to make a difference in the communities you serve, we want to ensure that you’re aware of an upcoming filing deadline that may greatly affect the tax exempt status of your organization. 

Form 990 Deadline

Tax exempt organizations are required to file a 990 Form annually to maintain their tax exempt status with the IRS. 

The deadline to e-file Form 990 Series varies and is dependent upon the calendar or fiscal tax year in which the organization operates. 

Organizations that operate on a calendar tax year (January - December) have an annual filing deadline of May 15. Fiscal tax year organizations whose tax year consists of 12 consecutive months and ends any month besides December, have a deadline on a different month. 

Is My Form Due on the January 15th?

There are two types of organizations that must file by the January 15 deadline:

• Organizations whose tax year ENDED on August 31, or 

• Organizations that had a tax year which ended on February 28/29 with an original filing of July 15 but filed a 6 month extension. 

Due to January 15 being a legal holiday (MLK Day), 990 Forms for organizations can be filed up until Tuesday, January 16. 

Which Form Do I File?

There's nothing worse than being stressed out while filing and not knowing exactly which form to file for your organization. 

ExpressTaxExempt eliminates the worry about missing your Form 990 filing deadline or filing the incorrect form by providing you with all of the tools and forms that you’ll need to file properly. 

Form 990 Series

Form 990 is filed by organizations with gross receipts more than or equal to $200,000 or total assets equal to or greater than $500,000.

Form 990-EZ is the Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax and is filed by organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

Form 990-N is for organizations with gross receipts that are less than or equal to $50,000. This form can only be filed electronically.

Form 990-PF is filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-Exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treat as private foundations. 

Easy Filing with ExpressTaxExempt

ExpressTaxExempt offers easy e-filing for Form 990 Series returns (Form 990, Form 990-N (e-Postcard), Form 990-EZ, and Form 990-PF) so you can quickly file the correct 990 Form for your organization. 

Follow the simple step-by-step guide to create your free account, enter basic information about your organization, complete the form interview, review your information and audit report, pay for your form, and transmit it directly to the IRS. The entire process is completed in 5 simple steps! 

Let Us Help You File

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help with your e-filing experience. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also reach us 24/7 via email at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

Read More »

Form 990 December Deadline is Approaching Quickly

Snowflakes are falling, Christmas gift shopping is at an all time high, and holiday parties make the weekends even more enjoyable. It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

While you’re embracing the many facets of the Holidays, don’t forget about the upcoming Form 990 Series filing deadline on this Friday, December 15. We’d hate for your Christmas to be ruined by costly penalties from the IRS. 

Tax exempt organizations that operate on a fiscal tax year of August 1 to July 31 are required to file one of the following tax returns of the Form 990 Series by December 15th: 

Form 990 - filed by organizations with gross receipts more than or equal to $200,000 or total assets equal to or greater than $500,000.

Form 990-EZ - the Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax and is filed by organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

Form 990-N - for organizations with gross receipts that are less than or equal to $50,000. This form can only be filed electronically.

Form 990-PF - filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-Exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treat as private foundations.

For more information on what details you will need in order to e-file, click here.

Filing Form 990

Handling tax filings, whether personal or business, can be intimidating and stressful; but not with ExpressTaxExempt. ExpressTaxExempt eliminates the worry about missing your Form 990 filing deadline! With our simple, interview style e-filing process, you can complete your form and instantly transmit it directly to the IRS.

We offer easy e-filing for Form 990 Series returns (Form 990, Form 990-N (e-Postcard), Form 990-EZ, and Form 990-PF) so you can quickly file the correct 990 Form for your organization.

Simply follow the quick step-by-step guide to create your free account, enter basic information about your organization, complete the form interview, review your information and audit report, pay for your form, and transmit it directly to the IRS. The entire process is completed in 5 simple steps!

Let Us Help You File

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help with your e-filing experience. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, and even offer extended customer support hours tonight for the November 15 deadline. You can also reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com. 

Read More »

November 15 Deadline is Here | E-file Today!

The Day Has Come!! ExpressTaxExempt put much focus on the November 15 (Form 990 Series) deadline recently to make sure all of our users were aware that they may be required to file by today to maintain the exempt status of their organization.

If you’re not aware of today’s deadline and what is due, let’s do a quick recap to bring you up to speed.

About Form 990 Series

Tax exempt organizations are required to file one of the following tax returns of the Form 990 Series annually. The Form 990 series consists of the following:

Form 990 is filed by organizations with gross receipts more than or equal to $200,000 or total assets equal to or greater than $500,000.

Form 990-EZ is the Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax and is filed by organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

Form 990-N is for organizations with gross receipts that are less than or equal to $50,000. This form can only be filed electronically.

Form 990-PF is filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-Exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treat as private foundations.

Click here to find out what information you’ll need to have in order to file these forms.

Is My Organization Required to File? 

GIF via GIPHY 

All organizations are not required to file on today’s deadline. The Form 990 deadline is the 15th day of the 5th month after your tax year ends. That means for organizations with a calendar tax year that ends in December the 990 deadline is on May 15th.

However, if you have a fiscal tax year, meaning your tax year consists of 12 consecutive months and ends any month besides December, your deadline is in a different month. 

There are two types of organizations that must file today:

1. Organizations with a tax year that ended on June 30.
2. Organizations whose original filing deadline was May 15 but filed an automatic extension (Form 8868). 

If your organization ended its accounting period (tax year) on June 30, you have the option to file your return today or apply for extension to file with Form 8868. 

If your organization was required to file on May 15 and was granted a 6-month extension to file, you must file today since there is not another extension that can be filed. 

The Easiest Way to File

ExpressTaxExempt eliminates the worry about missing your Form 990 filing deadline! With our simple, interview style e-filing process, you can complete your form and instantly transmit it directly to the IRS.

We offer easy e-filing for Form 990 Series returns (Form 990, Form 990-N (e-Postcard), Form 990-EZ, and Form 990-PF) so you can quickly file the correct 990 Form for your organization. For more information on e-filing pricing, click here.

Follow the simple step-by-step guide to create your free account, enter basic information about your organization, complete the form interview, review your information and audit report, pay for your form, and transmit it directly to the IRS. The entire process is completed in 5 simple steps! 

Let Us Help You File

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help with your e-filing experience. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, and even offer extended customer support hours tonight for the November 15 deadline. You can also reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

Read More »

3 Major Tips For Last Minute Filing

Filing taxes under pressure can be stressful and a headache, to say the least. With the November 15 deadline quickly approaching for fiscal tax year organizations that operate from July 1 - June 30, the pressure is on to submit your appropriate 990 tax return by tomorrow. 

Here’s a few last minute tax filing tips that can be helpful when meeting the November 15 deadline:

Know Which Form To File

The quickest way to have your 990 return rejected is to file the incorrect form. This detailed list of the the Form 990 series will help you understand what specific form your organization needs to file. 

Form 990 is filed by organizations with gross receipts more than or equal to $200,000 or total assets equal to or greater than $500,000.

• Information Needed: Program services, revenue, expenses, supplemental financial statements, net assets, balance sheets, list of employees, other IRS filings, and tax compliance along with the organization’s governance, management, and disclosures.

Form 990-EZ is the Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax and is filed by organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

• Information Needed: Organization’s EIN, gross receipts and assets must be provided. Also, all appropriate, required Schedules must be completed and attached when filing Form 990-EZ.

Form 990-N is for organizations with gross receipts that are less than or equal to $50,000. This form can only be filed electronically.

• Information Needed: Organization’s EIN, tax year, legal name & address, different names used by the organization (if applicable), website (if applicable), name & address of a principal officer, confirmation of gross receipts of $50,000 or less, and a statement that the organization is going out of business (if applicable). 

Form 990-PF is filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-Exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treat as private foundations.

• Information Needed: Organization’s name and EIN (as it appears on IRS records), organization’s revenue and expenses, net assets, capital gains and losses for tax on investment income, charitable activities, program-related investments, as well as information on its officers, directors, trustees, etc.

E-file with an Authorized E-File Provider

E-filing tax returns for your exempt organization makes life so much easier; especially with ExpressTaxExempt. With our interview-style e-filing process, you can complete your form and instantly transmit it directly to the IRS. 

We offer easy e-filing for Form 990 Series returns so you can quickly file the correct 990 Form for your organization. For more information on e-filing pricing, click here. 

Simply follow the step-by-step guide to create your free account, enter basic information about your organization, complete the form interview, review your information and audit report, pay for your form, and transmit it directly to the IRS. The entire process is completed in 5 simple steps!

Are you completely overwhelmed and need more time to file your 990 return? No worries! We even offer Extension Form 8868 which provides you with an additional 6 months to file. 

Meet The Deadline

Although the clock is ticking, you still have time to file and transmit your organization’s 990 return directly to the IRS by the November 15 deadline. As the #1 authorized e-file provider, ExpressTaxExempt will guide through the entire filing experience. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help with your e-filing experience. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

Read More »

The Secret to Stress-Free Form 990 Filing

The month of November is rather nostalgic with the Fall season bringing about cooler temperatures and Thanksgiving kicking off holiday gatherings and celebrations. 

November is also a big month in the tax exempt industry. If your exempt organization operates on a fiscal year which ends on June 30, your IRS Form 990 return is due by November 15. If you operate on a calendar year (original due date of May 15) but filed a 6-month extension through Form 8868, your 990 return is due also. 

Deadlines are never fun and trying to meet them can become stressful. Thankfully, e-filing with ExpressTaxExempt eliminates the stress of tax filing while on a time-crunch. 

ExpressTaxExempt offers the entire Form 990 Series to be completed in the most simple and easiest method possible. You won’t have to worry about missing your Form 990 deadline because the interview style e-filing process will help you complete your form and instantly transmit it directly to the IRS. 

All that you will need to do is follow the simple step-by-step guide to create your free account, enter basic information about your organization, complete the form interview, review your information and audit report, pay for your form, and transmit it directly to the IRS. The entire process is completed in 5 simple steps! 

Failing to file your Form 990 return can result in accumulating expensive penalties very quickly. If your organization fails to file on time and has less than $1,000,000 in gross receipts for the entire year and do not provide reasonable cause for missing the deadline, the IRS will charge you $20 per day for every day that your return is late. 

This penalty continuously accrues until you reach the maximum of $10,000 or 5% of your organization’s total gross receipts, depending on which amount is less. Filing with ExpressTaxExempt prevents this from happening. 

Stress-Free Filing

The best way to handle any type of situation, especially tax filing, is to be prepared. By being proactive and having a tax plan in place, the risk of last minute tax surprises can be avoided. Here are some other ways to have stress-free filing experience: 

1. Know your specific filing deadline 
2. Determine and Organize all of the information you will need when filing in advance. 
3. Strategize the amount of time needed to file your 990 while still conducting the daily tasks of your exempt organization, charity, etc. 
4. Maintain detailed records throughout the calendar or fiscal year. 
5. Utilize the ExpressTaxExempt website as an informative resource before, during, and after the e-filing process. 

Filing Process

Our service at ExpressTaxExempt is dedicated to providing the best and most efficient e-filing experience for tax exempt organizations, no matter how big or small. Because of this, all ExpressTaxExempt users can begin the filing process for free and easily enter their organization’s information individually. Payment is only required at the very end when it’s time to transmit your return directly to the IRS. Furthermore, our interview-style form completion includes internal audit checks to ensure that all information is entered properly with no areas left undone, auto-generated IRS form Schedules to accompany your 990 return, along with several other exclusive features.

We're Help To Help

E-filing your appropriate Form 990 Series return before the November 15 due date with the #1 authorized IRS e-file provider (ExpressTaxExempt) is a piece of cake. Contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help with your e-filing experience. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

Read More »

ExpressTaxExempt & GuideStar Join Forces to Benefit Nonprofits

Author John C. Maxwell once said that “teamwork makes the dream work.” ExpressTaxExempt can attest to this with the launch of our newest exclusive feature, Express990. 

It is with great excitement that ExpressTaxExempt launches Express990, in collaboration with GuideStar, to benefit thousands of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits will now be able to seamlessly export their completed IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-PF returns directly to GuideStar with this new integration.

As the world’s largest source of nonprofit information, GuideStar collects pertinent information, including annual IRS filings, and distributes it through its website and more than 200 partner sites and applications. 

The collaboration between GuideStar and ExpressTaxExempt, the #1 e-file provider for thousands of nonprofit organizations, nonprofits now have the ability to send their tax returns directly to GuideStar as part of the e-filing process. 

Furthermore, this partnership will reduce the amount of time it takes GuideStar to obtain this information and makes it available to the public which will also greatly improve upon the professional impression a nonprofit makes in terms of trust and transparency. 

Donors and potential supporters will have almost immediate access to up-to-date information for the nonprofits that select this option. Normally, it takes months before GuideStar obtains 990s from the IRS because the IRS must process them first. Express990 eliminates this delay; each return is transmitted to GuideStar as soon as it is accepted by the IRS.  

Express990 sends GuideStar exactly the same data that was submitted to the IRS under penalty of perjury. This valuable information can be utilized when determining grant approvals, contributions, and more. Information regarding each organization's mission, income, expenses, finances, and leadership will be completely transparent. This transparency can greatly increase a nonprofit’s chances of donor recognition and receive funding in a more timely manner. 

Nonprofits will also have access to several exclusive ExpressTaxExempt features, including management of reviewers, approvers, and additional users, along with internal audit checks, multi-organizational filing, and multi-tax period support. Tax returns filed with ExpressTaxExempt are transmitted directly to the IRS and can be accepted within hours. Users also receive real-time email notifications with tax return updates. Best of all, ExpressTaxExempt offers a 100 percent, US-based customer support team for any and all inquiries an organization may have in regard to its e-filing.

The collaboration between ExpressTaxExempt and GuideStar, along with the launch of Express990, is a “win-win” situation for nonprofit organizations across the country. Nonprofits will be joining a platform of 1.8 million IRS-recognized nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations on the GuideStar website. Potential donors and funders will be able to quickly obtain the information that they need to evaluate your nonprofit. A process that would usually take months, can now be completed within a few days. 

We're Here To Help

As always, our aim at ExpressTaxExempt is to be of assistance to tax-exempt organizations as we dedicate our services to providing the best and most efficient e-filing experience. Make the best choice for your nonprofit and experience the great benefits of Express990 by visiting our website today at www.expresstaxexempt.com. 

For any assistance or questions about e-filing our available 990 forms, you can contact our live professionals by phone at 704-839-2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., EST), by email (support@expresstaxexempt.com), or by live chat (www.expresstaxexempt.com).

Read More »

Maintaining Exempt Status with Unrelated Business Income

When filing either a Form 990 or a Form 990-EZ, you’ll have to report any income that was received outside the normal activities of your organization. Even though your organization may be tax-exempt, income from unrelated business activity can be taxed at corporate income tax rates.  

Before discontinuing any activities that could bring in taxed income, you should understand that tax-exempt organizations are allowed to participate in a regulated amount of business activities that are unrelated to its exempt purposes. Unrelated Business Income becomes taxable if it meets the following qualifications:

Income From a Trade or Business:

A trade or business includes any activity done for the creation of income either from selling goods or from the completion of services. Generally, the IRS sees it as any endeavor motivated by making a profit; therefore, unrelated business income tax can be applied broadly and could cover many activities done through your exempt organization.

Trade or Business is Regularly Carried On:

“Regularly carried on” basically means how often and in what method the business is conducted. Even if your activity is not done year round, it could still be considered as “regularly carried on” if the activity is common to the frequency and method of for-profit organizations.

Example: If a for-profit company normally does an activity seasonally, and your exempt organization does that same or similar seasonal activity, then it would be classified as “regularly carried on.” On the other hand, something like a one-time only sale of property wouldn’t fall in this category.

Trade or Business isn’t Substantially Related:

Of course, for any activity to be considered as unrelated business, it must not be substantially related to the main purpose of your exempt organization. Regulations state that business activities must essentially contribute to the execution of your exempt organization’s purpose. If not, it’s considered unrelated, and any income made can be taxed.

As with any other tax stipulations or rules, there are some exceptions and modifications. Contact your local tax professional if you find yourself in an unspecified situation with unrelated business income.

Word to the Wise:

GIF via GIPHY

Just because your exempt organization can participate in unrelated business activity doesn’t necessarily mean it always should. As mentioned earlier, authorization of unrelated activities should be limited. If operating an unrelated business becomes the primary purpose of your exempt organization, you would risk losing your tax-exempt status.

Report any Unrelated Business Income through your Form 990 or Form 990-EZ with ExpressTaxExempt. We work closely with the IRS to provide you the most secure, easy, and accurate tax e-filing experience. Our servers are encrypted, McAfee secure certified, and protected by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Your information goes directly to the IRS and no one else.

For any assistance or questions about e-filing our available 990 forms, you can contact our live professionals by phone (704-839-2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., EST), by email (support@expresstaxexempt.com), or by live chat (www.expresstaxexempt.com).

Read More »

Upcoming Form 990 & Form 990-EZ Deadline: Is It My Time to File?

If your organization operates on a fiscal tax year and files Form 990 or Form 990-EZ, you may have a tax return deadline coming up soon. Organizations that function fiscally from April 1 to March 31 should e-file their Form 990/990-EZ by the upcoming August 15th due date. Additionally, any organization that filed an extension in February 2017 (fiscal year of October 1 - September 30) must file by August 15th as well.

Not sure what the difference is between Form 990 and 990-EZ or if your organization should file either one? Here’s some information on both forms that might be beneficial to you:

Most organizations exempt from income tax must file an annual information return, which is commonly known as a Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. Form 990 is typically filed by organizations with gross receipts that are more than or equal to $200,000 in gross receipts or total assets more than or equal to $500,000. Form 990-EZ is for very similar but for organizations that have less than $200,000 in gross receipts and $500,000 in total assets.

NOTE: Gross receipts are the total amounts the organization received from all sources during its annual accounting period.

Groups and organizations that usually file Form 990 or 990-EZ include: hospitals, schools, churches, charities, sports clubs, parent teachers associations, public libraries and facilities, cultural organizations and associations, employee associations, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and more.

Organizations that fail to file either form by its due date will incur a penalty against the organization. A penalty of $20 a day, not to exceed the lesser of $10,000 or 5% of the gross receipts of the organization for the year can be charged unless it can be shown the organization filed late due to a reasonable cause. Organizations with annual gross receipts exceeding $1,000,000 are subject to a penalty of $100 for each day with a maximum of $51,000 for any one return.

Organizations worldwide can easily stay in compliance and good standing with the IRS by filing online annually with ExpressTaxExempt. As the #1 authorized IRS e-file provider, we provide all users with our recently reduced filing rates, 100% US-based customer support service, and simplistic e-filing process which allow each organization to e-file IRS Form 990 & 990-EZ securely with the IRS.

We encourage you to contact us via phone at 704.839.2321 on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or reach out to us 24/7 via email at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com if you have any questions about the e-filing process.

Read More »