How To Communicate Fundraising for Nonprofits

The summer is in full force which means it is prime time to start fundraising for nonprofits that will support the financial needs for the year. The support of your nonprofit fundraising depends heavily on how well you communicate your efforts through written, verbal, or visual communication methods. Today we will cover how to communicate fundraising for nonprofits to help your organization reach its goal.

How To Communicate Fundraising for Nonprofits

The message you send to donors can easily affect the decision-making process. Here are some tips that help with communicating fundraising for nonprofits:

1) Know Your Audience

Before you send anything to your potential donors, make sure you have a strong understanding of your audience so you can send the right message. Determine the demographic that you want to reach and find out what your audience responds to best.

Once you learn about your audience, compelling them is much easier. Remember to keep tone, language, jargon, etc. in mind as you start crafting your message(s).

2) Know Your Goal

It’s almost impossible to reach any goal when you don’t know what it is. Set your goal early on in the planning process so you can effectively incorporate it in your communications and strategy.

3) Keep Text Brief

Effective communication does not equate to extensive text. When writing your message, be sure to share enough information to inform the reader, grab their attention, and compel them to support your fundraising efforts. If your message is too long, you could lose the reader’s interest or even their support.

4) Personalize the Message

Always keep your target audience in mind when writing and make a personal connection. Readers that feel connected tend to give more easily! You would never write the same message for a millennial as you would your elderly audience.

5) Be Consistent

Once you have established a tone for your messaging, stick with it! Readers like consistency and will get the message you are trying send. This will not only cut down on the time you spend preparing additional messages but will also save your marketing budget major moola.

6) Avoid using Jargon

Nonprofit organizations and professionals tend to have industry-specific jargon that isn't used in our daily vocabulary. Avoid using this jargon when communicating with your audience, because nine times out of ten they won’t have a clue what you are trying to imply. When your audience doesn’t understand they are more likely to skip the call to action and move on. As much as you wish they would simply ask, this is likely not the case.

7) Prompt Communication  

Give your readers an adequate amount of time to donate towards your fundraising efforts. If you wait until the last-minute to correspond with them, they will be more inclined not to give or simply “catch you next time,” which usually never comes around.

Set deadlines for when you want to send correspondence and stick to them. The more time you give the reader, the more support you may receive!

Next Steps

Once you have communicated your charity fundraising and collected donations to support the mission of your organization, be sure to keep a record of all donations for your annual IRS Form 990 filing.

ExpressTaxExempt is here for your nonprofit with all of its tax filing needs. You are in the business of helping others, now let us help you! Create a free account today and get back to making a difference in the lives of others.

Start My Charity Fundraising Today

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#GivingTuesday - Making a Difference One Donation at a Time

Today, we recognize #GivingTuesday, a social movement which encourages others to give back by donating time, money or positive influence to a worthy cause that makes a difference. Generous efforts such as donating blood, providing financial support to a local organization, visiting a nursing home, or even helping out at a soup kitchen can touch the lives of many.

Even large organizations such as PayPal have “seized the season” and partnered with its users to celebrate the #GivingTuesday initiative, adding 1% of all donations made through their portal from now until the end of the year.

Since we’re talking about donating to charity, we’d love for you to share with us ways that you will donate! Are you a part of a charity or nonprofit organization who could use some donations to support the mission of the organization? If so, post the group name and information in the comments so other readers can donate!

For tax-exempt organizations, donations are a major component to its success and level of outreach. Thankfully, taxpayers have the ability to maximize their tax savings before the end of the year by giving to a charity and deducting it on their annual federal income tax return.

#GivingTuesday Tax Filing Reminders

With #GivingTuesday being an annual event, there are some reminders that taxpayers should be reminded of as they give money or good to an exempt charity or organization before December 31.

Donations to Eligible Organizations (Only) are Tax-Deductible

Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and government agencies are eligible to receive deductible donations. For a complete list of eligible organizations, click here.

Itemize to Claim Charitable Donations

Charitable deductions cannot be made if an individual chooses the standard deduction. Taxpayers must itemize their donations on Form 1040 Schedule A to claim deductions for charitable contributions.

Have Proof of Monetary Donations

Upon making a donation, be sure to receive a bank record or a written statement from the charity/organization to prove the amount and date given. Taxpayers using payroll deductions should retain a pay stub, a Form W-2 wage statement or other proof showing the total amount withheld for charity, along with the pledge card showing the name of the charity.

Donating Property

Donating items such as clothing and other household items come with a deduction amount that is normally limited to the fair market value of the item. These types of items must be in good or better condition to be considered tax-deductible.

Similar to monetary donations, those that donate property must get a written acknowledgment from the charity for all gifts that are worth $250 or more. This statement should include a description of the items contributed.

What Happens After You Donate?

Once you’ve donated and received the necessary paperwork for your deduction, all that’s left to do is simply file your annual tax return. However, tax-exempt organizations have a few more steps to take such as filing their required Form 990 each year.

Exempt organizations are required to file this return to ensure that their organization is not abusing its tax-exempt status. The IRS also utilizes the information reported on Form 990 and makes it available for public information.

Luckily, exempt organizations can handle all of their Form 990 filing needs right here at ExpressTaxExempt with our easy, simplified filing process, and can even instantly share their information with GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit organization information.

Give, Give, Give!

The ExpressTaxExempt team encourages you to take some time this holiday season and give back in some way in honor of #GivingTuesday. Once again, feel free to comment on ways that you or your organization are helping out today and days to come as well as providing your organization's information to gain support from fellow ExpressTaxExempt users.

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International Day of Charity: Support & Give Back Today

“Every good act is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.” -- Moliere

Did you know that today, Tuesday, September 5, 2017 is the International Day of Charity? If you’re like me, you may have recently returned from a Labor Day Weekend vacation or even enjoyed a great cookout with friends and family on your day off on Monday.

Labor Day Weekend has ended and now we’re “back to life...back to reality!” As we get back into the swing of things to finish out the rest of this week, take a few moments and help make the world a better place by making a donation to charity on International Day of Charity.

Donations can be given to charities that support the environment, protect children, feed the hungry, or help worthy causes. Of course, with their being so many charities to choose from, it’s quite hard to choose which one to give to. We did some research and found some of the top 10 charities that are making a difference in the world which you could consider donating to. Check out the list below:

Charitable Organizations

Natural Resources Defense Council

Based in New York City, this organization has worked with businesses, elected officials, and community groups on issues such as global warming, ocean cleaning, and food security. Natural Resources Defense Council website.

United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation is a U.S. public charity founded by Ted Turner which partners with others around the world to tackle issues such as global health, climate change, poverty, women’s empowerment and more. Visit the United Nations Foundation to donate.

Caring Voice Coalition

The Caring Voice Coalition puts its efforts towards empowering patients who live with a life-threatening chronic disease by providing outreach programs and services aimed to provide financial, emotional, and educational support. Caring Voice Coalition website.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Established in 1950 and now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, this association aims to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible around the world. The association has a weekly Hour of Decision radio program broadcast, syndicated newspaper column entitled “My Answer,” and also has the Billy Graham Response Team which provides emotional and spiritual care to individuals and communities living through a sudden tragedy. To donate, visit the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Catholic Medical Mission Board

This group provides healthcare for the world’s most poor and does so by building healthy, sustainable communities through local engagement and partnerships. These causes are targeting in communities throughout Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Catholic Medical Mission Board website.

AmeriCares

AmeriCares serves as an emergency response and global health organization that aids those in crisis. Established in 1979, AmeriCares has delivered more than $12 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries, including the United States. To support AmeriCares, click here.  

To assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey, see our most recent blog post:

“5 Ways You & Nonprofits Can Help Hurricane Harvey Victims”

Samaritan’s Purse

The Samaritan’s Purse has met the needs of those who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine, while including the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. Its most popular mission, Operation Christmas Child, has delivered more than 135 million shoe boxes filled with gifts to poor children in more than 150 countries. Visit the Samaritan’s Purse website today to make a donation.

MAP International

Founded in 1954, MAP International helps prevent disease by improving water supplies and promotes health to create hope and lasting change in more than 115 countries. Their annual efforts include partnering with local leaders to help educate and train communities to deal with health threats such as HIV/AIDS. Visit their website at www.map.org for more information and ways to donate.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief is California’s largest international humanitarian nonprofit organization which provides medical assistance to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and disaster in the United States and throughout the world. More than $3.4 billion in medical supplies and equipment has been provided since its inception in 1948. Visit the Direct Relief website to support their efforts.  

Take Action

Let’s celebrate International Day of Charity by supporting a charity of your choice and helping those that are in need. Remember, charitable donations can be listed as a deduction on your taxes, so be sure to keep record of your gift. For more information on Charitable Donation Deductions, click here.  If you know of other charities that could use our support, please leave a comment below. At ExpressTaxExempt, we respect the services that exempt organizations provide to communities and we’re motivated to help with your e-filing needs so you can get back to proudly serving your community. Visit our website for any tax forms that your tax exempt organization may need throughout this year and save even more when you e-file with our recently reduced filing rates! We’re available to assist you 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.

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Does Your Charity Qualify for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exemption?

You’ve been busy putting a lot of work into your charity and your community is improving by the day as a result! Now, it’s time to take the next big step and establish your charity as a tax-exempt organization with the IRS.

What Makes a Charity?
A charity, you may know, is an organization set up to provide help or raise money for those in need. Charities that can apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status through the IRS are considered to be public charities. These charities typically include ones that

• -Are churches, hospitals, or are qualified medical research organizations associated with hospitals or schools
• -Have an active fundraising program and receive contributions from multiple sources
• -Receive income from activities related to or that further the organization’s exempt purpose(s)
• -Actively function in a supporting relationship to at least one existing public charity

How Do I Know If My Charity Qualifies for Tax-Exempt Status?
To qualify for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a public charity, there are two key requirements:

1. 1. Your group must be organized as a corporation, trust, or unincorporated association. 
2. 2. Your group must permanently dedicate its assets to its exempt purposes while furthering one or more of those purposes, which must be stated in your organization document.

Basically, in order to qualify for tax-exempt status, your charity needs to be organized and operating solely for the exempt purposes outlined in your organization’s documentation. Nothing that the organization earns can go to a private shareholder or individual. Additionally, for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, your organization must not act for or as a political organization to influence legislation.

How Do I Apply for Tax-Exempt Status?
You can apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS by filing Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption. And all applicants, unless otherwise directed by the application or IRS, must complete Parts I through XI of Form 1023 and include an additional schedules or attachments required. Once you’ve applied for 501(c)(3) status and the IRS has assessed your application, they’ll send you a letter telling you whether your application was approved and what your next steps as a tax-exempt organization are!

What Form Do I Need to File When My Charity is Tax-Exempt?
You are still required to report to the IRS each year some financial details, even as a tax-exempt status, to ensure your funds are still being used to further your tax-exempt purpose(s). Depending on your total gross receipts for the year, as a public charity you’ll file one of the following 990 Forms:

• -990 Long Form, filed by organizations that receive at least $200,000 in gross receipts or have total assets equalling or exceeding $500,000
• -990-EZ Form, filed by organizations that receive between $50,000 and $200,000 in gross receipts or whose total assets are fewer than $500,000
• -990-N Form, or the e-Postcard, filed by organizations that receive less than $50,000 in gross receipts

And if you’re at the point in your tax-exempt journey where you need to file Form 990, we can help! ExpressTaxExempt has helped e-file more than 100,000 990 Forms easily and efficiently! Click here to get started creating your very own account or contact our all-star, US-based support team to answer any nonprofit questions you may have!

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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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E-file 990-N Form in Minutes with New e-Postcard Application

ExpressTaxExempt proudly introduces a new service designed specifically for small nonprofit groups. Exempt organizations with gross receipts less than $50,000 can now e-file 990-N forms with the IRS just by using employer identification numbers (EINs).

With our new e-Postcard application, we’ve taken away the need to enter any filing details or drawn-out account information, so transmitting e-Postcards is faster than ever before! The entire process is quick, easy, and secure - using ExpressTaxExempt is now simple as 1-2-3!

Step 1: Search Your Organization’s EIN
Enter the employer identification number to view the filing history for your nonprofit - this shows each year you filed a 990-N (e-Postcard) and the years which you haven’t filed. Even if you don’t need to e-file, you can always use this first step to search any nonprofit and see when it last filed.

Step 2: Select a Tax Year to File
Choose the available tax years to file your e-Postcard and then enter your email address and a password - this automatically creates your free account with ExpressTaxExempt. If you already have an account, then just enter your password to proceed with the filing. Having an account is necessary for you to correct any rejected forms and receive email notifications about your filing status.

Important: The IRS supports e-filing for three consecutive years only - you won’t be able to file for years further back electronically.

Step 3: Review Form and Transmit to the IRS
Check that the information generated on your e-Postcard is current and correct. It should list the following:

• Tax Year Period
• Organization Name and Address
• Primary Officer Name and Address

All of this information comes directly from the IRS and your organization’s previously filed 990-N forms. All you have to do is confirm gross receipts are less than $50,000 and then submit your e-Postcard. If you need to change any organization or primary officer details, you can “Edit” before transmitting.

And that’s all there is to it! You can print a copy of your 990-N (e-Postcard) immediately after sending it to the IRS, and we’ll email you an approval letter once the e-file is accepted. You can check your filing status any time by entering your return number and email address. ExpressTaxExempt makes it super easy to e-file before the May 15 deadline.

If you have any questions about e-filing your 2016 990-N form with our new e-Postcard application, please contact our U.S. - based customer support team at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. We’re also available via email with support@expresstaxexempt.com.

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Form 990 Instructions for Exempt Organizations

Tax-exempt organizations are required to file an annual tax return with the IRS - this form is known as the 990 series, and it reports an organization’s total revenue, expenses, and activities.

Submitting an IRS 990 form every year is essential for tax-exempt groups to maintain their exemption status.

Failing to do so can lead to severe IRS penalties including automatic revocation of exemption status. Filing with incomplete or incorrect information also yields the same consequences. Here are a few guidelines to remember when filing a 990 form.

Accounting Period
Tax-exempt groups typically need to file their tax return by the 15th day of the 5th month after their accounting period ends. An accounting period, or tax year period, is a consecutive 12-month period which an organization operates. There are two types of tax years - calendar and fiscal. You can contact the IRS tax-exempt hotline (877.829.5500) and ask for your organization’s specific tax year begin and end dates.

Gross Receipts
The type of 990 form the IRS requires depends on your organization’s gross receipts or total revenues. For tax-exempt groups making over $200,000 a year, IRS Form 990 is mandatory to file. Organizations with gross receipts between $50,000 and $200,000 can file IRS Form 990-EZ. And small nonprofits or charities with less than $50,000 are responsible for filing IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard).

Requirements for a Complete Form 990
Preparing an accurate Form 990 or 990-EZ for your organization takes a considerable amount of time and paperwork. Both forms are several pages long depending on how many schedules you need to attach.

Along with your basic organization details, be ready to present information about program services, revenue, expenses, supplemental financial statements, net assets, balance sheets, a list of employees, other IRS filings, and tax compliance along with governance, management, and disclosures.

E-filing with ExpressTaxExempt
The best way to file a 990 form is through an IRS-authorized, e-file provider. ExpressTaxExempt.com is such a service offering cloud-based solutions to exempt organizations looking for a quicker and more accurate method of filing with the IRS.

The process is entirely simplified with interview-style questions, internal error checks, bulk upload of multiple contributions or donors, automatic schedule inclusion, real-time email notifications of filing status, and storage of transmitted returns.

You can invite board members to e-verify your completed form, and even gain access to a PDF copy after submitting to the IRS. If your return gets rejected, ExpressTaxExempt can point out the errors for you to correct and retransmit. You can even file amended returns for accepted filings if applicable.

It’s necessary for exempt organizations to remain current with their annual tax returns. ExpressTaxExempt.com makes it easy to e-file, but feel free to contact us at 704.839.2321, or through email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com, for any questions about e-filing with the IRS.

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E-file Form 990-N Before the Year Ends!

E-file Form 990-N Before the Year Ends!

There are only two full months left within the year, and if your small tax-exempt organization needs to file a tax return, ExpressTaxExempt.com has you covered. It’s not too late to transmit your IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) before the end of the year!

IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
The 990-N serves as an electronic notice and is for small organizations that make less than $50,000 - and that’s pretty much all you’re reporting to the IRS. There is no need for any exact amounts or schedules. The form is also electronic-only; you won’t find a paper version anywhere!

E-filing with ExpressTaxExempt.com
We make e-filing IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) as simple as 1-2-3! With our quick and easy steps, you can complete and transmit your form within minutes:

1. 1. Create a FREE account at ExpressTaxExempt.com
2. 2. Enter your Basic Organization Details
3. 3. Select the appropriate Tax Year
4. 4. Confirm your Gross Receipt
5. 5. Review Summary and Audit Report
6. 6. Authorize and Transmit to IRS

After submitting your 990-N, you’ll gain access to a printable copy of your e-Postcard summary and receive real-time email notification about your filing status. If the IRS rejects your e-file for any reason, we’ll identify the issue so you can make corrections and re-transmit at no extra cost!

IRS Penalties
There isn’t much of a penalty for filing Form 990-N (e-Postcard) late, which is why you still have until the end of the year to file. It doesn’t matter if your deadline was months ago - you’re still able to e-file.

There are consequences for not filing at all - fail to file for three consecutive years, and you’ll lose your tax-exempt status. You also can’t file an IRS Form 8868 extension form for e-Postcards. If you can’t file before the deadline, be sure to file as soon as possible afterward.

Important: The IRS e-filing system only supports three consecutive filing years at a time. As the new year begins, the oldest year gets dropped from support. These final two months will be the last time an organization can e-file for 2013. Your only option is to paper file IRS Form 990-EZ for any discontinued years.

Feel free to contact our U.S. - based, e-file professionals for valuable assistance or to answer questions about e-filing a 990 form. You can reach us at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or 24/7 day and night with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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REMINDER!! Final IRS Deadline for the Year!

We’re in the last three months of the year. And just like every year, the final extended deadline for exempt organizations rolls around like clockwork.

For nonprofits and charities who filed extensions throughout the year, you still have a little over a month to file your tax return before November 15.

Which Organizations Must File?
Not every tax-exempt organization has the same final deadline - it depends on your tax year period and which forms you submitted during various due dates. Your exempt organization is required to file before November 15 if it fits each of the following criteria:

• Operates on a Calendar Tax Year (January 1 to December 31)
• Filed IRS Form 8868 Part I for the original May 15 deadline
• Filed IRS Form 8868 Part II for the extended August 15 deadline

There are no other extension options after Form 8868 Part II, so you can either file on time or file late with possible IRS penalties.
Important: If November 15 is the original filing deadline for your organization, then you still have a choice of filing for an extension; however, your Fiscal Tax Year must be from July 1 to June 30.

Which Forms to File?
Exempt organizations must submit an IRS 990 form every year based on their gross receipts.

• IRS Form 990 - Tax-exempt organizations with over $200,000 in gross receipts
• IRS Form 990-EZ - Tax-exempt organizations with over $50,000, but less than $200,000 in gross receipts
• IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) - Tax-exempt organizations with less than $50,000 in gross receipts

For the final extended deadline, you’re either filing the Form 990 or Form 990-EZ because there are no options for extending a Form 990-N (e-Postcard) filing.

IRS Penalties
If you fail to file on time, your organization could get charged $20 for each day your form is late, or a $100 daily charge if gross receipts are over $1 million. Maximum fees can reach up to $50,000 or 5% of your gross receipts.

As mentioned earlier, there are no extensions available after the November 15 deadline. If you file an incomplete form, the IRS will consider it a late return and charge penalties. If you file on time, but your form gets rejected, you have a 10-day grace period to file again.

With ExpressTaxExempt.com, our cloud-based service has everything you need to securely e-file your 990 form quickly and easily than paper filing. Let us streamline your filing experience - even if your form gets rejected, we can identify the issue, let you correct it, and re-transmit to the IRS instantly with no extra charges!

Contact our U.S. - based, e-filing experts at 704.839.2321 - Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST - for questions or assistance with transmitting to the IRS. We also offer email support with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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3 Keys to Gain More Donors

3 Keys to Gain More Donors

In the nonprofit industry, it’s standard practice to request for donations or contributions - and there are many ways to secure supporters. One way that’s least chosen by small organizations is cringe-worthy persuasion.

When thinking about persuasion, most of us picture being sold something by any means necessary - or someone overly aggressive and a bit sleazy. But mainly, persuasion is getting someone to believe in something as much as you do.

And we persuade more than we probably think - any time you casually talk about your organization to someone, when explaining what you do, or when you acquire volunteers and members. Keep these three keys in mind the next time you need potential donors to become believers.

Convey Your Faith & Purpose

Remember your reasons for starting your nonprofit or charitable organization. Why do you want to make a difference or leave an impact? There clearly has to be a love or passion for the goals your organization is attempting to achieve. You don’t necessarily need to be extremely eager or excited, but understand that people can sense when you’re speaking with genuine interest rather than regurgitating facts.

Utilize the Three Cs

To keep your conversation on track, remember to be clear, concise, and calm - the three Cs. Consistency is important here - you’ll lose your potential donor by contradicting something you said earlier. Refrain from over sharing anything that doesn’t drive your point, and if you happen to be shy or an introvert, practice a few times until the process becomes natural.

Aim Beyond Donations

When speaking about your exempt organization, donations should be the bonus - not the goal. Your objective should be to get the donor enthusiastic about your nonprofit as much as you are. Nonprofits typically establish and maintain relationships with potential donors - you might not get that check right after the first meeting, but in the long run, the money will come as others begin to believe in you more.

After you’ve built donor relationships and start receiving donations, visit us at ExpressTaxExempt.com where you can enter or bulk upload your list of contributions, gifts, and grants. According to the IRS, you must report donations greater or equal to $5,000 on your IRS Form 990/990-EZ - you also need to submit donor information such as name and address for each contribution you report.

Our U.S. - based, customer support team are available to assist you with contributions or any other questions about the e-filing process. Give us a call at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also contact us via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

Related Blog: Tax Tips for Nonprofit Volunteers

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IRS Lowers Nonprofit Applications

Outstanding news for organizations trying to seek tax-exemption status - the Internal Revenue Service reduced its processing fee for Form 1023-EZ, Streamlined Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The change, implemented this past July 1, slashes the original application fee from $400 to $275.

What is Form 1023-EZ
The EZ version of IRS Form 1023 was introduced back in 2014 as a quicker and simpler process for small organizations applying for exemption status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Tax Code. This shorter 3-page form made it possible for the IRS to cut down the backlog of the tens of thousands of organizations seeking tax-exemption each year.

If your organization makes less than $50,000 and have assets less than $250,000, the short application form is the best way to go. You can also learn more about what the form requires with our easy blog: Section 501(c)(3) Applications

How To Pay
The IRS states that organizations can pay their processing fees through Pay.gov when filing the application. You’ll need to provide either bank account information or a valid credit card or debit card to process the payment.

IRS Compliance
After your organization applies and receives exemption status, the next thing to do is preserve your tax-exemption by e-filing the required form each year with the IRS. Because your gross receipts are less than $50,000, you’ll need to e-file IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard), and no other service makes that easier than ExpressTaxExempt.com.

With ExpressTaxExempt.com, all you need to enter is basic organization details, select your tax year period, and confirm your organization makes less than $50,000. Afterward, you can authorize and transmit to the IRS along with receiving real-time, email notifications of your filing status. And the best part - the process takes only minutes to complete.

If you’re nowhere near a computer, that’s not a problem. Our FREE downloadable ExpressTaxExempt Mobile app, for iOS and Android devices, allows you to e-file anywhere there is Wi-Fi access for smartphones and tablets. And the process is no different - complete your filing within minutes.

As easy as we’ve made it, we still understand the severity that comes with federal tax filings. If you have any questions or need assistance with your e-filing experience, contact our U.S. - based support team in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We’re available at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. We also offer 24/7 email messaging with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Need to File Schedules? ExpressTaxExempt Has You Covered!

E-filing IRS Form 990 or a 990-EZ by itself is a formidable, time-consuming task, but based on your type of exempt organization and its activities; you may need to complete additional forms called Schedules.

ExpressTaxExempt.com automatically generates schedules from the information you provide about your nonprofit or charity. The process is seamless - all you’re required to do is complete the form interview, and at the end, you’ll find all your entries preloaded onto the appropriate schedule.

What are Schedules?
To briefly describe it, Schedules are various disclosure and compliance forms. They vary with each organization depending on type and activities - some tax-exempt organizations may have to file a couple while others could file many more.

Each schedule has a particular title and asks for an assorted set of information. They each supply the IRS with specific and detailed information about specialized activities conducted by your organization. You can find a complete list 990 schedules on our website.

• List of IRS Form 990 Schedules
• List of IRS Form 990-EZ Schedules

E-filing Schedules with ExpressTaxExempt
As mentioned earlier, our service automatically creates and loads information on the required schedule based on the answers from your form interview. If your answers don’t need exhaustive information, then the corresponding schedule isn’t generated. In short, you don’t have to stress over which schedules to file or not with ExpressTaxExempt.com.

Here’s an Example:
Let’s say your organization received donations throughout the year. In the form interview, you answer “Yes” to receiving contributions; then you proceed to list them. On the 990 form, you’ll see a check mark for having contributions along with the total amount received.

You’ll find the detailed information such as Name, Address, Type of Contribution, and Amounts on your Schedule B, which is the Schedule of Contributors. If you didn’t get any donations, answer “No” in the form interview, which prevents a Schedule B from generating along with any detailed questions about contributions - this process is the same for each available schedule.

ExpressTaxExempt.com makes e-filing Schedules easy, but if you have any questions about your form interview or schedules in general, feel free to contact our U.S. - based customer support team. We’re available at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. We can also be reached 24/7 with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Expert Assistance with Premium Support

We all need a helping hand at times, and e-filing federal tax returns are no different. Even though we’ve carefully designed our program as the most streamlined experience available today, we understand that correctly reporting to the IRS is quite intimidating sometimes - not to mention unknown errors and technical hiccups that are typical with automated services.

Even so, you’re never alone with ExpressTaxExempt.com. And with our exclusive Premium Support service, you can receive detailed assistance from our live, e-file professionals with your entire form!

Help from the Pros
With ExpressTaxExempt.com, our premium support team is U.S. - based and located in sunny Rock Hill, South Carolina. You’ll speak with our support professionals who can expertly address any site navigation questions and remedy any technical issues you may experience. E-filing IRS Form 990/990-EZ is more of a breeze with your personal e-filing guide.

Important: Our support experts are not legally authorized to provide tax advice - any and all assistance is strictly for the program only.

Book an Appointment
Scheduling for one-on-one assistance with a premium support session is incredibly easy and is done directly from your account with these steps:

1. 1. Sign into your account at ExpressTaxExempt.com
2. 2. Click the “My Account” tab in the top-right corner
3. 3. Click “Premium Support” on the bottom right
4. 4. Select an appointment date using the calendar
5. 5. Choose an available appointment time

Your personal e-filing guide will contact you based on the date and time you chose, and you can begin your form wherever you need. If you need basic assistance or have general questions about e-filing, call our customer support line at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can even email us night or day with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Get More Done in Less Time! Bulk Upload Your Information

E-filing tax returns for your nonprofit or charity takes a considerable amount of time - that’s no surprise. But the time you’re dedicating to remain compliant with the IRS could be spent running your organization.

With ExpressTaxExempt.com, we understand how important time is for exempt organizations. We also know the severity of filing promptly with the IRS, which is why our service streamlines the e-filing process to get your IRS Form 990/990-EZ finished and transmitted as soon as possible.

One of our unique, cloud-based features that allow for time-efficient filing is our Bulk Upload option.

Upload Information All At Once
Our bulk upload feature caters to those of you who receive numerous contributions throughout the year. Many tax-exempt organizations receive hundreds of donations and entering each one, as required by the IRS, is a daunting task.

With ExpressTaxExempt.com, you have the option to upload all your contributions at once by clicking the “Bulk Upload” button on the “Contributions, Gifts, Grants, and Similar Amounts Received” screen. Our program enters your entire list in your account while you are free to continue filling out the rest of your form.

Easy Steps To Upload
Submit your contributions list in three simple steps and get back completing the rest of your return while ExpressTaxExempt.com works for you.

All you need to do:

• Step 1 - Download our pre-made spreadsheet template
• Step 2 - Enter or transfer your contribution details within the template and save
• Step 3 - Upload the saved template from your computer

Important: If you already have all your donations listed on a spreadsheet, you can skip the first two steps and just upload your file into the program. Make sure your file contains all the required information to report correctly to the IRS.

Our U.S. - based, customer support team is happy to answer any questions you may have about bulk uploading or reporting contributions in general. Give us a call at 704.829.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also contact us at any time of the day with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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