Reminder: Today is THE Day for Nonprofits to File 990s

If you’re thinking you’re going to keep putting off filing Form 990 for your nonprofit organization, we have one thing to say to you:

















Maybe that was a little harsh, but you really needed a wake-up call! You have SO MUCH to lose! If you fail to file a 990 Form for your nonprofit, not only could you face penalties and fines from the IRS, you could actually lose your compliance status! That means that the IRS will no longer recognize your organization as a nonprofit.

We really don’t want that to happen, and if that means bringing a red-headed Cher in to handle things, well look, we’ll do it. That’s how much we want you to get started, NOW on filing your Form 990.

But hey, we’re not all spice. We’re also nice. We’ve set up an intuitive, simple, easy-to-use process, and we have it waiting for you. Yes! We’ve been waiting for you to file your 990! We’re ready, and we’ll have your Form 990 ready to file quickly! Don’t believe us?

Okay, Cher, let ‘em have it:

Look, we’ll prove it!  Here’s the exact, step-by-step process you’ll take to file your Form 990 with us!

Step 1: Sign in or create your free account.
Step 2: Add your organization’s details.
Step 3: Answer questions - interview style!
Step 4: Review your information and audit report
Step 5: Pay and transmit directly to the IRS

Okay, that’s it!  No excuses! Let’s get started! We’re behind you. Cher...is in front of you because she’s never behind anyone.  But we’re here! And we know you can do it! Just click below!

File 990 Now!

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E-File Form 8868 If You Need A Little More Time

You’ve probably picked up on the fact that we have been heavily focused on the upcoming Form 990 due date on May 15 for nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations. In the last few days, we have gone over [almost] everything 990 related, but what if you are not quite ready to file your beloved organization's IRS Form 990?

ExpressTaxExempt understands how busy and difficult it can be running a nonprofit organization. Adding tax filing deadlines to your to-do list isn’t always easy or manageable.

Your organization helps those in need, now let us help you e-file Form 8868 if you need a little more time.

Easy Way To Receive Extra Time To File IRS Form 990

The most recognized and discussed deadline day for nonprofits is May 15th. Each year on this date, exempt organizations operating on an annual tax year from January - December must file their Form by this date. If not, hefty late or failure-to-file penalties are “waiting for you at the door.”

That’s where tax extension Form 8868 comes in! If you file IRS Form 8868 by the original 990 due date on May 15th, your organization will automatically receive an additional 6 months time to file.

To avoid penalties, you must file the tax extension Form 8868 by midnight on the 990 due date [May 15, 2018]. Filing IRS Form 8868 is quick and easy. Here’s how you can file:

How To File IRS Extension 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

Easy, right?! The great thing about tax extension Form 8868 is that you can file it in advance and be completely stress-free on the 990 due date, May 15, 2018. Your extended 990 due date will be November 15, 2018...you can’t beat a deal like that!

It only takes a few minutes to apply for an extension using ExpresssTaxExempt. Take the first step to getting more time to file by signing up for a free account. 

File Tax Extension Form 8868 Now!

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How To Prepare For The IRS Form 990 May 15 Deadline

Tuesday, May 15th is the deadline for tax-exempt organizations operating on a typical calendar tax year to file Form 990. The key to stress-free filing is learning how to prepare for the IRS Form 990 deadline.

What is Form 990?

IRS Form 990 is the annual financial and informational return filed by all tax-exempt nonprofit and charitable organizations. Before we get into the information you are required to file let’s review the 990 Form Series. Your organization's type and financial situation will decide which nonprofit tax return Form 990 you will file.

There are four types of 990 Forms in the Form 990 Series. Select and e-file the appropriate nonprofit tax return Form 990 based on the following requirements:

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. 

How To Prepare For The IRS Form 990 May 15 Deadline

Gather & Organize Necessary Documents

Before filing your organization’s 990 Form, take the time to gather all your required information. If you are not organized, you will find yourself wasting countless hours searching for financial information; which is never fun.

Depending on the Form 990 you are required to file, you may have to report various details such as revenue and expense amounts, program services, a list of employees, financial statements, governance and more.

Know What Information You Need

Well since we’re on the topic of required information let’s go ahead to get to it. Here’s what you will need when you file your 990 Form with ExpressTaxExempt:

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 organizations

File Like a Pro with ExpressTaxExempt

Now that you know how to prepare your IRS Form 990 you can easily file your IRS Form 990. At ExpressTaxExempt we support your organization by providing a simplified, interview style filing process, automatic schedules and worksheets, retransmit rejected returns for free, support prior year filing and more!

Success starts with ExpressTaxExempt, so take the first step in maintaining your nonprofit’s tax compliance by signing in or creating your free ExpressTaxExempt account today.

File IRS Form 990 Online

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How To Be A Winner On Deadline Day

This is a guest blog post from our sister product, TaxBandits; another great tax filing solution for nonprofits and small businesses.  

Exempt organizations with a fiscal tax year that ended on October 31, 2017, are required to file a Form 990 by today, March 15.

 
If this deadline applies to you and you just realized that your tax exempt organization’s Form 990 is due today, your heart may have just skipped a beat.  

Before you have a breakdown or panic attack, we have some good news for you!

TaxBandits has the best solution for your last minute tax filing needs.

Being a winner on deadline day is easy when you file with TaxBandits. We’ll show you how to successfully e-file your 990 forms at the last minute like a champ!

If your organization is required to handle 990 e-filing by March 15 and you are running out of time, your best bet is to file your appropriate 990 Form with TaxBandits quickly or simply file Form 8868 for an extension of time to file. 

 
Both forms are due by midnight so let’s make a deal--Form 990 or Extension Form 8868?

Let’s Make A Deal: How To Be A Winner on Deadline Day

Before we reveal the grand prize let’s discuss the difference between both forms to determine the best option for you.

Form 990 Series

There are four variations of Form 990 included in the Form 990 Series. Each form provides information on specific types of exempt organizations:

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 filed by organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and $500,000 in total assets.

Form 990-N

Organizations with gross receipts that are less than or equal to $50,000 file this form electronically.

Form 990-PF

Filed by Exempt & Taxable Private Foundations as well as Non-Exempt Charitable Trusts which the IRS treat as private foundations.

Get More Time To File

If you need more time to file Form 990, that’s okay! Wouldn’t it be nice to have more time make sure all your “I’s” were dotted and “T’s” crossed before filing? Well, you’re in luck because you can file Form 8868 for an automatic 6-month extension!

Form 8868 is used by nonprofit groups, charities, and other tax-exempt organizations to get an extension of time to file their federal tax return.

Filing this form with us by your Form 990 deadline will result in a 6-month extension of time to file your Form 990 and avoid IRS penalties.

Late Filing IRS Penalties for Form 990

Failing to file Form 990 or Form 8868 will result in major IRS penalties, depending on the size of your organization.

If your gross receipts are less than $1,000,000 for the tax year, you will be fined $20 per day with a maximum penalty of $10,000 or 5% of your organization’s gross receipts depending on which is amount is greater.

If your gross receipts exceed $1,000,000 the IRS penalty increases to $100 per day with a maximum fee of $50,000.

It’s Game Time...Let’s Make A Deal!

Although tax filing matters are not a game, TaxBandits specializes in offering resources to our users in an enjoyable way to help make tax filing simple and stress-free.

With the help of TaxBandits, you don’t have to worry about missing your Form 990 deadline because of our interview style e-filing process and tax software that will help you complete your federal tax return and instantly transmit it directly to the IRS in no time.

All you have 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. Complete the entire process in 5 simple steps!

Filing Extension Form 8868 is even easier! Before you know it, you will have extra time to file your Form 990 and maintain tax-exempt status. 

And The Winner Is...

GIF via GIPHY

You get a deal...and you get a deal...EVERYBODY GETS A DEAL!!

Luckily, this game is setup for a “win-win.” You can either easily e-file Form 990 today and stay compliant with the IRS or file an extension and get extra time to handle your tax filings. Either way, YOU WIN!

So head on over to TaxBandits and accept your grand prize for the March 15 deadline.

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Don't Forget About The February 15 Deadline

The February 15th filing deadline is here!

Hopefully you enjoyed some beautiful flowers, edible arrangements, or received heartfelt cards and gifts yesterday for Valentine's Day.

While the bliss of Valentine's Day lingers, there's a major tax filing deadline for tax exempt organizations that must be handled today.

Don't Let Cupid Make You Forget About the February 15th Tax Deadline

What is a Form 990? 

Form 990 is an informational tax form provided through the IRS that is filed annually by most tax-exempt organizations and used to give the IRS a detailed snapshot of the activities, finances, and governing body of an organization.

There’s even a section on the Form that allows organizations to list its accomplishments over the previous year to justify its continuous need for tax exemption.

The deadline to e-file Form 990 Series varies. 

Your due date is dependent upon the type of tax year in which the organization operates – calendar tax year or fiscal tax year.

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. 

Does My Organization Need To File Today?

If you’re wondering if your organization needs to file by the February 15th deadline, you need to know this…two types of organizations required to file include:

• Organizations whose fiscal tax year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30 are required to file Form 990 by the February 15th tax deadline, and 
• Organizations with a tax year which ended on March 31 with an original filing date of August 15 but filed a 6 month extension.

Your organization can easily meet the February 15th tax deadline by e-filing

IRS Form 990 with ExpressTaxExempt!

Which Form in the 990 Series Should I File?

There are a few options when it comes to which form to file in the 990 Series.

Let’s be honest here, there’s nothing worse than being stressed out during tax time and not knowing which form to file for your organization.

You don’t want to ask your peers because they may question your capability to file accurately.

And you definitely don’t want the Board of Directors giving you a side eye the next time you meet.

ExpressTaxExempt alleviates the worry and concern of missing the 990 deadline or even filing incorrect information by providing you with all of the tools and forms that you’ll need to file properly.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Form 990 Series:

Form 990-N (e-Postcard)

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

Form 990-EZ

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

Form 990

Typically filed by tax exempt organizations with more than or equal to $200,000 in gross receipts or total assets more than or equal to $500,000.

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. 

Each of these forms can be completed with the simplified filing process of ExpressTaxBandits. Are you swamped with work and just don't have time to file today? No problem. Just take a few moments to file Extension Form 8868 and receive an automatic filing extension of 6 months to file your return! 

Keep Your Tax Exempt Status Through ExpressTaxExempt

We know of the perfect way to maintain tax exempt status for your organization.

You guessed it...just file with TaxBandits! We offer easy e-filing for 990 Forms so you can quickly file the correct 990 Form for your organization.

Follow the simple step-by-step guide to create your free account, and enter basic information about your organization.

After completing the form interview, review your information and audit report, pay for your form, and transmit it directly to the IRS.

Complete the entire process in 5 simple steps!

We have countless success stories for last minute filing. Don’t hesitate any longer. File today. 

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Last Filing Deadline of 2017 is Here!

Attention! Attention! The final Form 990 filing deadline is official here. Nonprofit groups and charity organizations who operate on a fiscal tax year ending in July must file their appropriate 990 Form by midnight tonight in order to stay in compliance with the IRS and avoid expensive penalties during the holiday season. 

Luckily, ExpressTaxExempt supports all 990 Forms and even provides the option for users to file an extension to receive more time to file. 

Filing with ExpressTaxExempt is the most hassle-free way to instantly file your Form 990 and transmit it directly to the IRS. Plus, it gets even better than that!

ExpressTaxExempt & GuideStar Collaboration

ExpressTaxExempt and GuideStar have recently joined forces to enable nonprofits to send their tax returns seamlessly to GuideStar as part of the e-filing process. This partnership will reduce the amount of time it takes GuideStar to obtain this information and make it available to the public, furthering the professional impression a nonprofit makes in terms of trust and transparency.

How To E-file Form 990

Before you start the e-filing process, it’s best to know exactly which form from the 990 series you need to file. There are a few forms to choose from: 

Form 990: The form filed by organizations with gross receipts that are equal to or more than $200k or with total assets equal to or more than $500k. 

Form 990-EZ: This is the Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. It’s used by organizations with that have less than $200k in gross receipts or less than $500k in total assets. 

Form 990-N: This is the e-postcard for Electronic Notice of Tax Exempt Organizations that aren’t required to file Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. Organizations with gross receipts that are normally less than or equal to $50k are required to electronically file this form. It can’t be paper filed. 

Form 990-PF: This is the Return of Private Foundation and it’s filed by private organizations in the United States. You must include a fiscal list of information and a total list of your grants to complete this form. 

Get Extra Time to File

With Christmas being just a week and some days away, we understand how hectic things may be right now. If you need more time to file, you can quickly e-file extension Form 8868 and receive an automatic 30-day extension. 

We're Always Here To Help

Our U.S.-based customer support team is standing by ready to assist you with any questions that you may have about e-filing Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N or Form 8868. Feel free to contact one of our experts at 704.839.2321. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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