How to File the Updated 8868 Extension Form

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Form 990-PF - 04 Form 5227 - 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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What to Do For the May 15 Deadline

There’s about a month left before the May 15 filing deadline for tax-exempt organizations. The due date only applies to groups who operate on a calendar tax year which is from January 1 to December 31.

If this is your first time filing for a nonprofit or charity, or you just can’t remember exactly how to file a 990 form, here are a few tips to get you prepared.

Get Proper Documents Together
Before you even begin with the first page, you need to have the right information readily available or else you’ll waste time looking for papers rather than completing your return. Depending on which 990 form you need 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.

Some sections of a 990 tax return require additional information from a Schedule which you attach to your form. Schedules allow you to submit extra details about certain activities conducted by your organization - some schedules may apply to you such as Schedule B for contributions while others may not. For instance, Schedule H is only for hospitals and Schedule N is for terminated tax-exempt groups.

Types of 990 Forms
The IRS offers four main types of 990 forms - certain kinds serve as simpler options to the original 990 long form. Choosing the most appropriate return will save you precious amounts of filing time:

• 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

Extension Form 8868
For any reason, if you are not ready for the May 15 deadline, you can extend your filing due date by submitting IRS Form 8868. The 8868 form allows you to increase the time you have to file a 2016 990 form by six months. You are responsible for submitting an extension request before your original due date - any later and the IRS will automatically reject it. There is no explanation required for filing an extension; however, if your organization owes any tax liabilities, it still must be paid by the original filing deadline.

Paper Filing vs. E-filing
Electronic filing is becoming the most preferred method for tax-exempt organizations and tax professionals to send 990 forms to the IRS. With paper filing, you’re sacrificing a significant amount of time to physically prepare financial statements, search and complete schedules, and mail the tax return without any confirmation from the IRS.

E-filing a 2016 Form 990 requires less time to process and is much easier to prepare. Transmitting a 990 tax return with an IRS-authorized, e-file provider - such as ExpressTaxExempt.com - offers more security than postal mailing, and you can receive instant confirmation of your filing status. The IRS also recommends exempt organizations to e-file rather than paper filing.

If you have any intensive tax questions regarding your organization’s revenue, expenses, or activities, you should contact your local tax professional or the IRS Tax-Exempt Hotline at 877.829.5500. For concerns or assistance with e-filing, you can reach out to ExpressTaxExempt at 704.839.2321 or with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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New Year, New IRS Rules

With everything you had going on with your nonprofit during the back-to-back holiday seasons - not to mention other personal responsibilities - you might not have kept up with changes the IRS has implemented for nonprofits filing annual 990 forms.

No worries - we got you covered with the current filing requirements for tax-exempt organizations. We all know that filing late or submitting incomplete forms lead to thousands of dollars in IRS penalty fees - no group wants that. Here’s what you need to know about filing your annual tax return in 2017.

IRS Form 8868 Tax Extension
The 8868 extension form for exempt organizations has gotten reduced to a single form that grants an automatic 6-month extension of time. You can submit an extension request for the same applicable returns as before, which also means IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) is not eligible for an extension.

With no Part II of the 8868 form, there’s no longer a need for you to provide a reasonable explanation to gain the full 6-month extension. However, you are still limited to one extension per tax return for the filing year.

IRS Deadlines for Exempt Organizations
The changes with the 8868 extension form also bring slight changes to filing due dates. The filing deadlines aren’t necessarily different, but you should be aware that you only have two chances per year to file instead of the regular three.

For organizations operating on a calendar tax year, your filing due date is May 15. If you choose to file an extension, your extended deadline is Nov 15. There is no August deadline as there was with prior years, and if you fail to file before the November deadline, you’ll incur substantial penalties.

The filing due date for organizations running on a fiscal tax year is always the 15th day of the 5th month after your accounting period ends. If you opt for an extension at that time, you have until the end of six months to file your return - no other opportunities without late fees are available after the extended deadline.

E-file your 8868 extension form and 990 tax return quicker and easier than paper filing with ExpressTaxExempt.com. Our cloud-based application ensures that you submit a complete form, and if the IRS rejects your return, we identify the errors so you can correct them and re-transmit at no additional cost.

Contact our U.S. - based customer support team in Rock Hill, South Carolina for any questions or assistance with transmitting your return or extension form with the IRS. You can reach us at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or email us, day or night, with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Start the New Year With a New Brand

A new year means new beginnings - and what better way to embrace the “new” than with a complete reboot of your nonprofit or charity?

Updating your organization’s brand can help with efficient communication, engage with a particular audience, or even keep your mission relevant with modern times.

When deciding to rebrand, you need to have a straightforward goal, and a plan to achieve it. Here are a few tips from the Internet about how to successfully change your organization's image:

Choose the Right Time to Rebrand
Though the start of the new year seems like an appropriate time for most, it isn’t necessarily right for all. Decide if your organization requires a change in needs or goals because a different branding will affect how your group operates.

Consider if your organization needs a mission update, if there’s a change in donor retention rates, or need a new opportunity to stand out. If so, then the lengthy process of rebranding may greatly benefit your charitable efforts.

Build a Brand Manual
A helpful device to have when rebranding is a brand manual or guide because you can create distinctive guidelines for your organization’s message and design. The voice of your nonprofit or charity should be consistent from print to digital, or even in-person.

Your brand manual can include communication techniques for social media and inform your team members about the organization’s new approach and vision. Be sure to establish a precise way of communicating which will give your audiences a better view of your tax-exempt group's purpose.

Change and Mix Things Up
Rebranding is the perfect time for your organization to stand out above the rest. Consider remodeling your nonprofit’s logo or creating a catchy slogan. The key is clearly expressing your group’s mission and values to your audience - refer to your brand manual about what you’re trying to convey to people.

Establish Fundamental Messages
Your organization’s essential messages work in multiple ways - they express the facts and goals of your strategy and vision, but it also displays your group’s legacy and personality. You should also be aware of what your audience values when creating key messages. Be able to strike a balance - your message is about the organization and work it accomplishes, but that information should also be relatable to your audiences.

Keep At It
Once you complete your rebranding, the changes must remain consistent, so everyone is familiar with the new look. Speak with your members throughout the entire process and consider their opinions. Have them all become knowledgeable of the new communication techniques - the more they know, the better they represent the organization.

Keep your audience up to date so when you finally implement the changes they aren’t confused with a different organization. Promote your new brand via websites and social media along with those essential messages which give your audience a better view of your goals and values.

Rebranding an exempt organization is a drawn out process that requires a considerable amount of time and effort. Even so, you still can’t neglect other responsibilities like filing your annual return with the IRS. ExpressTaxExempt.com offers cloud-based solutions for tax-exempt groups to electronically file 990 forms to the IRS quicker and easier than paper filing.

Contact our U.S. - based customer support for more information about how simple it is to complete and transmit Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N (e-Postcard) - call us at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or submit a request through support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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ExpressTaxExempt Wishes You All A Happy Thanksgiving!

We’re only a couple of days away from Turkey Day and the excitement of the upcoming holidays has us counting down with anticipation. In the spirit of goodwill, we like to say “Thank You” to each of our clients who e-filed using our services this past tax season.

Whether you tried us out for the very first time or have been e-filing with us for years, we are thankful and greatly appreciative of your continued support. Any tax-exempt groups that are looking for a more quick and secure way to file, ExpressTaxExempt is your premier, IRS-authorized e-file provider!

Form 990 Series
We support tax returns for exempt organizations based on your gross receipts:

• IRS Form 990 - Required for organizations with gross receipts equal to or over $200,000 and total assets equal to or over $500,000.
• IRS Form 990-EZ - Required for organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and total assets less than $50,000.
• IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) - Required for organizations with gross receipts less than $50,000.

We also support Extension Form 8868 for tax-exempt groups applying for an automatic 3-month extension or an additional, not-automatic 3-month extension. Remember, you must e-file your extension before the original IRS deadline, and tax extensions can only extend your time to file - not to pay any owed taxes.

Why E-file With ExpressTaxExempt?
We work closely with the IRS to provide the most streamlined filing experience available. Our service boasts unique features that you won’t find anywhere else such as automatic email notifications of filing status, bulk upload of contributions, internal error checks, and free transmittal of any rejected forms.

Check out a few of our short, easy read blogs this holiday season for more information about ExpressTaxExempt.com and e-filing 990 forms with the IRS:

• ExpressTaxExempt - E-file Solutions for Exempt Organizations
• Made a Mistake On Your Form 990? We've Got You Covered!
• Expert Assistance with Premium Support
• Form 990 Instructions for Exempt Organizations
• E-file Tax-Exempt Returns from Anywhere!

As with every year, we recognize major holidays so that our staff can be with family and friends. Our Rock Hill, South Carolina, headquarters will be open on Wednesday, November 23, during our regular hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST; you can reach for any questions or e-filing assistance at 704.839.2321.

We will close our office for both Thanksgiving Day and Friday, November 25, with only limited email support available through support@ExpressTaxExempt.com. We wish all of you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for choosing ExpressTaxExempt for your IRS 990 e-filings.

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Final IRS Deadline for Tax-Exempt Groups is TODAY!!

The day has finally arrived for exempt organizations - the last BIG day to e-file IRS Form 990 and Form 990-EZ.

If your nonprofit or charity runs on a calendar tax year, and you filed Extension Form 8868 Part II this past August, then you have until midnight local time to complete your tax return.

Apply for Extra Time!
There may still be a chance for your tax-exempt group to e-file an IRS Form 8868 extension; however, your organization must follow a fiscal tax year with specific end dates. If your tax period ends on June 30, you’re eligible to e-file Form 8868 Part I and get an automatic 3-month extension.

If your organization’s tax year ends on March 31, and you filed an extension for the August deadline, you can e-file Form 8868 Part II for an additional, not-automatic 3-month extension. You’ll need to include a reasonable explanation why you’re requesting extra time.

Important: You can now e-file a tax extension from anywhere with your favorite iOS or Android device - download our FREE ExpressTaxExempt - Form 8868 mobile app. Tax extensions are not available for IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard).

Benefits of E-filing with ExpressTaxExempt.com
As an IRS-authorized, e-file provider, we work closely with the IRS to provide the most streamlined filing experience. Access your account from anywhere at anytime. Our interview-style questions guide you through the entire process. We automatically generate required schedules for Form 990 and 990-EZ, and our internal audit check ensures your return is error-free. Get a printable copy of your form - even submit amended returns for prior year filings.

IRS Penalties
You must transmit your tax return by 11:59 pm local time to avoid any late penalty fees. If you have no choice but to file late, the IRS charges $20 each day your return is not sent - $100 each day if your organization’s gross receipts are greater than $1 million. Maximum penalties can go up to $50,000 or 5% of total revenues, whichever is the smallest amount.

For any questions or technical assistance with e-filing your 990 form, call our U.S. - based customer support at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or reach us 24/7 with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Simple Ways to Prevent Hefty IRS Penalties

No matter how much we all loathe it, there’s just no way to recover late filing fees and penalties paid to the IRS. In most instances, the IRS evaluates penalties on a case-by-case basis if you can provide valid reasons.

The best way to prevent any late fees with the IRS is to file your exempt organization’s annual tax return on time. But not everything goes that smooth in life, and that’s understandable - so here are a couple of ways you can still avoid late filing penalties.

Automatic & Not-Automatic Extensions
Without a doubt, the most simple method of preventing substantial fees from the IRS is e-filing an Extension Form 8868. You can get up to six months of extra filing time by submitting both parts of the form:

• Part I - Automatic 3-Month Extension
• Part II - Additional, Not-Automatic 3-Month Extension

The IRS Form 8868 tax extension only extends your time to file - not the time to pay any owed taxes. You must remember to file your tax return by the extended due date, and you are still responsible for paying any estimated taxes by the original deadline.

Important: Form 8868 cannot extend the deadline for small tax-exempt groups filing IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard).

Facts & Circumstances
If you missed the chance to e-file a tax extension, your only option is to submit IRS Form 990 or Form 990-EZ as soon as you possibly can. You’ll still get penalized each day your return is late; however, you can use a Schedule O to try to reduce or eliminate fees.

The IRS looks for what they call “facts and circumstances,” which are reasonable explanations about why your organization filed late. They specifically want valid answers to the following:

• What caused the organization from requesting an extension of time
• How the organization utilize conventional business care and prudence, and is not neglectful or careless
• What steps the organization is taking to avert the same situation from happening again

Even though the process may take some time, providing these explanations could put you in a better position of leverage. In some cases, the IRS can completely waive penalties if delinquency was due to uncontrollable events - check with your local tax professional for more details.

While facts and circumstance can potentially save you, it’s still not as easy as filing an extension. With ExpressTaxExempt.com, you can complete and transmit your extension form, and get approved within minutes. And with our FREE downloadable ExpressTaxExempt - Form 8868 mobile app, you quickly and securely submit an extension on the go from your favorite iOS or Android device.

Our U.S. - based support team is available for any questions or assistance with e-filing - give us a call at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or send a message with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Principal Officer’s Role with Filing Form 990

When an exempt organization files its annual tax return, it’s typically the responsibility of the principal or primary officer to complete the filing. The officer can either finish and submit the 990 form on their own or outsource the work to a tax professional or CPA.

Whatever the principal officer decides to do, it’s important for that person to provide their signature to the tax return before it gets sent to the IRS. Here is some general information about principal officers and their role in filing the form 990 series.

Who is a Principal Officer?
A principal or primary officer can have many different titles within tax-exempt groups. It can be your organization’s current President, Vice-President, Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Chief Accounting Officer, or other corporate officers - for instance, a tax or financial administrator. People who are not officers are your regular employees or volunteers.

Does a Principal Officer have Authority to Transmit 990 Form?
With a small tax-exempt organization, the principal officer is usually the President or a Director, so that person does have supreme authority to submit to the IRS once finishing the return. For larger organizations, the officer may need approval from the President or other board members before completing the filing.

With ExpressTaxExempt.com, you can use our unique “Manage Approvers and Reviewers” feature which allows you to invite prominent members to a secure web portal via email. While there, they can review your 990 form, add comments or corrections, and e-verify with their signature. Have your entire board approve without managing multiple copies or wasting precious paper.

What Filing Details are Required About the Principal Officer?
IRS Form 990 and Form 990-EZ only ask for the officer’s name, title within the organization, and a daytime phone number. The IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) and Extension Form 8868 requests the same information with the addition of a mailing address.

If the primary officer is using a tax professional or a paid preparer to file the 990 series electronically, the officer is required to sign IRS Form 8453-EO. The form states that you are indeed an officer from a tax-exempt group and that you approve the return, and you give authorization for the preparer to file the form. It only requires the officer’s signature, date, and title within the organization.

Can an Officer File for Multiple Organizations?
If an officer is a primary member of each organization getting filed, then there shouldn’t be any issues. But if a principal officer of one group is filing on behalf of a different group without membership, then a signed Form 8453-EO is required from a primary officer of the different group.

ExpressTaxExempt.com lets you e-file for as many organizations as you need from just one account. We even generate your 8453-EO so you can print it, get the signature needed, and then upload the form into your account.

Call our U.S. - based, customer support team for any assistance needed with e-filing the form 990 series. You can reach us at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. We also over email support with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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E-file Tax-Exempt Returns from Anywhere!

E-file Tax-Exempt Returns from Anywhere

For those of you running small exempt organizations, you know that you’re required to file an annual tax return with IRS. Even if your nonprofit or charity brought in little or no money for the filing year, you still need to report that fact to the federal government.

Filing for tax-exempt organizations can take a lot of time and paperwork - or it used to. If your tax-exempt group makes less than $50,000 a year, you can now e-file your tax return in minutes with ExpressTaxExempt.com. And the best part - you don’t need to be anywhere near a desk or computer at all!

ExpressTaxExempt - Form 990-N App
With this FREE downloadable mobile app, you can e-file IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) at anytime and anywhere from your favorite iOS or Android devices and handsets. Complete the entire filing process in less than 10 minutes - all you need is your basic organization details, tax year period, and confirmation of $50,000 or less in gross receipts.

Your form is checked for any errors before you submit to the IRS, and you’ll receive an email confirmation of approval soon after transmitting your form. The information goes directly to the IRS and nowhere else. If your return gets rejected, the app identifies the mistake so you can correct it and resend with no additional charges.

ExpressTaxExempt - Form 8868 App
For other exempt organizations with gross receipts over $50,000, and you need more time to file your IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ, you can also e-file the IRS Form 8868 tax extension at your convenience from iOS and Android tablets.

You can e-file your extension in just minutes with your organization’s basic information and tax year period - you’ll also need to select which IRS form you typically file for your tax-exempt group. Like the 990-N mobile app, your return gets scanned for any mistakes, and you gain access to PDF copies of your transmitted tax form.

We’re here to offer you the easiest, most streamlined filing experience so you can stay compliant with the IRS and quickly get back to running your organization smoothly. Contact us at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help e-filing to the IRS. We’re also available 24/7 with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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ExpressTaxExempt - E-file Solutions for Exempt Organizations

No matter how you look at, running a successful nonprofit or charity organization isn’t an easy accomplishment. There are sufficient planning and organizing that goes into managing donor contributions, fundraising events, volunteers, community engagement, and a laundry list of other things designed to help reach the mission goal.

Not only that, but your organization and activities must be in compliance with the IRS to maintain exemption status. One of those regulations requires every tax-exempt organization to file a tax return each year. Here’s where the fine folks at ExpressTaxExempt.com step in to help!

With ExpressTaxExempt.com, you can transmit a complete, accurate, and secure tax return directly to the IRS quicker than paper filing. We offer various e-filing solutions for both small and large exempt organizations depending on your gross receipts.

IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
For small organizations making less than $50,000 per year, you can e-file our quick and easy IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard). In minutes, you can have your e-Postcard transmitted and approved by the IRS. You’ll only need your organization’s basic details, tax year period, and confirm the organization makes less than $50,000 - that is it, no exact amounts required.

E-file your Form 990-N (e-Postcard) for current and prior tax years starting at $9.90.

For even more convenience, download our FREE ExpressTaxExempt - Form 990-N mobile app! You can e-file for the current tax year from the palm of your hand with your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.

IRS Form 990/990-EZ
If your organization is much larger, you’ll have to e-file either IRS Form 990 (long) or IRS Form 990-EZ. Nonprofits and charities with gross receipts over $200,000 will need the Form 990 (long), while organizations making between $50,000 and $200,000 will e-file Form 990-EZ. We also support Schedules for each form.

E-file Form 990-EZ for current and prior years starting at $129.99 or e-file Form 990 for the current and previous tax year starting at $299.95.

Need an amended return? ExpressTaxExempt.com currently supports amended returns for Form 990/990-EZ. You must have e-filed your original return with our services to successfully file an amendment.

Extension Form 8868
With everything else going on within your organization, there’s no question that you may need extra time to get all your tax information in order. With ExpressTaxExempt.com, you can also e-file IRS Form 8868 Part 1 & 2, which grants an automatic, 3-month extension or an additional, non-automatic, 3-month extension - totaling up to six months of extra time.

E-file your Extension Form 8868 for the current tax year starting at $14.95.

You don’t have to rush home to a desktop computer for a tax extension - download our FREE ExpressTaxExempt - Form 8868 mobile app for iOS or Android devices and quickly transmit your form on the go!

Important: With each of our forms, you’ll receive automatic email notifications when the IRS accepts your filing. If you get a rejected form, you’re able to make any corrections needed and re-transmit at no extra charge. We also use cloud-based technology so you won’t have to complete a filing in one sitting - exit whenever you want and continue right where you left off. And with our automated audit check, you can transmit an error-free form the first time around.

At ExpressTaxExempt.com, we’re here to help you comply with the IRS so you can get back to your organization and do the work that matters most. For any questions or assistance with the e-filing process, contact our U.S. - based customer support line at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. Email us at your convenience with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Protect your Organization from IRS Penalties!

The IRS extended deadline for exempt organizations is less than two weeks away - August 15 to be exact! If your nonprofit or charity e-filed an IRS Form 8868 back in May, then you don’t have much time to left to file and avoid penalties! Here are a few ways to prevent penalty fees with your IRS filing.

E-file Right Away
The most sure fire way to defend your exempt organization from late filing fees is to file on time with the IRS. You’ll need to complete and transmit these required forms based on specific criteria:

• IRS Form 990 - Organizations with gross receipts larger than $200,000 and total assets greater than $500,000
• IRS Form 990-EZ - Organizations with gross receipts between $50,000 and $200,000 and total assets less than $500,000

Double Check Information
Not only is it important to e-file on time, but you also need to make sure you’re reporting the correct information. An inaccurate form is the same as an incomplete form to the IRS, which can also lead to penalties. Make sure your basic organization information is current and accurate. And make an effort to fully complete parts I through XII of your tax form.

Also, know which schedules you need to file along with your form and complete them as accurately as possible. With ExpressTaxExempt.com, our internal audit check scans your form entirely for any errors so you can transmit with virtually no mistakes.

Extension to the Rescue
Unexpected situations happen all the time, but sometimes they can leave us in less favorable positions. If you know you can’t e-file on time, save yourself from IRS penalties by filing a tax extension. For the August 15 deadline, you have the option to e-file IRS Form 8868 Part 2 for an additional, non-automatic 3-month extension. Before you get your hopes up, you must follow these two eligibility rules:

1. 1. E-file an approved Form 8868 Part 1 back in May
2. 2. Provide a valid reason why you need additional time

The IRS can reject your explanation and deny your extension request, which is why this form is considered non-automatic. If you never e-filed Part 1 or got approved for it, then you are extremely late and should e-file your tax return as soon as possible.

IRS Penalties
So what are these hefty fees you’ll pay out of pocket? They can easily reach up to thousands of dollars if you’re careless. For each day your return is late, the IRS charges $20 leading up to a maximum charge of $50,000 or 5% of your total gross receipts - and that’s only if your gross receipts are less than $1 million. Larger organizations with over $1 million in gross receipts incur $100 charges per day.

With our interview-style process, ExpressTaxExempt.com guides you step by step with easy “Yes or No” questions and accessible text spaces for explanations and monetary amounts. You can complete as much or as less as you want in one sitting and continue where you left off with our cloud-based capabilities.

Contact our U.S. - based e-filing professionals for assistance with your e-filing experience. We’re available at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also reach us 24/7 with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Automatic Extension Deadline is Approaching Soon!

There are only a few weeks left before the extended IRS deadline for exempt organizations. If your tax-exempt organization operates on a calendar tax year, and you filed IRS Form 8868 Part I back in May, then you have until August 15, 2016, to file your tax return on time with the IRS.

Failing to file before your extended deadline is against IRS compliance and can lead to you paying up to thousands of dollars in late filing penalties. E-filing with the IRS is easy with ExpressTaxExempt.com. And with our service, we guide you step by step throughout the entire e-filing process so you can transmit a complete, accurate, and secure tax return.

IRS Form 990/990-EZ | IRS Form 8868 Part II
For the August 15 extended deadline, you must prepare to file either Form 990 or Form 990-EZ - the one you choose depends on your exempt organization’s gross receipts. Nonprofits or charities with gross receipts greater than $200,000 are required to file IRS Form 990, while smaller organizations with gross receipts between $50,000 and $200,000 need to file IRS Form 990-EZ.

If you’re not quite ready to file before the extended deadline, you can apply for another extension. With IRS Form 8868 Part II, you can receive an additional, non-automatic 3-month extension. You'll need to provide an explanation why you need the extra time - your reasons are either approved or rejected strictly by the IRS.

ExpressTaxExempt - Form 8868 Mobile App
E-filing for another extension is convenient as ever with our FREE downloadable ExpressTaxExempt - Form 8868 mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. In just minutes, you can transmit your extension form to the IRS and view, download, or email a copy from your account - no need to rush to a desktop computer when you can quickly e-file on the go!

Our U.S. - based, e-filing professionals in Rock Hill, South Carolina, are available to assist with your e-file experience. Feel free to contact us at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST - get in touch with us 24/7 with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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Summer Checklist for Nonprofits

We’re more than halfway through the 2016 tax year - honestly, where does the time go? And as we continue to push through the Summer, it’s important for exempt organizations to regroup and refocus efforts to efficiently prepare for the second half of the year. While others are enjoying Summer luxuries like breaks or vacations, the development cycle for nonprofits goes on nonstop. To make the best use of the summer season, here are a few suggestions for nonprofits to get ready for the year’s second half.

Review Prospects
Take a look at your organization’s top 100 prospects, or however many you have. Verify if you need to remove any of them that are beyond consideration, or if they are officially added to your organization.

Update Database
Nothing is worse than trying to contact someone with incorrect information - an unfortunate scenario could be inquiring a grant from a now defunct email or physical address. It may be a daunting task depending on how many contacts you have, but it’s nothing a few volunteers or interns can’t handle.

Review Organization’s Yearly Plan
Double check if your nonprofit is still on track with its proposed plan from the beginning of the year. Make a note about your organization either reaching or missing goals at this point, the impact of donor investments, and what still needs funding for the upcoming months.

Develop Personal Work Plan
Along with revising your nonprofit’s milestones for the rest of year, you should also review and make any necessary changes about how you can personally achieve those goals. Your choices could include better time management, less or more workloads, or manage specific duties.

Prepare for Autumn and Winter
It’s never too early get organized for the last few months of the year. You can get holiday cards printed, write “Thank You” notes for those guaranteed to contribute, and outline seasonal fundraising campaigns.

Strengthen Social Media Presence
Now’s the time to post, post, post! With the extra leisure time that comes with Summer, you can bet people spending more time checking social media. And with social media management programs like Hootsuite, you can schedule posts to show as soon or late as you want. Check out our other blog on how social media can enhance your organization: Increasing Online Engagement

Clean, Clean, Clean
A decent organization is a happy organization or something like that. The point is to be more organized so that your nonprofit can run efficiently - sort out inboxes, file donor letters electronically or physically, update the relationships you have with contributors.

Communicate with Leaders
Keep lines of communication open with your board members and principal officers. Let them all know of the work that’s complete and any upcoming plans for the rest of year - you can develop a board meeting calendar or confirm that member information is up to date.

There’s probably so much more you can do within your organization during the summer months, so don’t constrict yourself to just this list. Another important thing is to make sure your organization filed its exempt return with IRS. If you filed an extension earlier this year, you have until August 15 to file without any penalties.

With ExpressTaxExempt.com, you e-file directly to the IRS and receive email notifications about your filing status. Even if your form gets rejected, you’ll know why and be able to make edits and re-transmit at no extra charge. And if you need even more time file, we also offer IRS Form 8868 Part II for an additional, non-automatic 3-month extension.

Our U.S. - based e-filing experts, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, are available throughout your e-filing process. Call us for any questions or assistance at 704.839.2321, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. Drop us a message some time with our 24/7 email service, support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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5 Summer Fundraising Tips for Nonprofits

We’re right in the middle of these long days of summer, and with the weather being warm, exempt organizations are becoming warmer as this season is one of the most excellent time of the year to bring in contributions for your nonprofit or charity cause.

Break from the monotony of traditional fundraising tactics and take full advantage of these summer days with even more interaction with your community. Here are five simple strategies to earn more donations by using Summer to its full potential!

Embrace the Outdoors
When you think of Summer, you think of being outside - literally; people spend a great deal of their leisure time outside during the Summer. For you, this is a perfect opportunity to construct an outdoor activity as a fundraising campaign. You can set up a lemonade or ice cream stand for donations. A more simple and quick idea could be handing out bottles of ice-cold water on a hot day at the park for a small monetary gift towards your cause.

Make a Specific Request
If you need volunteers, contributions, or whatever is necessary, make sure your “call-to-action” is clear like blue summer skies. You want to be as transparent as possible with those who are getting involved with your organization. Be open with your mission goals, the use of donations, and how people can volunteer if they want.

Work with the Community
To be for the people, it makes sense to be with the people. With the summer season, there comes summer gatherings like pool parties, sporting events, and barbecues. How about hosting a summer festival with the proceeds going towards your exempt organization? If you happen to find any other city-sponsored activities in your area, see how your organization can become a part of it and use that platform to inform people about giving towards your leading cause.

Use your Creativity
There are no limits with whatever you can come up with - you can reshape a summer chore into an opportunity to fundraise. You could organize a small group of volunteers to mow lawns or wash cars for donations. With the proper resources, you could even put together an afternoon program for children where parents can contribute for how long their child is there. The possibilities are nearly endless for those serious enough.

Enjoy Yourselves
Though the point of these suggestions is to bring in money to your exempt organization, the primary goal should always be to have fun outside and be among those within the community. Just one fun summer activity can accomplish so much and bring positive recognition to your mission - ever thought about how a water balloon fight could be a fundraiser?

Once you've gathered all your donations, be sure to visit us at ExpressTaxExempt.com so you can quickly and easily bulk upload your contributors and amounts from fundraising events - these are figures required on your IRS Form 990/990-EZ. And if you need more time file, we also offer IRS Form 8868 for automatic tax extensions.

Contact our live, US-based customer support in Rock Hill, South Carolina, for any questions or assistance with e-file your exempt organization’s tax return. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST at 704.839.2321 - email us 24/7 with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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