Why E-file with ExpressTaxExempt

The May 15 filing deadline for exempt organizations and private foundations is inching ever closer. E-filing 990 forms and extension is quickly becoming the best way for organizations and paid preparers to submit tax returns to the IRS.

If your organization still needs to file and you’re looking for an IRS-authorized, e-file provider, ExpressTaxExempt has you covered! With value-based pricing, nonprofit industry knowledge, and exclusive features, you’ll e-file confidently and securely this tax season.

Annual Tax Returns Made Simple
ExpressTaxExempt provides a user-friendly interface that guides you through the interview-style filing process with helpful tips. Information such as donation lists can be uploaded in bulk saving you a substantial amount of filing time. Schedules for Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-PF are automatically generated based on your form interview answers. Our internal audit check ensures that every question has a response and amounts are balanced. Any mistakes we identify can be corrected before you transmit to the IRS.

Unique Filing Features
Transmit returns for multiple organizations from a single account or grant limited access to additional users for account management. Invite principal officers via a secure web portal to review completed tax form, add comments, make changes, or approve the return with an e-verify signature. Once you transmit your 990 form to the IRS, you’ll receive access to a printable copy of your return along with real-time email notification of your filing status.

Submit amended returns for approved 990 forms from previous tax years, or re-transmit rejected forms at no extra costs. Any tax return transmitted with ExpressTaxExempt is conveniently and securely stored within your account for easy access or reference later on.

Mobility & Accessibility
Small tax-exempt organizations can quickly and easily e-file using the free ExpressTaxExempt - Form 990 mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Large and mid-size exempt groups can also use the free Form 8868 mobile app to transmit extension forms and get approved for a 6-month extension of time almost instantly. You can use any desktop computer with internet access to sign in and manage your account which also includes continuing from where you last left off with the e-file process.

Support & Security
ExpressTaxExempt offers 100% US-based customer support for any questions about e-filing or your filing status. You also have the option to set up a session for in-depth, step-by-step filing assistance directly from your account with our Premium Support feature. Rest assured that your account is safe and secure with intensive, up-to-date web securities guaranteed to safeguard your private information. ExpressTaxExempt ensures that returns are sent directly to the IRS and nowhere else.

With all these benefits and features, why go through all the stress and time it takes to paper file? E-file your 2016 form 990 before the May 15 due date with IRS-authorized ExpressTaxExempt. Contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help with your e-filing experience. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or reach us 24/7 via email with support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.

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How to File the Updated 8868 Extension Form

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Form 990-PF - 04 Form 5227 - 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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