Form 990-EZ is an ecrucial IRS Form for many nonprofit organizations in the United States. It is a shorter version of the Form 990 and is designed for smaller organizations that do not meet the income thresholds for filing the standard Form 990. Here’s an in-depth look at the key aspects of Form 990-EZ
Filing Requirements:
To determine if your organization is eligible to file 990-EZ instead of the longer Form 990, you need to meet specific criteria:
- Gross Receipts: Your organization’s gross receipts must be less than $200,000.
- Total Assets: Your organization’s total assets must be less than $500,000 at the end of the tax year.
If your organization exceeds these thresholds, it must file the full Form 990.
Form Sections and Components:
Form 990-EZ consists of several sections that capture vital information about your organization. These sections include:
- Part I: Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances: This section details your organization’s financial activities, including revenue, expenses, and changes in net assets.
- Part II: Balance Sheets: Here, you provide a snapshot of your organization’s financial position at the beginning and end of the tax year.
- Part III: Statement of Program Service Accomplishments: This section allows you to describe your organization’s mission and significant activities conducted during the year.
- Part IV: List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees: This section requires you to list key individuals involved in your organization and their compensation.
- Part V: Other Information: Additional information about your organization, such as political campaign activities, unrelated business income, and lobbying activities, is disclosed here.
- Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ): Public Charity Status and Public Support.
- Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF): Schedule of Contributors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Filing Form 990-EZ can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes organizations should avoid:
- Incorrect Financial Reporting: Ensure that all financial figures are accurate and consistent with your organization’s accounting records.
- Incomplete Information: Fill out all required sections and schedules completely. Missing information can lead to penalties or delays in processing.
- Late Filing: Submit Form 990-EZ by the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of your organization’s tax year to avoid late filing penalties.
Public Disclosure Requirements:
Form 990-EZ is a public document, meaning it must be made available to anyone who requests it. Organizations are required to:
- Provide a copy upon request.
- Make it available for public inspection at their main office during regular business hours.
- Submit it to the IRS, where it will be posted online for public viewing.
Importance of Accurate Filing:
Accurate and timely filing of Form 990-EZ is crucial for maintaining your organization’s tax-exempt status. Inaccurate or late filings can result in penalties and could potentially jeopardize your tax-exempt status.
Conclusion:
To streamline the process and ensure accurate filing, consider using specialized services like Tax990 to file your Form 990-EZ. These services offer user-friendly platforms that guide you through each step, minimize errors, and help you stay compliant with IRS requirements. By leveraging such tools, you can ease your filings, save time, and focus more on your nonprofit’s mission and activities.