All organizations that have tax-exempt status under Internal
Revenue Code (the “Code”) Section 501 or 527 are
required to annually file an information return with the Internal
Revenue Service (“IRS”). Failure to make a filing for
three consecutive years results in the automatic revocation of the
organization’s exemption. Under recently enacted law,
organizations are now required to file information returns and
related forms electronically for tax years beginning after July 1,
2019.
The following IRS forms are included in the electronic filing
requirement:
• | Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, for 501(c) organizations with gross income of greater than $200,000 or assets greater than $500,000. | ||
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• | Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as Private Foundation. | ||
• | Form 8872, Political Organization Report of Contributions and Expenditures. | ||
• | Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income (if filed by a Section 501(d) apostolic organization). | ||
• | Forms 990-T and 4720 will be included in the electronic filing requirement in the next year, when the conversion to the electronic format is complete. |
Those who previously filed paper forms will receive a letter from
the IRS informing them of the change. Filing deadlines vary by form
type and the organization’s fiscal year-end.
Forms 990 and 990-PF Electronic Filing
For most organizations that generally file Forms 990 or 990-PF by
the 15th day of the fifth month after the fiscal year-end, the
electronic filings will not be due before December 15, 2020.
Specifically, Forms 990 and 990-PF filings for tax years
ending on or before June 30, 2020, may still be on paper. Filers of
Forms 990 and 990-PF with tax years ending July 31, 2020, and later
MUST be filed electronically.
More information on software providers is available on
the IRS.gov website at:
https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/exempt-organizations-mef-providers
Form 990-EZ Transition Relief
For smaller exempt organizations with tax years ending on and
before July 31, 2020, the IRS will accept either paper or
electronic filing of Form 990-EZ. For tax years ending August 31,
2020, and later, Form 990-EZ must be filed electronically.
Forms 990-T and 4720
In 2020, the IRS will continue to accept paper forms that are
pending conversion into electronic format. These include Form
990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return, and Form
4720, Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapters 41 and 42 of
the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS plans to have these returns
ready for electronic filing in 2021 (reporting on tax year
2020).
Form 8872
The IRS will no longer accept paper Forms 8872 reporting on periods
after 2019. Forms 8872 reporting information for periods starting
on or after January 2020, will be due electronically by Code
Section 527 organizations. These include political parties,
political action committees and campaign committees of candidates
for federal, state or local office. Among other requirements,
most tax-exempt political organizations have a requirement to file
semiannual, quarterly or monthly reports on Form 8872. To
file electronically, the organization must have the username and
password it received from the IRS after electronically filing its
initial notice (Form 8871). To replace a username or password, you
can contact: IRS, Attn: Request for 8872 Password, Mail Stop 6273,
Ogden UT 84201; Fax (855) 214-7520. Organizations can file
electronically at: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/political-organizations.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.