Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Form 990 is the annual information return most larger tax-exempt organizations file to report their finances, governance, and activities. Fill in the official IRS PDF below and download it.
Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, is filed by tax-exempt organizations, nonexempt charitable trusts, and section 527 political organizations to provide the information required by section 6033. It covers revenue, expenses, assets, program accomplishments, officer and key employee compensation, and governance practices.
The return is public: donors, watchdogs, and journalists read Forms 990, so accuracy matters beyond compliance. Many organizations also attach schedules, such as Schedule A for public charity status, Schedule B for contributors, and Schedule O for narrative explanations. Smaller organizations may qualify to file Form 990-EZ or the 990-N e-Postcard instead.
Who files 990?
Tax-exempt organizations whose gross receipts and assets are above the thresholds for shorter forms
Nonexempt charitable trusts and section 527 political organizations required to report under section 6033
Organizations that choose to file the full Form 990 even when eligible for Form 990-EZ
Group return filers reporting for subordinate organizations under a group exemption
How to fill out 990
Complete the header with the organization’s name, EIN, tax year, and exempt status, then summarize activities and governance in Parts I through VI.
Report revenue in Part VIII, functional expenses in Part IX, and the balance sheet in Part X.
List officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees with their compensation in Part VII.
Answer the checklist in Part IV to determine which schedules you must attach, then complete them, using Schedule O for explanations.
Download the finished PDF for your records and board review. Form 990 must generally be filed with the IRS electronically through an approved e-file provider.
Quick fill 990 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open 990 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
Which version of the 990 should my organization file?
It depends on gross receipts and total assets. The smallest organizations may file the 990-N e-Postcard, mid-sized ones may use Form 990-EZ, and larger organizations file the full Form 990. Private foundations file Form 990-PF instead. Check the current thresholds at irs.gov.
Is Form 990 public?
Yes. The IRS discloses Forms 990, and organizations must provide copies on request. Schedule B contributor details are generally not disclosed to the public, but the rest of the return is open.
What happens if we do not file?
Penalties can accrue, and an organization that fails to file a required return or notice for three consecutive years automatically loses its tax-exempt status. Extensions are available with Form 8868.