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Which forms do exempt organizations file?

Most tax-exempt organizations are required to file an annual return. Which form an organization must file generally depends on its financial activity, as indicated in the chart below. The chart also shows the transition period for exempt organizations required to file a redesigned annual return beginning with 2008 tax years (returns filed beginning in 2009).

2010 Tax Year and later
(Filed in 2011 and later)

Form to File

 Instructions  

Gross receipts normally ≤ $50,000
Note: Organizations eligible to file the e-Postcard may choose to file a full return

990-N

n/a

Gross receipts < $200,000, and
Total assets < $500,000

990-EZ

or 990

Instructions

Gross receipts ≥ $200,000, or
Total assets ≥ $500,000

990

Instructions

Private foundation

990-PF

Instructions

 

2009 Tax Year
(Filed in 2010 or 2011)

Form to File

 Instructions  

Gross receipts normally ≤ $25,000
Note: Organizations eligible to file the e-Postcard may choose to file a full return

990-N

n/a

Gross receipts < $500,000, and
Total assets < $1.25 million

990-EZ

or 990

Instructions

Gross receipts ≥ $500,000, or
Total assets ≥ $1.25 million

990

Instructions

Private foundation

990-PF

Instructions

 

2008 Tax Year
(Filed in 2009 or 2010)

Form to File

 Instructions  

Gross receipts normally ≤ $25,000
Note: Organizations eligible to file the e-Postcard may choose to file a full return

990-N

n/a

Gross receipts < $1 million, and
Total assets < $2.5 million

990-EZ

or 990

Instructions

Gross receipts ≥ $1 million, or
Total assets ≥ $2.5 million

990

Instructions

Private foundation

990-PF

Instructions

 

2007 Tax Year
(Filed in 2008 or 2009)

Form to File

 Instructions  

Gross receipts normally ≤ $25,000
Note: Organizations eligible to file the e-Postcard may choose to file a full return.

990-N

n/a

Gross receipts < $100,000, and
Total assets < $250,000

990-EZ

or 990

Instructions

Gross receipts ≥ $100,000, or
Total assets ≥ $250,000

990

Instructions

Private foundation

990-PF

Instructions


Additional forms, schedules, and instructions are available:

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 11-Dec-2012