Form 990-EZ is a short form return designed for nonprofit organizations exempt from income tax under the Internal Revenue Code. It applies to groups with limited total assets and moderate annual receipts, providing a simplified method of reporting financial data. Filing the correct return ensures an organization qualifies for exemption while maintaining accountability to both government authorities and the communities it serves.

For the 2016 tax year, tax-exempt organizations, including charities, churches, and political organizations, were required to submit this return if they met specific criteria. The form requires information on income, grants received, and resources used for exempt purposes. Although these groups are exempt from paying federal income tax, they are still required to file an annual return to demonstrate compliance. Providing accurate information needed for the return reduces the risk of errors and strengthens public trust in nonprofit organizations.

Because many leaders feel overwhelmed by these requirements, preparation is essential. Gathering accounts, exemption notices, and supporting documents in advance helps create a smoother submission. According to the IRS Form 990 overview, reviewing guidance before completing the short form return makes it easier to prepare, review, and file electronically or on paper, ensuring that organizations remain in good standing.

Income Tax and Exempt Organization Criteria

Form 990-EZ provides a framework for reporting the financial activities of nonprofit organizations that are exempt from income tax. Whereas traditional income tax returns calculate liability and payments, Form 990-EZ functions primarily to ensure compliance with exemption rules. It reflects the responsibilities of nonprofit organizations to remain transparent and accountable under the Internal Revenue Code while offering a reporting option based on financial size and eligibility.

How Form 990-EZ Differs from an Income Tax Return

Form 990-EZ serves a different purpose than a standard income tax return. Nonprofit organizations exempt from income tax under the Internal Revenue Code do not calculate taxable income in the same way as corporations or individuals. Instead, this return discloses financial activities, including revenue, grants, and expenses, to show compliance with exemption rules. The filing also provides the public with a clear record of how funds support charitable or organizational missions, supporting transparency in nonprofit accountability.

While income tax returns focus on reporting taxable profits and determining payments due, Form 990-EZ emphasizes transparency in how resources are managed. Organizations exempt from income tax are still required to report data to maintain their good standing with the government. Failure to file can result in the automatic revocation of exemption status, regardless of whether the group earns income that would otherwise be taxed. For this reason, leaders must prepare accurate information required for the short form return each year.

Definition of an Exempt Organization Under the Internal Revenue Code

An exempt organization qualifies under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 501(c) encompasses a range of groups, including charities, churches, political organizations, and certain other nonprofit entities. These groups receive exemption from federal income tax because they operate to serve charitable, religious, educational, or similar exempt purposes rather than private profit. Eligibility requires strict adherence to exemption criteria, including a focus on mission, record-keeping, and lawful operations.

Organizations recognized as tax-exempt maintain their exemption by filing an annual return, even if no tax is due. Reporting through Form 990-EZ demonstrates compliance and provides data for review by both the Internal Revenue Service and the public. For example, churches may not pay income tax on tithes, yet they remain accountable through disclosure requirements that safeguard transparency. This structure enables the government to verify the proper use of funds while allowing donors and communities to assess the effectiveness of the organization.

Eligibility Thresholds for Filing Form 990-EZ

Filing requirements depend on total assets and gross receipts. To qualify for Form 990-EZ for the 2016 tax year, a nonprofit organization must have gross receipts of less than $200,000 and total assets of less than $500,000 at year-end. Groups exceeding these limits must complete the full Form 990, which provides more detailed reporting. Smaller organizations with receipts normally $50,000 or less may file Form 990-N, known as the e-postcard, as long as they meet the specific criteria.

The Internal Revenue Code sets these thresholds to match reporting obligations with the financial scale of organizations. By adjusting requirements, the government ensures that larger nonprofits provide more comprehensive information while smaller groups maintain accountability with less complexity. Each filing pathway reflects the organization's ability to prepare and submit data, ensuring fair standards across the nonprofit sector.

Who Qualifies for 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N Postcard

Nonprofit organizations qualify for one of three filings depending on receipts, assets, and activities. Form 990 applies to groups with higher revenue or assets, as well as those specifically identified in the Internal Revenue Code, such as hospitals or donor-advised fund sponsors. Form 990-EZ applies to organizations exempt from income tax that remain within the $200,000 and $500,000 thresholds. The 990-N postcard applies to the smallest organizations, including many local charities and community-based groups.

Eligibility also depends on organizational type. Political organizations and churches often fall under Form 990-EZ or 990-N, provided their financial data meets the filing thresholds. The choice of return reflects the organization's size and accountability standards that safeguard exemption from taxation. Filing the correct form ensures continuity of exemption status while supporting accountability in nonprofit organizations.

Closing this section, Form 990-EZ serves as a distinct reporting tool from a conventional income tax return. It reflects the responsibilities of exempt organizations to disclose information rather than calculate taxable income. By applying eligibility thresholds tied to total assets and receipts, the system ensures that tax-exempt organizations file their returns accurately. Leaders who prepare and review their data carefully will maintain compliance and strengthen the transparency expected from organizations exempt from federal taxation.

Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Nonprofit organizations exempt from income tax are still required to complete annual filings. The Internal Revenue Code grants exemptions for specific purposes, yet it requires consistent reporting to safeguard accountability. Filing Form 990-EZ demonstrates that a group continues to apply funds to its stated mission, operate within the law, and preserve its exemption status.

Why Tax-Exempt Organizations File

Even when no federal income tax is owed, organizations must disclose revenue, expenses, and program activities. This reporting confirms that contributions, grants, and resources further the exempt purpose. The Internal Revenue Service uses the submitted data to verify compliance, while donors and the communities they support rely on it for transparency and accountability. Annual disclosure, therefore, protects both the exemption and the public trust.

Examples of Eligible Organizations

Different groups qualify as exempt, provided they meet statutory requirements. Charities often file to show how they support relief, education, or health programs. Churches are exempt from income tax but must still provide organizational details. Political organizations, including local committees, file to confirm lawful use of contributions. Some government-linked nonprofits also meet the exemption criteria if their activities align with public purposes.

Role of Grants and Exemption Notices

Grants form a significant part of nonprofit funding, and reporting their use demonstrates financial integrity. Organizations must account for funds awarded by government agencies or private foundations to establish the proper application of these funds toward their mission goals. Exemption notices issued by the Internal Revenue Service further confirm eligibility and must be maintained as part of accurate records. Referencing these documents during annual filings supports the reliability of submitted data.

By completing these requirements, exempt organizations uphold accountability while reinforcing their eligibility. Transparent reporting of grants, resources, and exemption notices ensures they continue to serve the public effectively while maintaining compliance with the Internal Revenue Code.

Authorized E File Provider and Electronic Filing

Nonprofit organizations that qualify for exemption from income tax often rely on electronic filing to submit Form 990-EZ. This process requires the use of an IRS-authorized e-file provider, ensuring that data remains secure and is accurately transmitted. Understanding how these providers function and how electronic filing compares to traditional paper methods helps organizations prepare for efficient and compliant submissions.

• IRS-Authorized E-File Provider
  An IRS-authorized e-file provider is an individual or business approved to transmit returns on behalf of nonprofit organizations. Authorization requires passing suitability checks and meeting technical standards for secure transmissions. 

These providers are closely monitored to ensure compliance with federal requirements, guaranteeing that sensitive data from tax-exempt organizations remains protected. Working with approved providers ensures that filings comply with government technical standards and regulations.

• Electronic Filing vs. Paper Filers
  Electronic filing provides efficiency and accuracy, while paper filing remains an option for organizations with limited internet access. For nonprofit organizations. Filers receive instant confirmation of receipt, and the system automatically detects errors before submission. 

Paper filers often experience longer processing times, possible mailing delays, and a greater risk of misplaced documents. While paper submission remains available for those with limited internet access, electronic filing offers clear advantages in terms of speed and reliability.

• Internet Access, System Requirements, and Adobe Acrobat Reader
  Successful electronic filing requires reliable internet access and compliance with system requirements. Authorized providers specify compatible browsers, security protocols, and firewalls to ensure smooth transmission. Because IRS forms are often fillable PDFs, many organizations use Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete, prepare, and review their returns. Updated software prevents formatting errors and maintains consistent data presentation.
  
  
• Benefits of Electronically Filed Returns
  Nonprofit organizations gain multiple advantages from filing their returns electronically. Processing often occurs more quickly, which helps confirm compliance and reduce administrative work. Built-in validation features reduce errors and improve the accuracy of reported income, grants, and expenses. 

Confirmation receipts also serve as official proof of submission, while encrypted data transmission protects exemption notices, accounts, and financial records. Electronic filing aligns with both operational efficiency and responsible stewardship of nonprofit resources.

Electronic filing through IRS-authorized providers has become an essential tool for nonprofit organizations. By following secure system requirements and adopting digital processes, leaders maintain transparency while safeguarding exemption status. As outlined in the IRS Form 990-EZ instructions, electronically filing returns provides both accuracy and efficiency, thereby reinforcing public trust in nonprofit reporting.

Short Form Return Walkthrough

Form 990-EZ is often referred to as the short form return because it requires less detail than the complete Form 990, while still maintaining compliance with the Internal Revenue Service's requirements. Nonprofit organizations use it to report financial activities, governance information, and program service accomplishments when their gross receipts and total assets fall below set thresholds. This walkthrough provides a structured guide to preparing, reviewing, and submitting Form 990-EZ, ensuring that exempt organizations meet federal requirements.

Step 1: Gather Key Information

Before beginning the form, organizations must collect all required data. This includes financial statements, bank accounts, grant records, exemption letters, and details on officers or directors. Having these resources ready reduces the risk of errors and streamlines the preparation process. Accurate supporting records will also simplify review if questions arise later.

Step 2: Complete the Header Section

The header provides identifying details such as the organization’s name, address, Employer Identification Number, and exemption status under the Internal Revenue Code. Groups must indicate their accounting method, whether they use a calendar or fiscal year, and any changes in operations. Organizations that previously filed other forms, including the 990-N postcard or complete Form 990, should mark the “Initial return” or “Amended return” box when applicable. This section establishes the foundation for the rest of the filing.

Step 3: Report Revenue and Expenses

Part I requires organizations to enter contributions, program service income, membership dues, and grants. Expense categories include compensation, professional services, occupancy costs, and other operational payments. Each line must align with financial accounts and supporting data to ensure accuracy. Proper reporting reflects how tax-exempt organizations manage their resources.

Step 4: Complete the Balance Sheet

Part II details assets, liabilities, and net assets. Organizations record cash, savings, investments, buildings, and other property. Liabilities, such as debts and payables, are also included, with net assets calculated as the difference between the totals. Balancing these entries with prior-year figures ensures consistency and reinforces compliance with exemption requirements.

Step 5: Describe Program Service Accomplishments

Part III allows organizations to highlight their exempt purpose through program activities. Each major initiative should be described clearly, with reported expenses tied to mission-driven services and programs. Grants, educational programs, or charitable distributions must be explained in a way that shows consistency with the organization’s stated purpose. This section provides the public with a clear record of how nonprofit organizations fulfill their missions.

Step 6: Identify Officers and Key Employees

Part IV requires disclosure of officers, directors, and employees with significant responsibilities. Each entry must include average weekly hours, compensation, and any additional benefits. Accurate reporting promotes transparency and strengthens trust in nonprofit governance.

Step 7: Address Additional Information and Schedules

Part V covers a series of compliance questions on unrelated business income, political activities, and operational changes. If an answer requires further detail, the filer must use Schedule O to provide explanations. Attaching required schedules and referencing exemption notices ensures that all details meet government filing standards.

Step 8: Review and Submit

The final step involves reviewing all entries for accuracy before submission. Nonprofits must confirm that totals match across parts, all schedules are included, and an authorized officer completes the signature. Once reviewed, the return may be filed electronically through an authorized provider or mailed if a paper filing is required.

Form 990-EZ simplifies reporting for smaller organizations, yet it still requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. By following each step, nonprofits ensure that their accounts, data, and exemption information are reported accurately. This structured approach helps organizations remain compliant while reinforcing the transparency expected of those exempt from federal income tax.

Nonprofit Organizations and Filing Guidance

Nonprofit organizations must follow a structured approach when preparing Form 990-EZ. Filing correctly safeguards exemption from income tax while ensuring compliance with the Internal Revenue Code. Each organization type has unique requirements, so preparation involves more than filling out forms—it requires thorough recordkeeping, accurate reporting, and timely submission.

Filing Process and Record Preparation

The filing process begins with assembling essential financial information. Nonprofits must review revenue reports, expense statements, and account balances before completing the short form return. Churches and political organizations may have additional requirements, particularly when reporting contributions or lobbying activities. Careful preparation ensures that every line of Form 990-EZ reflects reliable data.

• Charitable Organizations
  Charities report donations, grants, and program-related revenue to ensure that expenses align with their exempt mission. Proper disclosure strengthens confidence in how resources support community programs.
  
  
• Churches and Religious Organizations
  Churches provide details about leadership, governance, and the use of contributions. Their reporting confirms that funds are managed responsibly and in accordance with exemption standards.

Additional Information for Political Organizations

Political organizations face distinct disclosure requirements. They must report contributions received, expenditures made, and activities that demonstrate lawful use of resources. These details protect transparency and prevent misuse of tax-exempt privileges. Form 990-EZ provides the government and the public with a clear view of how these organizations operate within the bounds of the law.

• Political Organization Records
  Political organization reports must include campaign spending, fundraising activity, and payments to contractors or consultants. This information supports compliance with federal requirements.
  
  
• Financial Records for All Filers
  Every filer must reconcile accounts, confirm the reported totals, and ensure that the supporting documentation matches the information submitted on the return. Each organization’s internal review processes reduce errors and help maintain exemption.

Systems for Accuracy and Compliance

A reliable system supports accuracy throughout the year. Nonprofit organizations benefit from monthly account reviews, oversight by boards or finance committees, and secure accounting software. Draft filings should undergo thorough checks before submission to confirm that all schedules are included and totals align across sections.

Nonprofit filing guidance demonstrates that accurate preparation is central to compliance. By carefully reviewing records and disclosing the required information, each group maintains transparency and accountability. Strong systems and reliable reporting reinforce both exemption status and the public trust that supports nonprofit missions.

Required Schedules and Attachments

Nonprofit organizations filing Form 990-EZ often must include additional schedules to provide detailed disclosures. These attachments document contributors, political activities, and other information required under the Internal Revenue Code. Missing or incomplete schedules are frequent issues that delay acceptance or affect exemption compliance.

Information Required in Schedules

• Schedule A – Public Charity Status and Public Support: This schedule is required for section 501(c)(3) organizations to document support tests and public funding sources.
  
  
• Schedule B – Schedule of Contributors: This schedule lists donors who contribute $5,000 or more, or those whose gifts exceed 2 percent of the total contributions.
  
  
• Schedule C – Political Activities and Lobbying: This schedule is filed by organizations engaged in lobbying or campaign-related work to disclose spending and activities.
  
  
• Schedule O – Supplemental Information: This schedule provides expanded explanations for complex answers or unique circumstances that cannot fit on the main form.

Common Gaps and Missing Attachments

• Incomplete Schedule A: When organizations make errors in calculating public support or leave out required parts, the filing may require additional review.
  
  
• Omitted Schedule B: When nonprofits fail to include required contributor information, they raise compliance concerns.
  
  
• Missing Political Activity Reporting: Organizations with lobbying or campaign activities are required to complete Schedule C, yet many overlook this requirement.
  
  
• Lack of Supplemental Explanations: When organizations fail to include Schedule O, where additional detail is required, their reporting becomes insufficient.

Preparing and Organizing Schedules for April Deadlines

• Assemble Data Early: Organizations should collect information on contributors, grants, and activities before the April filing period.
  
  
• Use Consistent Recordkeeping: Organizations should maintain year-round logs of donors, political expenditures, and board decisions for accurate reporting.
  
  
• Order Attachments Correctly: Organizations should submit schedules in the required order so the filing remains complete and review-ready.
  
  
• Review Before Submission: Organizations should double-check all schedules against the return to ensure there are no gaps or misaligned figures.

Well-prepared schedules support accurate nonprofit reporting and smooth compliance with filing requirements. By organizing attachments before April deadlines, organizations reduce the risk of errors while ensuring transparency.

Common Errors and Review Process

Form 990-EZ filing requires precision, yet many nonprofit organizations encounter mistakes that delay processing or create compliance issues. Errors often occur when reporting basic identification details, exemption status, or total assets. These oversights may appear minor, yet they affect the accuracy and credibility of the filing and increase the risk of correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service.

• Incorrect Employer Identification Number (EIN): Filers sometimes enter outdated or incorrect EINs, and these errors can result in rejected submissions.
  
  
• Misstated Total Assets: When discrepancies occur between balance sheets and supporting accounts, they create inconsistencies in reporting.
  
  
• Missing Exemption Notice Details: When organizations fail to reference exemption status or attach the appropriate notice, the validity of the return is weakened.

Data entry mistakes also occur when reconciling revenue and expenses. Misreporting donor contributions, grant funding, or program expenditures creates mismatched totals across the form. These errors delay the review process and highlight gaps in record-keeping.

• Inaccurate Account Totals: When bank accounts remain unreconciled or ledgers are mismatched, discrepancies arise in reporting.
  
  
• Omitted Supplemental Information: When organizations fail to include Schedule O explanations where required, the filing becomes incomplete.

A thorough review process enhances compliance and ensures accuracy before submission. Organizations should reconcile accounts, confirm that EIN and exemption details match official notices, and verify that schedules are complete. By implementing these strategies, nonprofits demonstrate diligence in reporting while protecting their exemption status.

Electronically Filed Returns and System Requirements

Nonprofit organizations increasingly rely on electronically filed returns to complete their annual submissions securely and efficiently. Electronic filing reduces errors, provides faster processing, and creates confirmation records that serve as proof of compliance. To take advantage of this system, organizations must meet technical requirements that ensure accurate data transmission and protect sensitive exemption details.

Electronic filing requires stable internet access and compatible technology. Authorized e-file providers outline the system specifications, including approved browsers, encryption protocols, and firewall settings. Many forms, including Form 990-EZ, utilize fillable PDFs, which require updated software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader for proper formatting. Meeting these technical requirements reduces the risk of rejected returns or delays in processing.

The benefits of electronically filed returns extend beyond speed. Built-in error checks identify missing data or inconsistent totals before submission, allowing organizations to correct issues immediately. Receipts generated after transmission confirm that the Internal Revenue Service has accepted the return. By adopting secure electronic filing systems, nonprofit organizations strengthen compliance while protecting financial records, grant disclosures, and exemption status under the Internal Revenue Code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Form 990-EZ for nonprofit organizations?

Form 990-EZ is the short form return used by nonprofit organizations with limited gross receipts and total assets. It differs from an income tax return because exempt organizations do not calculate tax liability. Instead, they disclose data on revenue, expenses, and grants to maintain exemption under the Internal Revenue Code. Filing ensures transparency and compliance, allowing organizations exempt from income tax to continue operating in accordance with federal standards.

When is the filing deadline for Form 990-EZ for the 2016 tax year?

The filing deadline is the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of the accounting period. For calendar-year filers, this date was May 15, 2017. Fiscal-year organizations calculate the deadline based on their year-end. Timely filing demonstrates accountability and helps tax-exempt organizations remain compliant with federal regulations, thereby maintaining their exemption status under the applicable section of the Internal Revenue Code.

Can nonprofit organizations request an extension to file their tax returns?

Yes, nonprofit organizations may request additional time by submitting Form 8868 before the original due date. This request grants a six-month extension for filing but does not extend the time to pay unrelated business income tax reported on Form 990-T. By using an authorized e-file provider, organizations ensure secure electronic submission of extension requests, preserving exemption status and maintaining accurate records for public disclosure.

Who qualifies to file Form 990-EZ instead of Form 990?

Organizations may file Form 990-EZ if their gross receipts are under $200,000 and their total assets are under $500,000 as of the end of the year. Nonprofit organizations, including charities, political organizations, and particular churches, qualify when they meet these thresholds. Larger organizations must file the complete Form 990, while smaller groups with receipts of normally $50,000 or less may submit the 990-N postcard electronically. These criteria ensure compliance and reflect an organization's ability to meet its objectives.

What are the benefits of electronically filed returns for nonprofits?

Electronically filed returns offer faster processing, fewer errors, and stronger data security compared with paper filers. Nonprofit organizations benefit from built-in checks that flag missing information before submission. Internet access and updated software, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, are required for compliance. Using an IRS-authorized e-file provider allows nonprofit organizations to transmit accurate records securely, maintain exemption status, and meet accountability standards for donors and government agencies.