IRS Form 990 (2013): Annual Return for Exempt Organizations

What IRS Form 990 (2013) Is For

IRS Form 990 (2013) serves as the annual information return required for organizations that are exempt from income tax. The Internal Revenue Service uses this form to ensure transparency in how nonprofits report contributions, grants, and other financial activities each tax year. Every organization exempt from federal income tax must complete this filing to document its annual performance and compliance with reporting laws.

The form functions as a public document that enhances financial transparency across the nonprofit sector. It helps domestic individuals, government agencies, and donors review how nonprofit funds are used for charitable purposes. Each report outlines the organization’s programs, services, and expenses to demonstrate lawful and accurate use of resources.

Every organization must include its employer identification number, annual gross receipts, and fiscal details when submitting Form 990. Accurate and timely submission confirms compliance with annual filing requirements and maintains public confidence. Filing Form 990 correctly protects tax-exempt status and supports accountability across the nonprofit community.

Guidance for nonprofit reporting is available in the Nonprofit & Exempt Organization Forms resource, which details required filings and compliance steps.

When You’d Use IRS Form 990 (2013)

IRS Form 990 applies to tax-exempt organizations that must report annual operations to the Internal Revenue Service. Entities with total assets of $500,000 or more or annual gross receipts of at least $200,000 must file this return. Filing confirms the organization’s exemption status and supports compliance with federal reporting standards.

Organizations Required to File

Tax-exempt associations, trusts, and nonprofit corporations must disclose income, expenses, and governance details. The form also applies to organizations that receive tax-deductible charitable contributions or distribute public grants. Each filing must include officers’ names, contact addresses, and complete financial data for accurate review.

Filing Extensions and Exceptions

Organizations may request a six-month extension using Form 8868. Nonprofits that fail to file for three consecutive years lose their exemption automatically. Timely filing ensures compliance and demonstrates public accountability.

Key Rules or Details for 2013

The Internal Revenue Service required tax-exempt organizations to follow specific filing standards during the 2013 tax year. Each organization’s fiscal year determined the Form 990 due date, set for the 15th day of the fifth month after its accounting period ended. Filing on time confirmed compliance and preserved exemption status under federal reporting law.

Organizations with gross receipts of $200,000 or more or total assets of $500,000 or more had to file the standard Form 990. Smaller entities that met lower financial thresholds could file the short-form return, Form 990-EZ. Each return served as an official tax record verifying operational and financial data.

Form accuracy strengthened the organization’s credibility and protected future eligibility. Proper reporting maintained public trust and supported nonprofit benefit accountability.

Step-by-Step (High Level)

Preparing and filing IRS Form 990 requires organized documentation and accurate reporting. Each tax-exempt organization must collect all financial statements, governance policies, and details about key officers before completing the form. Proper preparation ensures that every section of the return reflects the organization’s financial performance and stated purpose.

Step 1: Gather all financial records, including income statements and balance sheets.

Step 2: Review revenue, expense, and asset data to confirm alignment with reported figures.

Step 3: List officers, directors, and trustees, noting compensation paid during the year.

Step 4: Include all required schedules for related activities, such as private foundations or affiliated entities.

Step 5: Complete and verify every page before filing the tax return.

Accurate preparation strengthens transparency and public trust. Each completed filing confirms lawful nonprofit operations and demonstrates financial accountability.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many organizations make errors during the filing process because they overlook details or skip verification steps. Recognizing these mistakes and taking preventive measures helps maintain accurate tax reporting and preserve compliance. Consistent review of all sections ensures an accurate and reliable submission.

Regular review minimizes errors and supports accurate filings. Proper preparation ensures compliance and preserves nonprofit integrity.

What Happens After You File

Once Form 990 is submitted, the Internal Revenue Service reviews the return for accuracy and completeness. The review ensures that all financial data, attachments, and schedules align with the organization’s reporting obligations. Each accepted submission becomes part of the public record and remains available for review by donors, government agencies, and the public.

• IRS Review: The IRS examines every return to verify figures and required documentation. Any missing sections may lead to a notice requesting corrections or clarification.
  
  
• Public Disclosure: Accepted forms are published as public records, allowing inspection of nonprofit financial activities.
  
  
• Record Security: Organizations should verify that the filing system displays a locked padlock icon to confirm encrypted submission.
  
  
• Penalty Prevention: The first step toward avoiding penalties is maintaining complete and timely records for future filings.

Strong recordkeeping protects compliance and supports continued tax-exempt eligibility. Timely and accurate submissions reinforce accountability and transparency.

FAQs

What happens when a nonprofit fails to file Form 990?

When a nonprofit organization fails to file Form 990 for three consecutive years, the Internal Revenue Service automatically revokes its exempt status. The organization must then submit a reinstatement request and pay applicable fees. Repeated failure to comply may result in penalties that affect organizational credibility and grant eligibility.

Can an organization file an e-Postcard instead of Form 990?

Small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts of $50,000 or less may file the e-Postcard, also known as Form 990-N. This simplified filing confirms active status without requiring detailed financial reports. The IRS provides instructions and examples for submitting this short form electronically.

How can an organization request other assistance from the IRS?

Organizations may request other assistance through the IRS website or by submitting a written letter describing the issue. The IRS can provide detailed explanations of filing requirements or supply additional information about exemption reinstatement. Each inquiry should include the organization’s name, employer identification number, and contact details.

What additional information appears on a filed return?

A filed Form 990 includes data such as annual receipts, business activities, and property details. Public disclosure allows individuals and agencies to review how the organization operates. The return also lists officers, governance details, and operational examples of charitable activities.

Where can organizations find official instructions for filing requirements?

The IRS website offers official instructions for completing Form 990, including eligibility rules and submission guidelines. Each page includes a ‘page last reviewed or updated’ note, which confirms the accuracy of current procedures. Organizations can use these resources for reliable guidance when preparing their annual filing.

The Federal Fillable Tax Forms directory provides nonprofit organizations with access to needed IRS forms, schedules, and exempt-entity resources to support federal filing requirements.