Now is a Great Time to Get Ready to File Your Nonprofit's 990

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Whether you're filing your own taxes or getting all your information organized for your accountant,  the United States is now knee-deep in income tax preparation season for the 2011 calendar year. 

Income tax preparation season is a great reminder to keep filing your IRS Form 990 if your nonprofit is a 501 (c) (3) organization. 

If  your nonprofit is a 501 (c) (3) and your fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, your 2011 990 is due to the IRS no later than May 15, 2012. If your nonprofit's fiscal year ends on any other date, your 990 is due on the 15th of the 5th month following the end of your fiscal year.

If your nonprofit's 2011 gross receipts were $50,000 or less, you may file a 990-N, or an e-postcard, directly on the IRS website.

You may find a full listing of the eight items you will need to file your organization's 990 here.

You may find a list of frequently asked questions about filing your organization's 990 here.

When you've read all the IRS information and feel ready to do your actual 990 filing, you may do so here.

Once you complete the filing process, you will receive an email confirmation of your filing. Save this email and back it up at your office or with other organizational volunteers.  These IRS receipts for your nonprofit are as critical to your organizational record as your personal tax returns are to your own finances.

What tips and ideas do you have to share regarding filing your 990?

If you're considering applying to become a 501 (c ) (3), the links above will help you understand your annual filing requirements.

Submit your ideas, suggestions and questions for future FlashPoint blog posts here.