Form 990-N or Form 990-EZ: what each one asks

Form 990-N (e-Postcard)

The IRS asks for eight items, and no financial statements:

1. EIN
2. Tax year
3. Legal name and mailing address
4. Any other names the organization uses
5. Name and address of a principal officer
6. Website, if any
7. Confirmation that gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less
8. A statement that the organization has ended, if it has

It takes most people a few minutes. It needs no signature. See File Form 990-N.

Form 990-EZ

The 990-EZ is a real annual return. Have these ready for the year:

• Part I: revenue by type (contributions, program service revenue, dues, investment income, fundraising events, sales) and expenses
• Part II: a balance sheet at the start and end of the year: cash, other assets, liabilities, net assets
• Part III: what the organization did, and what its main programs cost
• Part IV: officers, directors and trustees, their hours and any pay
• Parts V–VI: yes/no questions about activities during the year
• Schedule A for 501(c)(3) organizations: public charity status and public support

An officer signs it (Form 8453-TE) before it is sent. See File Form 990-EZ.

Prices

Form 990-N $24.99, Form 990-EZ $99.99. See Prices and payment.