GuideStar Blog

A tax-exempt organization using the calendar-year as its tax year must file a Form 990-series return by May 15th, unless it has filed Form 8868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return.

The IRS suggests organizations consider these three tips to help ensure a complete return and reduce the chances we’ll send your return back or need to request additional information:

When you hear about “new proposed federal regulations,” you may immediately think: “I need to learn all about these new regulations so our nonprofit doesn’t get into trouble!” But it’s very unlikely that the proposed rules you heard about will become the “law of the land” as proposed. “Proposed” means just that—a draft change has been suggested and the government is asking for comments before finalizing the rules. So, proposed rules are an open invitation to share your real world expertise, which will provide useful guidance to government and most importantly, improve the experience of your nonprofit, and others. This opportunity is what we refer to at the National Council of Nonprofits as an invitation for “everyday advocacy.”

1. New requirement for organizations intending to operate under Section 501(c)(4): Submit Form 8976

New legislation enacted at the end of 2015 added section 506 to the Internal Revenue Code. Section 506 requires an organization to notify the IRS of its intent to operate as a section 501(c)(4) organization.