IRS Form 990-EZ – In the world of nonprofit management, staying compliant with IRS regulations is crucial for maintaining tax-exempt status. One key requirement for many smaller organizations is filing IRS Form 990-EZ, the Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. This form allows eligible tax-exempt entities to report their financial activities, governance, and operations annually. Whether you’re running a small charity, community group, or political organization, understanding Form 990-EZ can help ensure smooth compliance and avoid costly penalties. In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including eligibility, filing tips, and where to download the form.
What Is IRS Form 990-EZ?
IRS Form 990-EZ is an annual information return designed for smaller tax-exempt organizations under Internal Revenue Code Section 6033. It provides the IRS with details about an organization’s mission, programs, finances, and key personnel, while also promoting transparency since most of the information becomes publicly available. Unlike a traditional tax return, it doesn’t calculate taxes owed (as these organizations are exempt), but it ensures accountability and compliance with federal tax laws.
This form is particularly useful for mid-sized nonprofits, as it simplifies reporting compared to the full Form 990. It includes sections on revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation, helping the IRS monitor activities like lobbying, fundraising, and potential conflicts of interest.
Who Needs to File Form 990-EZ?
Most tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(a), nonexempt charitable trusts under Section 4947(a)(1), and Section 527 political organizations must file some version of Form 990 if they meet certain thresholds. Specifically, Form 990-EZ is for those that don’t qualify for the even simpler Form 990-N (e-Postcard) but aren’t large enough for the full Form 990.
Examples of organizations that may file include:
- Charitable groups (501(c)(3))
- Social welfare organizations (501(c)(4))
- Labor unions (501(c)(5))
- Fraternal societies (501(c)(10))
- Political action committees (Section 527)
Exceptions include churches, certain church-affiliated groups, and very small organizations (gross receipts normally ≤ $50,000), which may file Form 990-N instead. Private foundations use Form 990-PF, and larger entities like hospitals or donor-advised fund sponsors must use Form 990.
Eligibility Requirements for Filing Form 990-EZ
To qualify for Form 990-EZ, your organization must meet specific financial thresholds. These ensure the form is used only by smaller entities where a simplified return is appropriate.
Here’s a quick overview in table format:
| Criterion | Threshold for Form 990-EZ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Receipts | Normally less than $200,000 | Calculated as total revenue without subtracting costs; “normally” based on a 3-year average. |
| Total Assets | Less than $500,000 at year-end | Includes all assets without reducing for liabilities. |
| Special Cases | Varies for Section 527 organizations | Qualified state/local political orgs file if ≥ $100,000; others if ≥ $25,000. |
If your organization exceeds these limits, you’ll need to file the full Form 990. For very small groups (gross receipts ≤ $50,000), opt for Form 990-N.
Key Differences Between Form 990-EZ and Form 990
While both forms serve similar purposes, Form 990-EZ is a condensed version for efficiency.
- Length and Detail: Form 990-EZ is about 4 pages, focusing on summaries of revenue, expenses, and balance sheets. Form 990 is 12+ pages with more in-depth sections on governance and activities.
- Schedules: 990-EZ requires fewer attachments; for example, it integrates some info that Form 990 breaks into multiple parts.
- Eligibility: As noted, size matters—larger orgs (≥ $200,000 receipts or ≥ $500,000 assets) must use Form 990.
Choosing the right form prevents unnecessary complexity or IRS scrutiny.
Filing Deadlines and Extensions for Form 990-EZ
The standard deadline is the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends. For calendar-year organizations (January-December), that’s May 15. If your fiscal year ends June 30, the deadline is November 15.
Need more time? File Form 8868 for an automatic 6-month extension by the original due date. This doesn’t extend payment deadlines for any excise taxes, though.
How to File Form 990-EZ?
For tax year 2025 (filed in 2026), electronic filing is mandatory for most organizations. Use IRS-approved software or an e-file provider. Paper filing is only allowed in limited cases, like for older years.
Steps include:
- Gather financial records, including revenue sources and compensation details.
- Complete the form and any required schedules.
- E-file through an authorized provider.
- Ensure public disclosure—make the return available for inspection or post it online.
Required Schedules and Attachments for Form 990-EZ
Depending on your activities, attach schedules like:
- Schedule A: For public charity status (501(c)(3) orgs).
- Schedule B: Contributors over $5,000.
- Schedule C: Political and lobbying activities.
- Schedule G: Fundraising or gaming events exceeding thresholds.
- Schedule L: Transactions with interested persons.
- Schedule N: For terminations or liquidations.
- Schedule O: Supplemental explanations.
Always check if your organization triggers these.
Penalties for Non-Compliance With Form 990-EZ
Late or incomplete filings can result in penalties starting at $25 per day (up to $13,000 or 5% of gross receipts). For larger orgs, it’s $130/day up to $65,000. Failure to file for three consecutive years leads to automatic revocation of tax-exempt status. Responsible individuals may face personal fines of $10/day.
Recent Updates for Tax Year 2025
For 2025 filings, key changes include mandatory e-filing and inflation adjustments (e.g., low-cost article amount to $13.60). Thresholds remain unchanged, but organizations should review for accounting method changes (use Form 3115 if needed). No major structural revisions, but always use the latest version.
Tips for Completing Form 990-EZ Successfully
- Use whole dollars and consistent rounding.
- Report gross amounts, including disregarded entities.
- Estimate reasonably where exact figures aren’t available.
- Avoid including Social Security numbers.
- Reconcile with state filings if differences exist.
- Sign by an authorized officer and include preparer info if applicable.
Consult IRS Publication 557 for more guidance.
Where to Download IRS Form 990-EZ?
You can download the latest IRS Form 990-EZ PDF directly from the official IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f990ez.pdf. For instructions, access https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i990ez.pdf.
By filing accurately and on time, your organization can maintain its exempt status and focus on its mission. If you’re unsure about eligibility or details, consider consulting a tax professional specialized in nonprofits. Stay compliant and thrive in 2026!