When Is the Annual Filing -- the 990 -- Due? Depends.

When it comes to the annual filing of Form 990, the deadline isn't set in stone. Nonprofit organizations follow different timelines based on their fiscal year.

• Organizations with a fiscal year that follows the calendar year (January 1st to December 31st) must file their Form 990 by the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of their fiscal year. For example, if your organization's fiscal year ends on December 31st, the Form 990 would be due on May 15th. However, for organizations with a fiscal year ending on a different date, the deadline would vary accordingly. It's crucial for boards to be aware of their organization's specific deadlines to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
• While the general deadline for the Form 990 is the 15th day of the 5th month after the fiscal year end, certain circumstances can affect this timeline.
• Organizations have the option to request a 6-month extension by filing Form 8868 before the original due date. This extension provides additional time for boards to gather the necessary financial information and complete the filing accurately.

Understanding the nuances of filing the Form 990 is essential for boards to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. By staying informed about the specific deadline based on the organization's fiscal year and being proactive in seeking extensions when needed, boards can ensure timely and accurate compliance with IRS regulations.