Form 990 Filing for Nonprofit Organizations
Your 990 is more than a filing requirement — it’s your organization’s public financial record. We prepare accurate, complete returns so you can focus on your mission.
Which Form Does Your Organization File?
The IRS requires most tax-exempt organizations to file annually. The right form depends on your organization’s size and type.
Form 990
Gross receipts ≥ $200K or assets ≥ $500K
The full information return. Reports finances, governance, programs, and compensation. This is a public document reviewed by donors, grantmakers, and watchdog organizations.
Form 990-EZ
Gross receipts < $200K and assets < $500K
A shorter version for smaller organizations. Still requires disclosure of revenue, expenses, and key activities.
Form 990-PF
Private foundations (all sizes)
Required for all private foundations regardless of size. Includes reporting on grants, investment income, and minimum distribution requirements.
Form 990-T
Unrelated business income ($1,000+ in gross income).
Filed in addition to your regular 990 when your organization earns $1,000 or more in gross income from activities unrelated to its exempt purpose.
Source: IRS Form 990 Instructions (2025): https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i990
See also IRS.gov UBIT page: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/unrelated-business-income-tax
Form 990-N
Gross receipts normally ≤ $50K
A brief electronic notice (e-Postcard) for the smallest organizations. Quick to file, but still required every year.
Not Sure What Your 990 Will Cost?
Answer a few questions about your organization and filing needs. Our calculator provides an instant estimate — no login or commitment required.
What Happens If You File Late — or Don’t File
The IRS enforces filing requirements with daily penalties and, in serious cases, automatic loss of your tax-exempt status.
Late Filing Penalties
Organizations that file after the deadline without reasonable cause face a penalty of $25 per day, up to the lesser of $13,000 or 5% of gross receipts. For organizations with gross receipts exceeding $1,309,500, the penalty increases to $130 per day, up to $65,000. These figures are inflation-adjusted for returns required to be filed in 2026 and may change in future years.
Sources:
- 2025 Instructions for Form 990, Section H “Failure-To-File Penalties”: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i990.pdf (p. 6)
- 2025 Instructions for Form 990-EZ, Section G “Failure-To-File Penalties”: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i990ez
- 2025 Instructions for Form 990-PF, “Penalties and Interest”: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i990pf
- IRS.gov Late Filing page (showing older, outdated figures — not yet updated): https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-annual-reporting-requirements-filing-procedures-late-filing-of-annual-returns
Automatic Revocation of Exempt Status
An organization that fails to file its required return — Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-N — for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status.
State Reporting Requirements
Filing your federal Form 990 does not satisfy state-level reporting obligations. Most states, including Washington, require separate registration and annual reporting for organizations that solicit donations. Our team can help you understand both your federal and state filing requirements.
Source: WA Secretary of State — Charitable Solicitations: https://www.sos.wa.gov/charities; see also National Council of Nonprofits — State Filing Requirements: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/governance-leadership/state-filing-requirements-nonprofits
How It Works
We handle the preparation. You stay focused on your mission.
Get a Quote
Use our online calculator to get an instant estimate based on your form type and required schedules. No login needed.
Initial Conversation
We review your organization’s structure, activities, and any prior-year returns. If there are areas that need attention, we’ll flag them early.
We Gather & Prepare
You’ll receive a clear checklist of what we need — financial statements, board minutes, grant details, compensation records. We prepare your return and review it internally.
Your Review & Filing
We walk you through the completed return and answer questions. Once you approve, we file electronically with the IRS.
Nonprofit-Only Focus Since 1991
Our team is focused on the nonprofit sector.
30+ Years Serving Nonprofits
From small family foundations to large national organizations, we’ve worked with nonprofits across the Puget Sound region since 1991.
All 990 Series Forms
We prepare Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-T, 990-PF, and handle exemption applications. Our team stays current with IRS guidance for tax-exempt organizations.
Industry Involvement
We’ve contributed to the AICPA’s comments on the redesigned Form 990, the WSCPA’s comments on Washington’s Charities Act, and the Independent Sector’s Task Force on E-Filing.
Your 990 is a Public Document
Donors and grantmakers read it. We help make sure it accurately reflects your organization’s impact, governance, and financial stewardship.
Ready to Get Started?
Get a quote, or talk to our tax team directly about your organization’s filing needs.
Jacobson Jarvis is an outstanding firm. I have appreciated their significant expertise with accounting and tax issues and very much like the way they allow access to members of their accounting and tax teams. They have done a great job with the audit as well as issues such as the Form 990.