How to File Form 990-N With Beacon Nonprofit
Key Takeaways
Form 990-N is an annual IRS filing for most eligible small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts normally $50,000 or less.
Form 990-N is generally due by the 15th day of the fifth month after your nonprofit's tax year ends.
Missing required annual IRS filings for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of federal tax-exempt status.
Beacon Nonprofit prepares and submits Form 990-N electronically and provides confirmation once the IRS accepts it.
You'll need basic information about your organization, including its EIN, legal name, tax year, and principal officer.
Learn how to file Form 990-N with Beacon Nonprofit, who qualifies, what information you'll need, and how to meet your annual IRS filing requirement.
Running a nonprofit comes with ongoing responsibilities, including annual IRS filings. Even small nonprofits with limited revenue may need to file each year. For many organizations, that means submitting Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard.
Filing Form 990-N helps your nonprofit meet its annual IRS reporting requirements and maintain its tax-exempt status. If your organization misses three consecutive years of required filings, the IRS automatically revokes that status. Beacon Nonprofit can help by preparing and submitting your Form 990-N and providing confirmation once the IRS accepts it.
If you're still in the early stages of setting up your organization, start with our guide on how to form a nonprofit organization before moving on to annual filing requirements.
How Does Filing Form 990-N Work for Small Nonprofits?
Quick Answer
Form 990-N is an annual IRS filing for most eligible small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts normally $50,000 or less. To file through Beacon Nonprofit, provide your organization's information, and Beacon will prepare and submit the notice electronically. You'll receive confirmation once the IRS accepts your filing.
What Is Form 990-N?
Form 990-N is an annual electronic notice required by the IRS for many small tax-exempt organizations. It is commonly called the e-Postcard because it requires only basic information about your nonprofit rather than detailed financial reporting.
The form includes your organization's legal name, Employer Identification Number (EIN), mailing address, tax year, and confirmation that your gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less.
Unlike the more detailed Form 990 and Form 990-EZ, Form 990-N does not require financial statements or an itemized breakdown of income and expenses. It is submitted electronically, and the IRS does not offer a paper version.
Eligible organizations must generally file each year, even if they had little or no financial activity during the reporting period.
Who Is Required to File Form 990-N?
Most small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts normally $50,000 or less can meet their annual IRS reporting requirement by filing Form 990-N.
The IRS uses the word "normally" because eligibility depends on your organization's age and gross receipts over a specific period. For example, an organization that has operated for at least three years generally meets the gross receipts threshold if its average annual gross receipts were $50,000 or less over the preceding three tax years, including the year being reported.
Not every organization qualifies. Private foundations generally file Form 990-PF, and most Section 509(a)(3) supporting organizations must file Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. Certain organizations, including churches and some church-related organizations, are generally exempt from annual Form 990-series filing requirements.
If you're unsure which form applies, review our guide on when your nonprofit must file Form 990-N, 990-EZ, or 990. You can also consult the IRS Form 990-N eligibility requirements.
What You'll Need to File Form 990-N
Before getting started, gather the basic information the IRS requires for Form 990-N.
You'll need:
- Your nonprofit's legal name and any other names it uses
- Your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Your organization's current mailing address
- The name and address of a principal officer
- Your organization's tax year
- Your nonprofit's website address, if applicable
- Confirmation that your gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less
- Confirmation of whether your organization has terminated or is going out of business
You can review the complete list through the IRS Form 990-N reporting requirements.
Having this information ready before you begin can help make the filing process more straightforward.
How to File Form 990-N With Beacon Nonprofit
Beacon Nonprofit helps eligible small nonprofits complete their annual Form 990-N filing in three steps.
Step 1: Share Your Nonprofit Details
Start by providing your organization's information through Beacon's filing process. This includes the basic details needed for your annual IRS filing, such as your nonprofit's legal name, EIN, and tax year.
Step 2: Beacon Prepares and Submits Your Form 990-N
Beacon uses the information you provide to prepare Form 990-N and submit it electronically to the IRS.
This gives your organization a guided way to complete its annual filing without navigating the IRS electronic filing system on its own.
Step 3: Receive Your Filing Confirmation
Once the IRS accepts your Form 990-N, Beacon provides confirmation of the filing.
Keep this confirmation with your organization's records so you can reference it when reviewing annual compliance requirements.
Ready to Stay on Track With Nonprofit Compliance?
Whether you need to file your annual Form 990-N or want to understand what else your nonprofit needs to stay compliant, Beacon Nonprofit can help you take the next step.
When Is Form 990-N Due, and What Happens If You Miss It?
Form 990-N is due by the 15th day of the fifth month after your nonprofit's tax year ends. For organizations operating on a calendar year ending December 31, the deadline is generally May 15 of the following year. If the deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it moves to the next business day. The IRS does not grant filing extensions for Form 990-N.
If you miss the deadline, file as soon as possible. The IRS does not assess a penalty for filing Form 990-N late. However, if your organization fails to submit required annual filings for three consecutive years, the IRS automatically revokes its federal tax-exempt status.
Organizations that lose their tax-exempt status can apply for reinstatement, but the process generally requires a new application and an IRS user fee.
Keeping track of your annual filing deadlines can help you avoid interruptions to your nonprofit's tax-exempt status. Our Nonprofit Filing Deadlines Every Founder Should Know guide covers other important filing dates.
For more information about missed filings and their consequences, see Why Nonprofits Lose Tax-Exempt Status.
Why Nonprofits Choose Beacon Nonprofit for Form 990-N Filing
Form 990-N requires less information than other Form 990-series returns, but you still need to confirm your eligibility, gather the correct details, and submit the notice through the IRS electronic filing system.
Beacon Nonprofit offers a guided filing service designed specifically for nonprofit organizations.
Here's what you can expect:
- Built for Nonprofits. Beacon's services focus on nonprofit formation, IRS filings, and ongoing compliance needs.
- Guided Filing Process. Beacon helps you provide the information needed to complete your Form 990-N.
- Plain-Language Explanations. Clear guidance helps you understand what information is required and why it matters.
- Filing Confirmation. Once the IRS accepts your Form 990-N, you'll receive confirmation of your filing.
- Nonprofit-Focused Support. Beacon's support team is available to answer questions about the filing process.
Whether you're filing for the first time or completing another annual notice, Beacon provides a clear process to help you meet your reporting obligations.
File Your Form 990-N With Confidence
Filing Form 990-N is an important part of keeping your nonprofit current with the IRS. With the right information and a clear process, you can meet your annual filing requirement and stay focused on your organization's mission.
Beacon Nonprofit prepares and submits your Form 990-N electronically and provides confirmation once the IRS accepts your filing.
For additional guidance on maintaining your nonprofit's tax-exempt status, review our Nonprofit Compliance Checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts of normally $50,000 or less can file Form 990-N each year. Some organizations, including private foundations, must file different forms even if their receipts are below that threshold.
Missing required annual IRS filings for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of federal tax-exempt status. Organizations can apply for reinstatement, but the process generally requires a new application and an IRS user fee.
Form 990-N is due by the 15th day of the fifth month after your nonprofit's tax year ends. For organizations operating on a calendar year ending December 31, the deadline is generally May 15 of the following year.
Yes. If your nonprofit is required to file annually and qualifies for Form 990-N, you generally must submit it even if your organization had no income or activity during the year.
Beacon Nonprofit guides you through the filing process, prepares and submits your Form 990-N electronically to the IRS, and provides confirmation once your filing is accepted.
No. The IRS does not allow filing extensions for Form 990-N. If you miss the deadline, submit the notice as soon as possible. There is no late-filing penalty, but missing required annual filings for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of federal tax-exempt status.
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