May 16, 2016 Due Date for Calendar Year Exempt Organizations

Most tax-exempt organizations (TEOs) are required to file tax returns with the IRS.  The normal due date is 4 ½ months following the end of the tax year.  For TEOs having a calendar or December 31^st year-end, the due date is May 15^th.  Since May 15, 2016 falls on Sunday, the due date is officially May 16^th.  However, if tax is owing, and the TEO uses the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), the payment must be scheduled before 8 p.m. eastern time the day before the due date in order for the payment to be timely made to the IRS.

TEOs use the Form 990 series to file their tax returns.  The specific version of Form 990 depends upon the nature of the organization and the amount of its gross revenues or assets.  The full Form 990 requires much more time and effort to complete than Form 990-EZ.

Financial Status of TEO	Form to File
Gross receipts normally ≤ $50,000	990-N (e-postcard)
Gross receipts < $200,000 and Total assets < $500,000	990-EZ
Gross receipts ≥ $200,000 or Total assets ≥ $500,000	990
Private foundation—regardless of financial status	990-PF

If the tax return is filed late, daily penalties will accrue.  If a tax return is not filed as required for three consecutive years, the organization automatically loses its tax-exempt status.  Churches are not required to file annual tax returns.  An extension of time may be requested by filing Form 8868 with the IRS by the tax return due date.  An extension of three months is granted automatically.  A second extension of three months may be granted if the IRS deems the explanation satisfactory for why a further extension is necessary.

By law the IRS and most TEOs are required to publicly disclose most parts of the Form 990 filings, including schedules and attachments.  Therefore, the IRS cautions TEOs not to include Social Security Numbers in the information to avoid potential identity theft.  In addition, you may not want to use home addresses of the officers and trustees in the filing.

The IRS offers an online search tool to help users more easily find key information about the federal tax status and filings of TEOs, including whether organizations have had their federal tax exemptions automatically revoked.