How the IRS Free 990-N Filing Option Works
Form 990-N, also called the e-Postcard, is generally available to small tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less. The form asks for basic information such as the organization’s EIN, tax year, mailing address, and principal officer.
The IRS does not charge a filing fee for the current years' return. However, to use the IRS filing system, the person submitting the return must sign in or create an account through Login.gov or ID.me, which some people may feel find complex and invasive to privacy.
The IRS free filing system also does not allow previous years' 990N filings, 990EZ, 990-PF or full 990 Returns. The IRS also no longer supports paper-mailed returns.
If you know your organization’s correct information, understand its filing requirement, and only need to submit this year’s e-Postcard, filing directly with the IRS may be a reasonable choice.
Why Pay Pro990 to File a Form That the IRS Accepts for Free?
With Pro990, you are not simply paying to transmit a few pieces of information. You are paying for a simpler process, direct support, organized records, and better continuity for your organization.
No Separate ID.me Process
Pro990 does not require you to create or verify an ID.me account to file through our platform. You can complete your filing directly through Pro990 without going through the IRS identity-verification process used by its free filing system.
This can be particularly helpful when a new officer takes over and does not have access to the account previously used by the organization.
Direct Support When You Have Questions
Form 990-N is short, but that does not mean every filing situation is simple.
You may be unsure about your organization’s tax year, whether it qualifies for Form 990-N, which officer should be listed, or whether a previous return was missed. Pro990 customers can contact our team directly for help understanding the filing process and navigating these questions.
Free EIN Search and Filing-History Review
Before filing, Pro990 helps you locate your organization by EIN and review available filing information. This can help confirm that you have selected the correct organization and identify potential gaps in its filing history.
That matters because a missed Form 990-N can easily go unnoticed during an officer transition. Although the IRS does not assess a monetary penalty for filing Form 990-N late, an organization that fails to meet its annual filing requirement for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status.
A Free Dashboard for Your Organization
Your Pro990 dashboard gives your organization a central place to manage filings and records. Instead of starting from scratch each year, current officers can see what has already been completed and maintain information for future filings.
That dashboard remains useful even after the return has been submitted.
Easier Officer Transitions
PTAs, booster clubs, fraternities, sororities, veterans’ organizations, and other volunteer-led nonprofits often elect new officers every year. Filing responsibilities can be lost when records, passwords, and confirmation notices remain with a former treasurer or president.
Pro990 allows organizations to add new officers and create better continuity from one leadership team to the next. The goal is to make the filing responsibility belong to the organization—not to one volunteer’s personal account or memory.
One Place as Your Organization Grows
Some organizations eventually grow beyond Form 990-N eligibility and need to file Form 990-EZ. Using Pro990 gives your organization a consistent filing platform as its reporting needs change, instead of requiring each new officer to find and learn a different process.
Which Option Is Right for Your Organization?
The IRS free filing option may be right for you if you are confident about your filing requirement, have the necessary information, and only want to submit the current e-Postcard.
Pro990 may be the better choice if you value:
- A filing process without a separate ID.me or Login.gov account
- Direct help from a team that understands nonprofit filings
- A free EIN search and filing-history review
- Centralized filing records and confirmation information
- Easier transitions between outgoing and incoming officers
- Better visibility into potentially missed filing years
- A consistent platform for both Form 990-N and Form 990-EZ
The IRS free system can help you complete one filing. Pro990 helps your organization manage the responsibility from year to year.
Ready to File Your Form 990-N?
Search for your organization using its EIN, review its filing information, and complete your Form 990-N through Pro990—without creating an ID.me account.
Start your Form 990-N filing with Pro990 by Simply Entering your EIN Below: