My Nonprofit Missed a Filing. Now What?
Missing a nonprofit tax filing can feel stressful, but the most important thing is to take action quickly. Most tax-exempt organizations are required to file an annual Form 990-series return, such as Form 990-N or Form 990-EZ. If your organization missed a year, the best next step is to identify the missing filing and submit it as soon as possible.
The IRS can automatically revoke an organization’s tax-exempt status if it fails to file required Form 990-series returns or notices for three consecutive years. That means one missed filing should be handled quickly before it becomes a larger compliance issue. The IRS also notes that there is no penalty for filing Form 990-N late, but missing three consecutive years can still result in automatic revocation.
How to File a Missed Nonprofit Return
1. Find Your EIN
Start by locating your organization’s Employer Identification Number, also called an EIN. This is the number the IRS uses to identify your nonprofit.
You may find it on:
- Prior IRS filings
- Bank records
- IRS letters
- Incorporation documents
- Old emails or records from previous officers
2. Enter Your EIN
Enter your nonprofit’s EIN in the Pro990 Search Tool. This helps identify your organization and determine the available filing options.
3. Review Any Missed Years
Check which tax years still need to be filed. If your organization missed more than one year, each missed year may need to be handled separately.
4. File the Missing Return
Once you identify the missed year, complete the required filing through Pro990. Depending on your organization’s size and financial activity, you may need to file Form 990-N or Form 990-EZ.
5. Save Your Confirmation
After filing, save a copy of your confirmation for your organization’s records. This is especially important for nonprofits with rotating officers, board members, treasurers, or volunteers.
Do Not Wait to Get Caught Up
A missed filing is fixable, but ignoring it can create bigger problems. If your nonprofit misses three years in a row, the IRS can automatically revoke its tax-exempt status. Select Register Here to get started today!