The basic rule
Your nonprofit generally must file Form 990-EZ if:
- Annual gross receipts are $50,000 – $200,000
- Total assets are less than $500,000
Simple way to think about it
990-N is for very small nonprofits.
990-EZ is for growing nonprofits.
Full Form 990 is for larger organizations.
When you move from 990-N to 990-EZ
Organizations typically begin filing Form 990-EZ once they exceed the $50,000 gross receipts threshold. This often happens as nonprofits grow and begin receiving grants or larger donations.
Who cannot file Form 990-EZ
- Organizations with gross receipts over $200,000
- Organizations with assets over $500,000
- Private foundations (they file Form 990-PF)
Important
Nonprofits must file an annual return every year. Missing three consecutive years can result in automatic
revocation of tax-exempt status.