Are there any exceptions to the requirement to file Form 990?

Organizations with gross receipts and assets below certain threshholds at the end of their tax years may file Form 990-EZ, Short Form Return of Organizations Exempt from Income Tax. In addition, certain other church-affiliated organizations and governmental organizations are not required to file annual information returns. Finally, organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally less than $25,000 are not required to file an annual return, but may be required to file an annual electronic notice - e-Postcard - beginning in 2008.

The following organizations must file another return in lieu of the Form 990:

Private foundations (Form 990-PF)

Employee benefit trusts (Form 5500)

Black lung benefit trusts (Form 990-BL)

Religious and apostolic organizations described in Code section 501(d)
(Form 1065).

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide legal or accounting advice, or to address specific situations. Please consult with your legal or tax advisor to supplement and verify what you learn here.