Form 990 is an information return that tax-exempt organizations in the United States are required to file annually with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It provides detailed information about the organization’s finances, governance, activities, and compliance with tax regulations.
Here are some of the key sections and information typically included in Form 990:
- Organization Information: This section includes basic details about the organization, such as its name, address, employer identification number (EIN), mission statement, and contact information.
- Revenue and Expenses: Form 990 requires organizations to report all sources of revenue, including donations, grants, program service revenue, investment income, and other sources. It also details expenses, including program expenses, administrative costs, fundraising expenses, and other expenditures.
- Balance Sheet: Organizations must provide detailed information about their financial position by reporting assets, liabilities, and net assets (fund balances) at the beginning and end of the tax year.
- Program Service Accomplishments: Nonprofits are required to describe their primary exempt purpose achievements and program service accomplishments, providing insight into the organization’s activities
- Governance and Management: This section includes information about the organization’s governing body (board of directors or trustees), key officers, and policies related to governance, conflicts of interest, and whistleblower protection.
- Compensation of Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees: Form 990 requires disclosure of compensation paid to the organization’s top executives and key employees, including salaries, bonuses, and other benefits.
- Independent Auditors’ Report: If the organization has undergone an independent audit, Form 990 may include the auditor’s report, providing an assessment of the organization’s financial statements and internal controls.
- Tax Compliance and Reporting: Nonprofits must certify their compliance with various tax regulations, disclose any unrelated business income, report lobbying activities, and provide information about their tax-exempt status.
- Other Information: Form 990 may include additional schedules and disclosures depending on the organization’s activities, transactions, and compliance requirements.
What information does a Form 990 include?
Form 990 is an information return that tax-exempt organizations in the United States are required to file annually with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It provides detailed information about the organization’s finances, governance, activities, and compliance with tax regulations.
Here are some of the key sections and information typically included in Form 990:
Organization Information: This section includes basic details about the organization, such as its name, address, employer identification number (EIN), mission statement, and contact information.
Revenue and Expenses: Form 990 requires organizations to report all sources of revenue, including donations, grants, program service revenue, investment income, and other sources. It also details expenses, including program expenses, administrative costs, fundraising expenses, and other expenditures.
Balance Sheet: Organizations must provide detailed information about their financial position by reporting assets, liabilities, and net assets (fund balances) at the beginning and end of the tax year.
Program Service Accomplishments: Nonprofits are required to describe their primary exempt purpose achievements and program service accomplishments, providing insight into the organization’s activities
Governance and Management: This section includes information about the organization’s governing body (board of directors or trustees), key officers, and policies related to governance, conflicts of interest, and whistleblower protection.
Compensation of Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees: Form 990 requires disclosure of compensation paid to the organization’s top executives and key employees, including salaries, bonuses, and other benefits.
Independent Auditors’ Report: If the organization has undergone an independent audit, Form 990 may include the auditor’s report, providing an assessment of the organization’s financial statements and internal controls.
Tax Compliance and Reporting: Nonprofits must certify their compliance with various tax regulations, disclose any unrelated business income, report lobbying activities, and provide information about their tax-exempt status.
Other Information: Form 990 may include additional schedules and disclosures depending on the organization’s activities, transactions, and compliance requirements.
Last modified: December 19, 2025
