The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued IR-2025-54 on 25 April 2025, highlighting important forms and topics to ensure successful and timely filing as the 15 May 2025 filing deadline approaches for tax-exempt organisations.
The annual filing due date for certain returns filed by tax-exempt organisations is the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of an organisation’s accounting period.
Those operating on a calendar year basis must file a return by 15 May. Returns due include:
- Form 990-series annual information returns (Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF)
- Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organisations Not Required to File Form 990 or Form 990-EZ
- Form 990-T, Exempt Organisation Business Income Tax Return (other than certain trusts)
- Form 4720, Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code
Electronic filing
Electronic filing ensures acknowledgement that the IRS has received the return and reduces processing time, making it easy to comply with reporting requirements.
Organisations should remember the following when e-filing:
- Organisations filing a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF or 990-T for calendar year 2023 must file their returns electronically.
- Private foundations filing a Form 4720 for calendar year 2023 must file the form electronically.
- Charities and other tax-exempt organisations can file these forms electronically through an IRS-authorised e-file provider.
- Organisations eligible to submit a Form 990-N must do so electronically and can submit it through Form 990-N (e-Postcard) on IRS.gov.
Common errors
The IRS encourages organisations to thoroughly review their forms to avoid common errors such as missing or incomplete schedules. If an organisation’s return is incomplete or is the wrong return for the organisation, the return will be rejected.
Extension requests
Tax-exempt organisations may request a six-month automatic extension by filing a Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organisation Return PDF. In situations where tax is due, extending the time for filing a return does not extend the time for paying tax.
