Reminder to tax-exempt organizations: 990s, other forms due July 15; e-file best way to file

Extension of Time beyond July 15

The Internal Revenue Service today reminds tax-exempt organizations that certain forms they file with the IRS are due on July 15, 2020. For organizations that operate on a calendar-year basis, this includes the 2019 Form 990 they would have normally filed on May 15. The upcoming July 15 deadline applies to many forms that were originally due May 15, including:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

  • Form 990-series annual information returns (Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-BL)
  • Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations Not Required to File Form 990 or Form 990-EZ
  • Forms 8871, Political Organization Notice of Section 527 Status
  • Form 8872, Political Organization Report of Contributions and Expenditures
  • Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return
  • Form 1120-POL, Political Organization Filing Requirements
  • Form 4720, Private Foundation Excise Tax Return

Tax-exempt organizations that need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request an automatic extension by filing Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organization Return. An organization will be allowed a six-month extension beyond the original due date. For a calendar-year 2019 return, this means the extended deadline would be Nov. 15, 2020. In situations where tax is due, extending the time for filing a return does not extend the time for paying tax. 

The IRS urges all organizations to take advantage of the speed and convenience of filing their returns electronically when possible.


Extension of Time