Glossary
Compliance & Tax

Form 990-N

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

Form 990-N is an annual electronic filing required by the IRS for small nonprofits with gross receipts of $50,000 or less.
Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard, is an annual electronic tax filing required by the IRS for small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts normally $50,000 or less. This simplified filing provides minimal information, such as the organization’s legal name, address, principal officer, and confirmation of gross receipts. Unlike longer versions of Form 990, the 990-N does not require detailed financial statements or program descriptions. Filing Form 990-N on time is crucial, as failure to file for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of tax-exempt status. The e-Postcard must be submitted electronically, and there is no paper form option. This process helps the IRS maintain records and transparency for small nonprofits, ensuring continued compliance and public trust.

Key Takeaways

  • Required for small nonprofits with ≤$50,000 in gross receipts
  • Filed electronically as the e-Postcard
  • Failure to file for 3 years leads to loss of tax-exempt status
  • Contains basic organizational information only

Why It Matters

It keeps small nonprofits compliant and prevents loss of tax-exempt status.

Real World Example

A neighborhood animal rescue group has annual donations and fundraising totaling $35,000. As a registered 501(c)(3) with gross receipts under $50,000, they are eligible to file Form 990-N. Each year, the group’s treasurer logs into the IRS website, provides the group’s legal name, address, EIN, and confirms their receipts are below the threshold. The process takes only a few minutes, but ensures their continued tax-exempt status. If they forgot to file for three consecutive years, the IRS would automatically revoke their exemption, jeopardizing their fundraising ability and donor trust.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos Accounting simplifies nonprofit compliance by tracking your income and expenses, making it easy to determine eligibility for Form 990-N. With Aplos, you can generate the necessary reports to verify your organization’s gross receipts and ensure timely filing, reducing the risk of penalties or loss of tax-exempt status.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to file Form 990-N?

Small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts normally $50,000 or less must file Form 990-N annually with the IRS.

What information is required for Form 990-N?

You need your nonprofit’s legal name, address, EIN, principal officer’s name, and confirmation of gross receipts under $50,000.

What happens if we don’t file Form 990-N?

Failure to file for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of your organization’s tax-exempt status by the IRS.

Can I file Form 990-N on paper?

No, Form 990-N must be filed electronically using the IRS’s online e-Postcard system.