World's Worst 990

The IRS Form 990 is more than tedious paperwork that only accountants care about.   It's a lens on your charity's activities.   It's a fundraising piece and public relations tool.

Government regulators, local media and anyone off the street can view it.   Charity ratings websites like Guidestar and Charity Navigator get their information from it.  Can you change this information once it's been released from the IRS and added to these websites?   NO!

In 2008, the Form 990 got its first major overhaul in 30 years.     It now collects more detail than ever before to show  how your agency provides a public benefit, manages its charitable assets carefully, and is governed responsibly.

Under the new rules,  even small tax-exempt organizations, those which do not have to complete  the full 990, must file the 990 e-Postcard or they risk losing their tax-exempt status.   (This new rule does not apply to churches.)

Fortunately there's plenty of help out there.

• Guidestar has prepared a good overview of steps  your organization should  take
• The IRS has just released a case study and 7-part video series