Is Form 990 Public Record? What Nonprofits Need to Know

Let’s face it: most people wouldn’t be exactly thrilled with the idea of their individual tax return being made public. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry because individual tax return data is private. 

For nonprofit organizations, things work a bit differently. Certain information reported on Form 990 is publicly accessible. While that may sound concerning at first, there’s actually nothing to fear. 

In this post, we’ll set the record straight about what Form 990 is, whether the information included on it is public, and why this transparency is actually a good thing for your nonprofit organization. 

What is Form 990? 

Not all nonprofit leaders are finance and tax professionals. So let’s start with a quick overview of what Form 990 is and why it matters.  

IRS Form 990 is an informational tax filing required for most tax-exempt organizations. 

Many nonprofits don’t pay federal income taxes, but they’re still required to file Form 990 each year to report on their activities from the previous year. This filing allows the IRS to confirm that the organization is still active and operating in a way that aligns with its tax-exempt status. 

Filing Form 990 isn’t optional. Submitting this form each year is key to maintaining your organization’s tax-exempt status and staying in good standing with the IRS. 

There are several versions of Form 990, and the version an organization uses depends largely on its size and financial activity. The forms most commonly used by small to medium-sized nonprofits include: 

Form 990-N

Often referred to as the e-Postcard, this is the shortest version of the form. It’s typically used by small tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less.

Form 990-EZ

This version requires slightly more information. It’s typically used by mid-sized tax-exempt organizations with annual gross receipts of less than $200,000 and total assets of less than $500,000. 

Form 990

Often called the Full Form 990, this is the most in-depth version. It’s typically required for larger tax-exempt organizations with annual gross receipts of $200,000 or more and total assets of $500,000 or more.

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between these forms, our recent post breaks it down in more detail. 

Is Form 990 data public record? 

The short answer is yes. 

Information reported on Form 990 filings does become public record. This is by design and helps promote transparency within the nonprofit sector. 

What information from Form 990 is public? 

Any information included on a Form 990 filing becomes public record. The exact information that’s publicly available depends on the version of Form 990 that the organization files. 

Form 990-N, which is used by the smallest tax-exempt organizations, collects the least amount of information. On the other hand, the full Form 990 includes the most detailed reporting. 

Depending on the version of Form 990 you file, publicly available information may include details such as:

Basic organizational information

This includes high level details like the nonprofit’s name, address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and mission statement. 

Leadership and governance

Many versions of the 990 include a list of key officers, directors, or board members and some include additional information about organizational governance. 

Financial information

The 990-N only includes confirmation that an organization’s annual gross receipts are $50,000 or less. Forms such as the 990-EZ and full Form 990 include high level financial summaries, including revenue, expenses, and program spending. 

Program activities

Some versions of Form 990 include information about a nonprofit’s primary programs and key accomplishments from the previous year. 

Who looks for Form 990 data?

Form 990 filings can be found directly on the IRS website, as well as through nonprofit transparency platforms like GuideStar and ProPublica. While this information can be accessed by anyone, certain people and groups are more likely to look for it. 

Donors 

Current and potential donors may seek out an organization’s 990 data before making a financial contribution. This information can help them better understand the nonprofit’s mission and financial stewardship. 

Grant managers

Foundations and grantmaking organizations often review 990 filings when evaluating funding applications. The information they find can help them confirm whether an organization is eligible for funding. 

Community members

Anyone connected to an organization, such as parents, teachers, or volunteers can look up an organization’s 990 filing to learn more about its activities and impact. 

The press

Journalists sometimes look for 990 filings when researching nonprofits, reporting on charitable initiatives, or investigating nonprofit activity and impact. 

Should I be concerned that my 990 data is publicly accessible? 

That fact that your 990 data is publicly accessible is nothing to worry about. In fact, it’s actually a good thing for organizations that are trying to build trust and increase support. 

A survey from Give.org found that nearly 70% of respondents feel it’s essential to trust a charity before making a contribution. Many donors research organizations before giving, and Form 990 filings are one important source of information. 

If a donor sees that your organization consistently files its Form 990, it signals that your nonprofit is responsible, trustworthy, and compliant. This can make them more confident about making a contribution.

On the flip side, if a donor searches for your organization’s Form 990 and can’t find consistent filings, it can raise red flags. If they have hesitations, they’re unlikely to donate. 

Grant managers, community members, and the press also refer to 990 filings to learn more about an organization and evaluate its credibility. Consistent filing is an important trust signal for these stakeholders, too. 

Public Form 990 data is a good thing 

A nonprofit organization’s Form 990 data is public record, but that’s not something to fear. In fact, it’s actually a good thing!

Donors, grantmakers, and community members do their research before supporting an organization. Consistent 990 filing shows these groups that your organization is responsible, transparent, and worthy of their support. 

Take the stress out of filing Form 990-N

Filing Form 990 is essential for maintaining your organization’s tax-exempt status, staying in good standing with the IRS, and building trust with donors and other stakeholders. But the process can feel stressful, especially for small nonprofits run by busy volunteers. 

If your organization is eligible to file Form 990-N, consider using an authorized e-file provider like 501c3 Center. Just enter your EIN, answer a few questions, and complete your filing in just a few minutes.