IRS Form 990 Annual Filing Preparation Checklist
IRS Form 990 is the primary federal transparency document for tax-exempt organizations. Failure to file for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of tax-exempt status. This preparation checklist ensures complete, accurate, and timely filing.
- Industry: Nonprofit
- Frequency: Annually
- Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
- Role: Executive Director / Treasurer
- Total Items: 29
Filing Deadlines and Extensions
Verify filing timeline compliance.
- Filing due date known (15th day of 5th month after fiscal year end)?
- If needed, Form 8868 extension filed before original due date?
- State annual report and charitable registration renewal deadlines tracked?
- Prior year Form 990 filed and any correspondence from IRS resolved?
Financial Data Compilation
Verify financial data is compiled and reconciled.
- Total revenue reconciled between books and Form 990 Part VIII?
- Total expenses reconciled between books and Form 990 Part IX?
- Expenses properly allocated to program, management, and fundraising per FASB ASC 958-720?
- Balance sheet (Form 990 Part X) reconciled to audited or reviewed financial statements?
- Schedule D (supplemental financial statements) data compiled if required?
Governance Questions Part VI
Prepare responses to Form 990 governance questions.
- Number of voting and independent board members confirmed?
- Family and business relationships among board members and officers identified?
- All required policies in place (conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention)?
- Form 990 reviewed by board or committee before filing?
- Plan to make Form 990 available to public upon request in place?
Program Service Accomplishments
Prepare Part III program descriptions.
- Three largest program services described with expenses and accomplishments?
- Revenue attributed to each program service identified?
- Any new program services described and consistent with exempt purpose?
- Any discontinued programs noted appropriately?
- Grant-making activities described if organization is a private foundation or grant-maker?
Compensation Disclosure
Prepare compensation disclosures for Part VII.
- All officer and director compensation compiled for Part VII?
- Key employees earning over $150,000 identified and listed?
- Five highest compensated employees over $100,000 identified?
- Comparable compensation data reviewed and documented for IRS rebuttable presumption?
- Benefits, retirement contributions, and deferred compensation included in totals?
Required Schedules
Verify all required schedules are completed.
- Schedule A (Public Support Test) completed for public charities?
- Schedule B (Schedule of Contributors) completed if required?
- Schedule G (Fundraising and Gaming) completed if over $15,000 in gross receipts from gaming or professional fundraisers?
- Schedule L (Transactions with Interested Persons) completed if required?
- Responsible officer available to sign Form 990 under penalties of perjury?
Related Nonprofit Checklists
- State Charitable Registration and Renewal Compliance Checklist
- Nonprofit Executive Director Annual Performance Review
- Nonprofit Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Process
- New Nonprofit Board Member Orientation Checklist
- Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment
- Nonprofit Whistleblower Policy Compliance and Implementation Review
- Nonprofit Annual Reporting and Compliance Calendar Audit
- Nonprofit Document Retention Policy Compliance Review
Related Governance Compliance Checklists
- Nonprofit Board Meeting Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Bylaws Annual Review and Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- State Charitable Registration and Renewal Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Executive Director Annual Performance Review - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Process - FREE Download
- New Nonprofit Board Member Orientation Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Whistleblower Policy Compliance and Implementation Review - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Annual Reporting and Compliance Calendar Audit - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Document Retention Policy Compliance Review - FREE Download
Why Use This IRS Form 990 Annual Filing Preparation Checklist?
This irs form 990 annual filing preparation checklist helps nonprofit teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for executive director / treasurer professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IRS Form 990 Annual Filing Preparation Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 6 sections: Filing Deadlines and Extensions, Financial Data Compilation, Governance Questions Part VI, Program Service Accomplishments, Compensation Disclosure, Required Schedules. It is designed for nonprofit operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 4-6 hours.
Who should use this IRS Form 990 Annual Filing Preparation Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Executive Director / Treasurer professionals in the nonprofit industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.