Jerry Reger, a Dopkins partner and leader of our Not-for-Profit Industry Group, brings this to our attention. A recent IRS publication states, “Tax-exempt organizations that fail to satisfy annual filing requirements for three consecutive years automatically lose their tax-exempt status.” There is a silver lining: the IRS is extending the filing deadline to October 15, 2010. For the smallest organizations, with gross receipts of $25,000 or less, they have to file the simple Form 990-N, the e-postcard, which only requests eight information items. Larger organizations, eligible to file the Form 990-EZ, can take advantage of the IRS’s voluntary compliance program under which they file their three delinquent returns and pay a small compliance fee. As long as they file by October 15, they will not lose their tax exemption. Contact Jerry about your 990 status or visit the IRS September 21 announcement .

The not-for-profit sector is well connected. Take a look at the link that lists what the IRS has identified as “at risk agencies” in New York State.  If you know any of these agencies, be a friend and give them a heads up.

Note: the One-Time Filing Relief program is not an option for larger organizations that are required to file Form 990 - or private foundations that are required to file Form 990-PF.