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IRS Form 990

BaluBalu
in Off-Topic
I figured some here may have donated to charities in 2024 and may find this enquiry pertinent to them.

Do you glance through the charity's Form 990 filed with the IRS to get a sense for their finances and how they may be spending the donations they collect?

It seems many nonprofits are exempt from filing IRS Form 990s.

"Not all nonprofits have to file annual returns. Generally, the following do not have to file Form 990:

Most faith-based organizations, religious schools, missions or missionary organizations
Subsidiaries of other nonprofits – those that may be covered under a group return filed by the parent organization
Many government corporations
State institutions that provide essential services."

If there are two organizations pursuing similar goals and you are not necessarily more partial to one over the other, would you be more inclined to donate to the one that voluntarily files Form 990, even when not required?

Comments

  • yogibearbullyogibearbull
    I do look at From 990 sometimes to see how some charities are operating or to find their EIN#. The IRS doesn't seem rigid on filing deadlines. Large charities with several branches have the Form 990 for the main charities and then may have separate EIN# for branches - so the DAF charity guide tool may show multiple EIN# for the same big charity.

    I use my DAF to make donations to charities mentioned when a relative or friend passes away. Often, there is just a link to donate via credit card on funeral home obituary page. So, I have to hunt for proper EIN# by going to charity's website, and if not finding it there (that surprises me), to find the EIN# from its proper 990 filing.
  • BaluBalu
    The IRS website can give you the IRS determination letter for tax exempt status. Do you know if I can get from the IRS a copy of the application filed to get the tax exempt status of a public charity?
  • MarkMark
    @BaluBalu: try this
  • BaluBalu
    Thanks, Mark
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