Reminder - Annual electronic filing requirement for small exempt (Student) organizations

October 14, 2020

Reminder for Certain Student Organizations: Annual Electronic Filing Requirement for Small Exempt Organizations – Form 990-N

Most small tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less are required to submit Form 990-N electronically, also known as the e-Postcard. If they choose instead to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ the e-Postcard is not necessary. See the IRS requirements for filing Form 990-N under “Who must file” here.

If your organization does not file an e-Postcard on time, the IRS will send you a reminder notice. There is no penalty assessment for late filing of the e-Postcard, but an organization that fails to file required e-Postcards (or information returns – Forms 990 or 990-EZ) for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status.

Revocation of the organization’s tax-exempt status will happen on the filing due date of the third consecutively-missed year.

Due Date of the e-Postcard

The e-Postcard is due every year by the 15 day of the 5 month after the close of your tax year. For example, if your tax year ended on December 31, the e-Postcard is due May 15 of the following year. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is the next business day. You cannot file the e-Postcard until after your tax year ends.

If you have any questions, please contact the University Tax Department at 203-432-5530 or through email at tax@yale.edu.