990s

The 990s refer to a series of annual information returns that tax-exempt organizations in the United States are required to file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These forms provide the public and the IRS with a financial snapshot of the organization's activities for the year. The specific form an organization must file depends on its gross receipts and assets. The most common versions are Form 990, Form 990-EZ, and Form 990-N. Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard, is for smaller organizations with gross receipts normally $50,000 or less. Form 990-EZ is a shorter version for organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and assets less than $500,000. The full Form 990 is for larger organizations and provides more detailed information.

The primary purpose of the 990 series is to promote transparency and accountability within the non-profit sector. The information reported includes revenue, expenses, compensation of officers and key employees, and governance policies. This data allows donors, grantmakers, researchers, and the public to assess an organization's financial health, operational efficiency, and commitment to its stated mission. The IRS uses the filings to ensure organizations are complying with tax laws and regulations applicable to tax-exempt entities. The 990 forms are generally publicly available, often through online databases.