Why it matters
The 990 is both a tax filing and a public document. Donors, boards and regulators use it to understand how the organization raises and spends money, so the numbers and the narrative have to agree.
Example
A nonprofit with gross receipts above the 990-N limit files Form 990, reports its program expenses and governance policies, and discloses the donors listed on Schedule B to the IRS.
Related terms
Questions about Form 990
Who has to file Form 990?
Most tax-exempt organizations file a Form 990 series return each year. The specific form depends on gross receipts and total assets, so check the current IRS instructions before choosing Form 990, 990-EZ or 990-N.