INSTRUCTIONS: IRS SHORT FORM RETURN OF ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX (Form 990-EZ)

Organizations which have been certified as a 501(c)(3), 527 or 4947(a)(1) under the Internal Revenue Code of the IRS must file an annual form 990-EZ documenting their finances. This document is found on the website of the IRS. Note that if your gross receipts are $200,000 or more or your total assets are $500,000 or more, you must file form 990 instead. This article discusses the version of this form concerning tax year 2011.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 1: At the top of the page, provide the address, employer identification number and all other requested identifying information concerning your organization.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 2: Part I concerns your revenue, expenses and changes in net assets or fund balances since your previous return was filed. Lines 1 through 9 require you to itemize and total your revenue.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 3: Lines 10 through 17 require you to itemize and total expenses.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 4: Lines 19 through 21 require you to itemize and total your net assets.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 5: Part II concerns information from your balance sheets. Give your cash, savings and investments, land and buildings and other assets from the beginning of the year in column A and from the end of year in Column B.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 6: In Part III, describe your organization's accomplishments from its three largest programs

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 7: In Part IV, give a complete list of all organization officers, directors, trustees and key employees.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 8: In Part V, answer all questions concerning other aspects of your organization.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 9: Part VI is for 501(c)(3) and 4947(a)(1) organizations only.

IRS Short Form Return Of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990-EZ Step 10: An officer should sign and date the form.