Your DIY Guide to IRS Form 990-N
If you run a small nonprofit, you probably have enough on your plate without worrying about complex tax forms. Luckily, the IRS has a “short and sweet” version for small organizations called Form 990-N, often referred to as the e-Postcard. In this post, we will walk through exactly who needs to file and how to get it done in just a few minutes.
Does Your Organization Qualify?
Not every nonprofit is required to fill out the long, daunting Form 990. The IRS designed the 990-N specifically for the “little guys” to ensure they stay compliant without the headache. You can usually file this electronic notice if your organization’s gross receipts (the total amount of money you took in from all sources) are normally $50,000 or less.
However, some groups are never allowed to use the e-Postcard, regardless of their income. This includes private foundations, supporting organizations, and certain religious groups. If you aren’t sure where you fall, it is always a good idea to check your original determination letter from the IRS.
What You Need to Get Started
The best part about the 990-N is that you don’t need a balance sheet or a list of every single expense. You just need some basic “tombstone” information to verify your identity. Before you sit down to file, make sure you have these details ready:
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is your nine-digit federal tax ID.
The legal name of your organization and any “Doing Business As” (DBA) names.
A valid mailing address and website (if you have one).
Your name and address of a principal officer (like your President or Treasurer).
Your annual tax year (for example, January 1 to December 31).
Step-by-Step: How to File
Filing is 100% electronic and can only be done through the official IRS portal. Follow these steps to stay in the clear:
Head to the IRS Page: Go directly to the IRS Form 990-N (e-Postcard) page.
Sign In: You will need to use an existing Login.gov or ID.me account, or create a new one to access the secure system.
Create Your Profile: Once you’re in, select “Manage e-Postcard Profile” to add your organization’s EIN.
Fill and Submit: Answer the brief questions, confirm your receipts were under $50,000, and hit submit.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to save or print the confirmation page immediately! The system can be picky about letting you go back to see it later.
What you can do next
Check your calendar! The 990-N is due every year by the 15th day of the 5th month after the close of your tax year. If your year ends on December 31, your deadline is May 15. Mark it in your calendar now so you never miss a beat.
If you have questions about what you read, email: contact@sotecpa.com
Disclaimer: This guide was written in 2026. The IRS may update their processes as years pass. Please reach out to us if we have not updated this blog with the correct information if the process has changed.
