Form 990 Schedule a 2018

What is the Form 990 Schedule A

The Form 990 Schedule A is a tax form used by nonprofit organizations in the United States to provide detailed information about their public charity status. This form is a part of the larger Form 990, which organizations must file annually with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Schedule A is specifically designed to help the IRS determine whether an organization qualifies as a public charity under the Internal Revenue Code. It includes information about the organization’s public support, contributions, and activities, allowing for transparency and compliance with federal regulations.

How to use the Form 990 Schedule A

To effectively use the Form 990 Schedule A, organizations must first determine their eligibility as a public charity. This involves collecting data on public support received during the applicable period. The form requires organizations to report various types of income, including contributions, grants, and program service revenue. Once the necessary information is gathered, organizations can complete the form, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately. It is essential to review the completed form for compliance with IRS guidelines before submission.

Steps to complete the Form 990 Schedule A

Completing the Form 990 Schedule A involves several key steps:

1. Gather necessary financial information, including revenue and expenses for the reporting period.
2. Determine the organization’s public support percentage by calculating total contributions and support.
3. Complete each section of the form, ensuring accurate reporting of all required data.
4. Review the form for completeness and accuracy, checking for any missing information or discrepancies.
5. Submit the completed form along with the main Form 990 by the designated filing deadline.

Filing Deadlines / Important Dates

Organizations must adhere to specific deadlines when filing the Form 990 Schedule A. Generally, the deadline for filing Form 990, including Schedule A, is the fifteenth day of the fifth month after the end of the organization's fiscal year. For most organizations operating on a calendar year, this means the form is due on May fifteenth. If additional time is needed, organizations can apply for an extension, which typically allows for an automatic six-month extension. However, it is crucial to file the extension request before the original deadline.

Required Documents

When completing the Form 990 Schedule A, organizations should have several documents on hand to ensure accurate reporting. Key documents include:

• Financial statements for the reporting period, including income statements and balance sheets.
• Records of contributions and grants received, detailing the source and amount.
• Documentation of program service revenue and other income sources.
• Prior year Form 990 filings, if applicable, for reference and consistency.

IRS Guidelines

The IRS provides specific guidelines for completing and filing the Form 990 Schedule A. Organizations must ensure they understand the requirements for public charity status and the information that must be disclosed. The IRS outlines criteria for determining public support, including the percentage of public contributions relative to total support. Organizations should regularly review IRS publications and updates related to Form 990 to remain compliant with any changes in tax laws or filing requirements.