990 Hospitals 2024-2025 Form

What is the Form IRS 990 Schedule H?

The Form IRS 990 Schedule H is a supplemental form that certain hospitals must file with their annual IRS Form 990. This form provides detailed information about a hospital's community benefit activities, including charity care, financial assistance policies, and how the hospital addresses the health needs of the community it serves. It is essential for non-profit hospitals to demonstrate compliance with federal regulations and to maintain their tax-exempt status.

Key Elements of the Form IRS 990 Schedule H

The Schedule H includes several critical components that hospitals must complete:

• Part I: Community Benefit Reporting — This section outlines the hospital's community benefit activities, including charity care and outreach programs.
• Part II: Financial Assistance Policy — Hospitals must describe their policies regarding financial assistance for patients who cannot afford care.
• Part III: Bad Debt — This part details how the hospital handles bad debt and its impact on community benefit reporting.
• Part IV: Community Health Needs Assessment — Hospitals must report on their assessments of community health needs and how they plan to address them.

Steps to Complete the Form IRS 990 Schedule H

Completing the Form IRS 990 Schedule H involves several steps:

1. Gather necessary documentation related to community benefits, financial assistance policies, and health needs assessments.
2. Complete each part of the form, ensuring all information is accurate and comprehensive.
3. Review the completed form for compliance with IRS guidelines and ensure all required signatures are included.
4. Submit the form along with the main IRS Form 990 by the designated deadline.

Filing Deadlines for the Form IRS 990 Schedule H

The filing deadline for the Form IRS 990 Schedule H coincides with the deadline for the main Form 990. Typically, this is the fifteenth day of the fifth month after the end of the hospital's fiscal year. Hospitals must ensure timely submission to avoid penalties and maintain compliance with IRS regulations.

Legal Use of the Form IRS 990 Schedule H

The Form IRS 990 Schedule H is legally required for non-profit hospitals to demonstrate their commitment to community health. Proper completion and submission of this form are crucial for maintaining tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Failure to comply with the filing requirements can result in penalties and jeopardize the hospital's tax-exempt status.

Examples of Using the Form IRS 990 Schedule H

Hospitals may use the Form IRS 990 Schedule H in various scenarios, such as:

• Documenting community outreach programs aimed at improving public health.
• Reporting financial assistance provided to low-income patients who are unable to pay for services.
• Detailing partnerships with local organizations to address specific health needs identified in community health assessments.