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The Daily Insight

How do I file an extension for a nonprofit?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published Feb 21, 2026

Use Form 8868 PDF, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return, to request a 6-month automatic extension of time to file any of the following returns: Form 990 PDF, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax.

How do I file a 990 extension?

Use Form 8868 PDF to request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF. For more information, see Form 8868 and its instructions. For more information on the filing requirements, see the instructions for Forms 990, 990-EZ, and 990-PF.

Does my 501c3 need to file a tax return?

Most charitable nonprofits that are recognized as tax-exempt have an obligation to file an annual information return with the IRS. Most small tax-exempt organizations with gross receipts that are normally $50,000 or less must file the IRS form 990-N, known as the “e-postcard”. …

Can you file an extension for Form 990?

Form 8868 is used by an exempt organization to request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file its return. You cannot use Form 8868 to extend the due date of Form 990-N. An organization will only be allowed an extension of 6 months for a return for a tax year.

Are 501c tax exempt?

A 501(c) organization is a nonprofit organization in the federal law of the United States according to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c) (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)) and is one of over 29 types of nonprofit organizations exempt from some federal income taxes.

What is the due date for 990?

May 15th
Form 990 is due on the 15th day of the 5th month following the end of the organization’s taxable year. For organizations on a calendar year, the Form 990 is due on May 15th of the following year.

How often do you have to file taxes as a 501 ( c ) 3?

First things first . . . Even if your organization is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3), you still must file once per tax year. If you skip out on filing, you’re in danger of losing your tax-exempt status.

How to request a 3 month tax extension?

Tax-exempt organizations can use IRS Form 8868 (Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organization Return) to request an automatic 3-month tax extension. Form 8868 can also be used to apply for an additional 3-month (non-automatic) tax extension if the first 3 months weren’t enough.

Can a non-profit organization get a tax extension?

Note that the IRS requires organizations to demonstrate “reasonable cause” for the additional tax extension. It is not uncommon for non-profit groups to be busy and understaffed, and getting a tax extension can give you the time to ensure that your tax return is in full compliance.

How to apply for 501 c tax exempt status?

For information regarding tax-exempt organizations, see IRS Publication 557 (Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization), IRS Publication 4221-NC (Compliance Guide for Tax-Exempt Organizations), and IRS Publication 4220 (Applying for 501 (c) (3) Tax-Exempt Status).