The 2021 Form 990 due date is fast approaching for tax-exempt organizations who are calendar year filers. This year, May 15 falls on a Sunday, giving exempt organizations until May 16 to either get the proper version of Form 990 filed with the IRS or to submit Form 8868 claiming an automatic extension. 

While there are a limited number of 501(c) organizations that are exempt from filing Form 990 on an annual basis (e.g., churches), the vast majority have a filing obligation. The type of Form 990 an exempt organization files depends on various factors, including size, public charity or private foundation status, and whether such organization is included in a group ruling. For organizations required to file the long-form version of Form 990, gathering all the necessary information can be quite time-consuming. If an organization is unable to complete its required forms by this year’s May 16 deadline, filing Form 8868 can extend the filing date for the 2021 Form 990 out to November 15, 2022. However, if seeking an extension, it is important that Form 8868 be submitted to the IRS by the May 16 deadline.

Section 501(c)(3) organizations, and other entities classified as charities under Ohio state law, must also file annual reports with the Attorney General which are due at the same time as an exempt organization’s Form 990. If working with an accountant, it is important to make sure your accountant will also take care of this filing obligation. 

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