Tax Filing Requirements for AGO Chapters

If you are a chapter Dean or Treasurer, please give your attention to the following post from James Thomashower, AGO's Executive Director. Handling this now will save you much hassle later! Chapters that fail to file will risk losing their tax-exempt status. Jan


As previously announced, the IRS has implemented a reporting requirement for nonprofit organizations with gross receipts of less than $50,000. If your chapter falls within this parameter, it will need to file an annual electronic notice called Form 990-N. Form 990-N is an electronic postcard that is simple and easy to complete.

The due date for the e-Postcard is November 15, 2011. It will reflect the chapter's operations for the July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011 fiscal year. (The due date is technically the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of your fiscal year.)

INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE THE E-POSTCARD

• Chapter Name

• Chapter Mailing Address (If your chapter does not have a chapter mailbox, you can use your Dean's address)

• Chapter Website (if you have one)

• Chapter EIN Number (This is your Chapter's Tax Identification Number. If you do not know your chapter's EIN, National Headquarters staff will provide it to you over the phone.)

• Name of the Dean and his/her address

• Chapter's annual tax period (Typically the chapter's fiscal year is July 1 - June 30)

• Verification that your chapter's income is still normally $50,000 or less (You can do this by preparing the Chapter Income/Expense Statement Worksheet that is provided in the Chapter Management Handbook and online in the Chapter Management section here.)

Please note that the form will only be accessible online, so if you do not have access to the Internet, you will need to obtain it from a colleague or go to a local library to file the form. Chapters that fail to file will risk losing their tax-exempt status.

To familiarize yourself with the process for completing the form online CLICK HERE. You should access this form and complete it after the close of your fiscal year.

If you have any questions, as always, feel free to call us during business hours, Monday - Friday, 9-5 Eastern Time at 212-870-2310. You can learn more about the requirements at the IRS website.

Sincerely,

James Thomashower
Executive Director

P.S. If your chapter's gross income during the tax year is more than $50,000, you will need to file IRS Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax). Form 990-N will not replace this requirement.