The accurate, simple way to e-file Form 990-PF

Form 990-PF is an annual information return required for all of the following:

• Exempt private foundations under Section 501(a)
• Taxable private foundations under Section 6033(d)
• Organizations with a pending exemption application
• Organizations claiming private foundation status—those that haven't yet applied for exempt status and whose applications aren't yet untimely under Section 508(a) for retroactive recognition
• Organizations that made an election under Section 41(e)(6)(D)(iv)
• Private foundations making a Section 507(b) termination
• Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts treated as private foundations under Section 6033(d)

Form 990-PF is due on the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of the foundation's accounting period.

• Calendar-year filers — deadline is May 15
• Fiscal-year filers — deadline shifts based on when your accounting period ends

If the due date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it moves to the next business day.

Yes! Under the Taxpayer First Act of 2019, the IRS requires all private foundations to file Form 990-PF electronically for tax years ending on or after July 31, 2020. Paper filing is no longer accepted.

Tax990 is an IRS-authorized e-file provider supporting current year (2025) and prior year filings (2024 and 2023).

Private foundations that file Form 990-PF may be required to attach Schedule B, depending on the data they reported.

Schedule B is typically filed when a private foundation has received contributions of $5,000 or more from any one contributor during the corresponding tax year. Learn more about Schedule-B

Yes! An automatic 6-month extension is available by filing Form 8868 on or before the original due date. No explanation is required — the extension is granted automatically.

• Calendar-year filers — an approved extension moves the deadline to November 15
• An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay—any excise tax owed is still due by the original deadline

Under the Tax990 Commitment, you can get a complimentary extension if you need more time. Learn more

Late filing penalties depend on the foundation's gross receipts:

Smaller foundations (gross receipts under $1,274,000):

• $25 per day, the return is late. Maximum penalty: $12,500 or 5% of gross receipts — whichever is less

Larger foundations (gross receipts over $1,274,000):

• $130 per day, the return is late. Maximum penalty: $63,500 or 5% of gross receipts — whichever is less

In addition, individuals responsible for the failure to file may face a personal penalty of $10 per day—up to $5,000 per return. Criminal penalties may apply for willful failure to file or for filing fraudulent returns Learn more about 990-PF penalties.

Private foundations are subject to a 1.39% excise tax on their net investment income — including dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and capital gains. This tax is reported and paid through Form 990-PF.

To complete and e-file Form 990-PF, have the following key details ready:

• Legal name, address, EIN, tax year, and foundation type
• Revenue, expenses, balance sheet data, and net investment income
• Capital gains, losses, and excise tax details
• Grants, qualifying distributions, and program-related investments
• Officer, director, and trustee names and compensation
• Any transactions involving disqualified persons
• Contributor details if Schedule B applies

Yes! If errors are discovered after the IRS has accepted your return, an amended Form 990-PF can be filed.

• If you've filed your original Form 990-PF with Tax990, you can file an amendment at no additional cost — up to three times, as part of the Tax990 Commitment.
• If you originally filed with a different provider, you can still use Tax990 to file your amendment by entering the required information manually. Standard charges apply.

No, a private foundation cannot choose to file Form 990 & Form 990-EZ. They are required to file Form 990-PF, regardless of their gross receipts and assets.