The Greater New Orleans Foundation Organizational Effectiveness Initiative (OE) partnered with LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors on a workshop on how to maximize the Form 900 to tell your nonprofit story. The Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, was expanded and revised beginning in 2008 tax years to ensure that nonprofits follow the policy requirements imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Form 990 is intended to make nonprofits transparent, efficient, and use good governance practices. It is also a nonprofit’s annual report to the community. If it is prepared effectively, the Form 990 can communicate a compelling mission, provide insight into the organization’s operations, and convey that best practices are being implemented. However, if it is not prepared well, it can provide information to the IRS that an examination is warranted. Even if the IRS doesn’t warrant examination, the public may call into question your activities and expenditures.
Resources from the Form 990: It’s more than a required tax form: