Your 2025 Nonprofit Filing Guide: What You Need to Know Before May 15

As a nonprofit organization, staying on top of filing deadlines is crucial for maintaining your tax-exempt status and avoiding unnecessary penalties. If you’re planning ahead for 2024, here’s a key date you need to mark on your calendar: May 15, 2025. But wait—before you think this is just another due date, let’s break down why it’s so important and what you need to do to stay compliant.

1. Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, or 990-PF: Due May 15, 2025

If your nonprofit follows the 2024 calendar year, you’ll need to file your annual tax return by May 15, 2025. The type of form you file depends on your organization’s financials:

  • Form 990: For larger nonprofits, or those with gross receipts over $200,000 or total assets greater than $500,000.
  • Form 990-EZ: For smaller organizations with gross receipts between $50,000 and $200,000.
  • Form 990-N (e-Postcard): For nonprofits with gross receipts under $50,000.
  • Form 990-PF: For private foundations.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t meet the financial threshold for Form 990, submitting Form 990-N is a quick and simple way to stay in good standing with the IRS. Missing the filing entirely can result in penalties or—worse—automatic loss of your tax-exempt status after three consecutive years of non-filing.

2. Need More Time? File Form 8868 by May 15, 2025

Feeling like you need a little more time to get everything together? No problem! You can file Form 8868 to request an automatic 6-month extension. This gives you extra time to gather financials or finalize reports without scrambling at the last minute.

Important Reminder: You must file Form 8868 by May 15, 2025 if you’re requesting an extension. However, it’s important to note that while Form 8868 gives you more time to file, it does not extend the deadline for paying any taxes owed. If you think your nonprofit might owe, you should estimate and make the payment by May 15, 2025 to avoid any penalties or interest.

3. Fiscal Year Nonprofits: Know Your Deadline

Does your nonprofit operate on a fiscal year instead of a calendar year? If so, your filing deadline shifts to the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends. For example:

  • If your fiscal year ends on June 30th, your deadline would be November 15th.
  • If your fiscal year ends on September 30th, your deadline would be February 15th.

So, it’s vital to keep track of your fiscal year-end and make sure you’re filing by the right date.

Why Does This Matter?

Filing on time isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about demonstrating transparency and maintaining the trust of donors, grantmakers, and the public. These forms are a critical part of how your nonprofit communicates its financial health and operational transparency. Consistent, on-time filings help you stay compliant with IRS requirements and protect your nonprofit from losing its status.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

You might be wondering, “What’s the worst that could happen if I miss the deadline?” Here’s the hard truth:

  • Loss of Tax-Exempt Status: The IRS could revoke your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status if you fail to file for three consecutive years.
  • Late Filing Penalties: The IRS can impose fines, and the longer you wait, the bigger the penalties may become.
  • Loss of Trust: Missing deadlines can hurt your nonprofit’s reputation, which may affect donor confidence and future funding opportunities.

In short, missing deadlines can have serious consequences for your nonprofit’s financial and operational health.

Take Action Now

Here’s what you can do today to avoid the stress of last-minute filing:

  1. Review Your Financials: Double-check which form your nonprofit is required to file.
  2. Set a Reminder: Don’t let May 15, 2025, sneak up on you. Put a reminder on your calendar today.
  3. File for an Extension: If you’re not ready by May 15, file Form 8868 to request an extension.
  4. Prepare in Advance: Start gathering your documents, ensuring everything is up-to-date for accurate filing.

By staying ahead of these deadlines, you’ll keep your nonprofit in good standing, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your mission.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute—Plan Ahead!

The sooner you start preparing, the smoother the filing process will be. And if you have questions or need help navigating this process, reach out to us! We will make sure your filing is timely, accurate, and stress-free.

Mark your calendars now, and let’s make 2025 the year you stay on top of your nonprofit’s filing obligations!