Tax 990 for Nonprofits: IRS E-Filing Made Simple with AI
Tax 990 transforms the complex IRS Form 990 filing process into a streamlined, guided experience with AI-powered error checking that catches mistakes before submission. Whether you're filing a simple 990-N postcard for a small organization or a comprehensive Form 990 with multiple schedules, Tax 990's interview-style questions and real-time validation ensure accuracy while saving hours of work and eliminating costly CPA fees.
What It Does
Staring at IRS Form 990 instructions wondering how to accurately report your nonprofit's financials without hiring an expensive accountant? Tax 990 eliminates the guesswork by transforming dense IRS forms into simple interview-style questions that anyone on your team can complete. The platform's AI-powered validation catches mathematical errors, missing information, and inconsistencies in real-time using the same business rules the IRS applies, so you know your filing is accurate before it's submitted.
Beyond basic form filling, Tax 990 imports prior-year data directly from the IRS registry, automatically includes all required schedules based on your responses, and offers bulk upload capabilities for organizations managing multiple EINs. With features like free extensions, free retransmission of rejected returns, and complimentary first amendments, Tax 990 provides the comprehensive support nonprofits need to maintain IRS compliance without the stress or expense of traditional tax preparation.
Best For
Organization Size
- All nonprofit sizes (under $50K to multi-million revenue)
- Organizations filing 990-N, 990-EZ, 990, or 990-PF
- Private foundations and organizations with unrelated business income
Use Cases
- Annual Form 990 compliance for federal and state filings
- Automatic extension requests (Form 8868)
- Amended returns when corrections are needed
Ideal Users
- Executive directors managing compliance internally
- Nonprofit treasurers and finance staff
- CPAs and tax professionals serving multiple nonprofit clients
Key Features for Nonprofits
AI-Powered Error Checking
Catch mistakes before the IRS does
Built-in validation applies IRS business rules in real-time, flagging mathematical errors, missing required fields, and logical inconsistencies before you submit. The AI chatbot provides instant guidance on complex questions.
- Real-time IRS business rules validation
- Automatic math error detection
- AI chatbot for filing questions
Interview-Style Guided Forms
Answer questions, not navigate complex PDFs
Tax 990 transforms intimidating IRS forms into conversational questions that guide you step-by-step through the filing process. The platform automatically generates all required schedules based on your answers.
- Simple question-and-answer interface
- Automatic schedule inclusion
- Alternative direct form entry option
Prior-Year Data Import
Never re-enter the same information twice
Import data from your previous year's IRS filing directly from the IRS registry, or bulk upload information for multiple organizations via Excel templates. This saves hours on repetitive data entry.
- IRS registry data import
- Excel bulk upload templates
- Multi-organization support
Tax 990 Commitment
Four guarantees for peace of mind
Every filing includes complimentary extension requests, free retransmission if the IRS rejects your return, no-cost first amendments, and a money-back guarantee if the IRS doesn't approve your filing.
- Free extension requests (Form 8868)
- Free retransmission of rejections
- First amendment at no cost
- Money-back IRS approval guarantee
Enterprise Security & Compliance
IRS-authorized with SOC 2 certification
Tax 990 is an IRS-authorized e-file provider with SOC 2 certification, two-factor authentication, and HackerProof security. Includes up to $1 million filing defense coverage through Protection Plus at no extra cost.
- IRS-authorized e-file provider
- SOC 2 and HackerProof certified
- $1M filing defense included
Professional Multi-Client Management
Built for CPAs and consultants
Tax professionals can manage unlimited client EINs with team collaboration, role-based permissions, secure client portals for review, e-signature capability, and full activity tracking across all organizations.
- Unlimited EIN management
- Team roles and permissions
- Client review portals and e-signatures
Real-World Nonprofit Use Case
Community Food Bank Eliminates $2,500 Annual CPA Fees
A small community food bank serving three rural counties was spending $2,500 annually for their CPA to prepare and file Form 990-EZ. With tight margins and donor funds needed for direct services, the executive director decided to explore Tax 990 to bring tax filing in-house.
Using Tax 990's interview-style questions and prior-year data import, the executive director completed the entire Form 990-EZ in approximately 3 hours, with the platform automatically generating required schedules for program service accomplishments and compensation reporting. The AI-powered validation caught a mathematical error in the functional expense allocation before submission, preventing a potential IRS inquiry.
The total cost for Tax 990's Form 990-EZ filing was $99.90, representing a 96% savings compared to the CPA fee. The food bank now files internally each year, reallocating the $2,400+ annual savings to purchase additional food inventory and expand weekend meal distribution programs. The executive director reports feeling confident in the accuracy of the filing thanks to the real-time error checking and maintains access to Tax 990's support team when questions arise.
Impact: $2,400+ annual savings redirected to program services, 3-hour filing time with no prior tax software experience, and increased financial confidence through transparent validation and support.
Pricing
Nonprofit Pricing (Per Return)
Pay only for what you file
- Form 990-N (e-Postcard)$19.90
- Form 990-EZ$99.90
- Form 990$199.90
- Form 990-PF$169.90
- Form 990-T$89.90
- Form 8868 (Extension)$14.90
- CA Form 199$79.90
Volume discounts: 5+ returns save $2 per form
Tax Professional Pricing
Discounted rates for CPAs and consultants
- Form 990-N$17.90
- Form 990-EZ$89.90
- Form 990$179.90
- Form 990-PF$149.90
- Form 990-T$89.90
- Form 8868 (Extension)$12.90
- CA Form 199$69.90
Additional volume discounts for 11+ returns
Note: Prices may be outdated or inaccurate.
What's Included in Every Filing
- Complimentary extension requests
- Free retransmission if rejected
- First amendment at no cost
- Money-back IRS approval guarantee
- $1M filing defense coverage (Protection Plus)
- Live chat and phone support
Bundled Packages: Exclusive savings packages combine related forms (e.g., Form 990 + 990-T or federal 990 + CA Form 199) and save up to $50 on select combinations. Contact Tax 990 for bundled pricing details.
Nonprofit Value and Discounts
Save with volume pricing and the Tax 990 Commitment
Tax 990's pricing is already designed for nonprofit budgets, with pay-per-return pricing that eliminates subscription fees and only charges for what you actually file. The platform delivers exceptional value through transparent, affordable rates combined with comprehensive support guarantees.
Volume Discounts (5+ Returns)
Automatically save $2 per form when filing 5 or more returns in a calendar year
Tax Professional Rates
CPAs and consultants serving nonprofits get discounted pricing starting at $17.90-$179.90 per return depending on form type
Bundled Package Savings
Combine related forms (990 + 990-T or federal + state) and save up to $50 on select packages
Free Services Included
Complimentary extensions, free retransmissions, first amendments at no cost, and money-back guarantee add hundreds of dollars in value
Protection Plus Filing Defense
Up to $1 million in IRS audit defense coverage included at no additional cost for all filings
Cost Comparison vs. CPA Services
CPA firms typically charge $500-$3,000+ for Form 990 preparation depending on organization complexity. Tax 990's $99.90-$199.90 per-return pricing represents 80-95% savings compared to professional preparation, making it possible for small nonprofits to maintain compliance while redirecting funds to mission-critical programs.
Learning Curve
Beginner to Intermediate
Most nonprofits can file successfully with 1-3 hours of time investment
Initial Setup (15-30 minutes)
Create account, enter basic organization information (EIN, legal name, address), and import prior-year data from IRS if available. The platform guides you through initial configuration step-by-step.
First Form Preparation (2-4 hours for 990-EZ/990, 30 min for 990-N)
Interview-style questions walk you through each section of the form. For simpler returns (990-N, 990-EZ), expect 30 minutes to 2 hours. Comprehensive Form 990s with multiple schedules may take 3-4 hours on first use. AI validation provides real-time feedback, catching errors as you work.
Subsequent Years (1-2 hours)
Once you've completed your first filing, subsequent years are significantly faster. Prior-year data import reduces repetitive entry, and familiarity with the process cuts time by 50% or more. Most organizations report completing annual filings in under 2 hours after the first year.
Pro Tips for Faster Onboarding
- • Gather your financial statements, board meeting minutes, and program service descriptions before starting
- • Watch Tax 990's video tutorials (15-20 minutes each) to understand the interview process
- • Use the AI chatbot when stuck instead of searching IRS documentation
- • Start with interview-style mode rather than direct form entry for first-time users
- • Attend one of Tax 990's free monthly webinars for live walkthrough and Q&A
Integration & Compatibility
Platform Compatibility
Tax 990 is a cloud-based web application accessible from any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). No software installation required. Works on desktop, laptop, and tablet devices.
- 100% web-based (no downloads)
- Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Mobile and tablet compatible
Data Import & Export
Import prior-year data directly from IRS registry or upload information via Excel templates. Export completed forms as PDFs for record-keeping. No direct accounting software integrations (manual data entry from financials required).
- IRS registry data import
- Excel bulk upload templates
- PDF export for records
IRS E-File System Integration
Tax 990 is an IRS-authorized e-file provider with direct transmission to the IRS Modernized e-File (MeF) system. Real-time acknowledgment of receipt and validation results. Automatic tracking of filing status.
- IRS-authorized transmitter
- Real-time filing status updates
- Electronic acknowledgment receipts
What Tax 990 Doesn't Integrate With
Tax 990 is a standalone tax filing platform without direct integrations to accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.) or nonprofit CRMs (Salesforce, Bloomerang). You'll manually transfer data from your financial statements into Tax 990.
- No QuickBooks integration
- No CRM integrations
- Manual data entry from financials
Data Portability
Tax 990 stores your filing history and allows you to export completed forms as PDFs for your records. While there's no API for extracting data to other systems, the prior-year import feature ensures continuity if you continue using Tax 990 annually. If you switch to a different provider, you'll need to manually re-enter data or use IRS transcripts.
Honest Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable Pay-Per-Return Pricing
No subscription fees. Only pay for forms you actually file ($19.90-$199.90 per return), representing 80-95% savings vs. CPA services.
- Interview-Style Simplification
Transforms complex IRS forms into simple question-and-answer format accessible to non-tax professionals.
- AI-Powered Error Prevention
Real-time validation using IRS business rules catches mathematical errors and inconsistencies before submission.
- Comprehensive Form Coverage
Supports all 990 series (990-N through 990-PF) plus state forms, extensions, and amendments in one platform.
- Tax 990 Commitment Guarantees
Free extensions, free retransmissions, first amendments at no cost, money-back guarantee, and $1M filing defense included.
- Excellent Support Resources
Live chat, phone support, video tutorials, monthly webinars, and AI chatbot assistance during business hours.
- Prior-Year Data Import
Import from IRS registry or Excel templates eliminates repetitive data entry for recurring information.
- Long-Standing Platform
Established platform with extensive experience processing nonprofit tax returns and maintaining IRS compliance standards.
Cons
- Not a Full Accounting Solution
Tax 990 only handles tax filing. You still need separate accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) for bookkeeping and financial reporting.
- No Mobile App
Web-based only with tablet compatibility. No dedicated iOS or Android mobile app for filing on the go.
- Limited AI Capabilities
AI features are limited to chatbot assistance and error validation. No generative AI for auto-completing forms from documents or advanced predictive analytics.
- Manual Data Entry Required
No integrations with QuickBooks or other accounting platforms mean you must manually transfer financial data into Tax 990.
- Learning Curve for Complex 990s
Organizations filing full Form 990 with many schedules may need 3-4 hours initially to understand all sections and requirements.
- U.S. Forms Only
Designed for U.S. IRS filings and select state forms (CA Form 199). International organizations or those with complex global operations may need additional tools.
- No Proactive Tax Strategy
Tax 990 helps you file accurately but doesn't provide strategic tax planning advice or optimization recommendations for minimizing liability.
Alternatives to Consider
File 990
Interview-based e-filing with flat pricing
File 990 offers simple interview-style filing similar to Tax 990, with pricing starting at $39.95 for Form 990-N and $49.95 for 990-EZ. File 990 is best for smaller organizations seeking the most affordable option for basic filings, though it may lack some of the advanced features and comprehensive support of Tax 990.
Drake Software (Tax Exempt Module)
Professional tax software with 990 module
Drake Software is a professional-grade tax preparation platform with a dedicated Tax Exempt module for Form 990 series. Pay-per-return pricing typically runs $75-$90 for 990-PF filing. Drake is best for CPAs and tax professionals already using Drake for individual or business tax returns who want an integrated solution, though the interface has a steeper learning curve than Tax 990.
Local CPA or Accounting Firm
Professional tax preparation services
Hiring a CPA or accounting firm provides expert preparation, strategic tax advice, and professional liability protection. Typical fees range from $500 to $3,000+ depending on organization complexity. Best for larger nonprofits with complex financials, multiple revenue streams, or organizations that want strategic tax planning and audit protection beyond basic compliance filing.
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Choose File 990 if: You have a very simple filing (990-N or basic 990-EZ) and want the lowest possible cost. File 990 is adequate for straightforward situations but may lack advanced support.
Choose Drake Software if: You're a CPA or tax professional already using Drake for other tax returns and want to consolidate nonprofit filings within your existing platform. Drake requires more training but offers professional-grade capabilities.
Choose a Local CPA if: Your organization has complex financials (multi-state operations, significant unrelated business income, large compensation schedules), you need strategic tax planning advice, or you prefer delegating compliance entirely to experts despite higher costs.
Choose Tax 990 if: You want the best balance of affordability, ease-of-use, comprehensive form coverage, and robust support guarantees. Tax 990 works well for most small to mid-sized nonprofits looking to manage filing in-house without CPA fees while maintaining accuracy and IRS compliance.
Getting Started with Tax 990
Create Your Account and Gather Documents
Sign up at Tax990.com with your organization's EIN, legal name, and contact information. Before starting, gather your financial statements (revenue, expenses, balance sheet), board meeting minutes, program service descriptions, and compensation information for key employees and contractors. Having these documents ready will make the filing process much smoother.
Create AccountWatch Tutorial and Import Prior-Year Data
Review Tax 990's video tutorials (15-20 minutes) to understand the interview-style process and navigation. Import your prior-year filing data directly from the IRS registry to pre-fill recurring information like organizational details, mission statement, and governance structure. This eliminates re-entering data that hasn't changed and reduces filing time by 30-50%.
Complete the Interview and Validate
Work through the interview-style questions section by section, answering questions about your financials, programs, governance, and compliance. Tax 990 automatically generates required schedules based on your responses. Use the AI chatbot when you encounter confusing questions or IRS terminology. The platform's real-time validation will flag errors, missing information, or inconsistencies as you go, so you can correct them immediately rather than after submission.
Review, E-File, and Track Status
Review the completed Form 990 and all schedules for accuracy. Tax 990's built-in audit feature will perform a final check using IRS business rules. Once satisfied, submit your e-file directly to the IRS through Tax 990's secure transmission. You'll receive real-time acknowledgment of receipt and can track filing status through your dashboard. If the IRS rejects the filing, Tax 990 provides free retransmission after you correct flagged errors. Download PDF copies of your filed return for your records.
Need Help with Tax 990 Implementation?
Get expert guidance on IRS compliance and nonprofit tax strategy
While Tax 990 makes e-filing accessible to nonprofits of all sizes, navigating complex IRS regulations, optimizing your tax position, and ensuring full compliance can still be challenging. Our nonprofit technology consultants can help you implement Tax 990 effectively, understand which forms and schedules apply to your organization, and develop internal processes for annual filing success.
Tax 990 Setup & Training
Initial configuration, data import, and team training sessions
Compliance Process Design
Develop annual filing workflows and internal controls
Form Selection Guidance
Determine which 990 form and schedules your organization requires
Annual Filing Review
Pre-submission review to catch errors and ensure accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tax 990 and what does it do?
Tax 990 (formerly ExpressTaxExempt) is IRS-authorized e-filing software that enables nonprofits to electronically prepare and submit Form 990 series returns and related tax documents. The platform streamlines nonprofit tax filing through interview-style guided forms, AI-powered error checking, automatic schedule inclusion, and built-in IRS validation rules. It supports all 990 forms including 990-N, 990-EZ, 990, 990-PF, 990-T, extensions (8868), and state forms like CA Form 199.
How much does Tax 990 cost?
Tax 990 uses pay-per-return pricing: Form 990-N costs $19.90, Form 990-EZ is $99.90, Form 990 is $199.90, Form 990-PF is $169.90, Form 990-T is $89.90, and extensions (Form 8868) are $14.90. Volume discounts start at 5+ returns ($2 off per form). Tax professionals receive discounted rates (approximately $2-$20 less per form depending on type). The first amendment for each return is free, and bundled packages (like 990 plus 990-T) offer additional savings of up to $50.
Does Tax 990 offer a nonprofit discount?
Tax 990's standard pricing is already positioned for nonprofits. Volume discounts apply automatically when filing 5 or more returns (savings of $2 per form). Additional value comes through the Tax 990 Commitment guarantees: complimentary extension requests, free retransmission of rejected returns, no-cost first amendments, and a money-back guarantee if the IRS doesn't approve your filing. Tax professionals managing multiple nonprofit clients receive further discounted per-return rates.
What AI features does Tax 990 include?
Tax 990 includes an AI chatbot that provides real-time assistance during form preparation, guiding users step-by-step through the filing process. The platform also uses AI-powered error checking that applies IRS business rules to detect inconsistencies, missing information, and potential issues before transmission. These AI validation features help ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of IRS rejections, making the e-filing process faster and more reliable for nonprofits without tax expertise.
Is Tax 990 IRS-approved and secure?
Yes. Tax 990 is an IRS-authorized e-filing software provider. The platform is SOC 2 certified and HackerProof certified, providing enterprise-level security for sensitive nonprofit data. Security features include two-factor authentication, encrypted data transmission, and secure data storage. Tax 990 partners with Protection Plus to offer up to $1 million filing defense coverage at no additional cost, providing representation for IRS notices and inquiries related to 990 filings.
Can Tax 990 handle multiple organizations?
Yes. Tax 990 is designed for both individual nonprofits and tax professionals managing multiple client organizations. The platform supports unlimited EIN management, bulk data upload via Excel templates for multi-organization filing, team staff management with role-based permissions, secure client review portals, e-signature capability, and activity tracking across all organizations. This makes it ideal for accountants, CPA firms, and consultants serving multiple nonprofit clients.
What happens if my 990 filing is rejected by the IRS?
If your Form 990 filing is rejected by the IRS, Tax 990 offers free retransmission as part of the Tax 990 Commitment. You can correct any errors identified in the rejection notice and resubmit the form at no additional cost. The platform's AI-powered error checking and real-time IRS validation significantly reduce the likelihood of rejections by catching issues before submission. If the IRS ultimately does not approve your filing despite using Tax 990, you are eligible for a full money-back guarantee.