Running a nonprofit means balancing mission-driven work with the less glamorous—but equally important—compliance tasks.
If your organization filed for an IRS extension earlier this year, you’re down to the wire: your Form 990 is due Monday, November 17, 2025.

That’s just little over a two weeks away — and missing it can have serious financial and reputational consequences.

 

⏰ Why This Deadline Matters

For nonprofits, the IRS Form 990 isn’t a tax return in the traditional sense. It’s your organization’s annual information return — a public report that demonstrates transparency, accountability, and continued eligibility for tax-exempt status.

It tells the IRS (and your donors, funders, and community) how you’ve used your resources to advance your mission.
Filing on time shows integrity. Missing the deadline can raise questions and trigger costly penalties.

 

✅ Already Filed? You’re in the Clear

If your organization already filed its 2024 Form 990 on or before May 15, 2025, you’re all set.
However, if you requested a six-month automatic extension by submitting Form 8868, the countdown is on: the extended deadline is November 17, 2025.

 

📅 Key Filing Dates for 2025

Fiscal Year EndOriginal Due DateExtended Due Date
December 31, 2024May 15, 2025November 17, 2025
June 30, 2024November 15, 2024May 15, 2025
September 30, 2024February 18, 2025August 15, 2025

Because November 15 falls on a Saturday, the IRS automatically rolls the due date forward to Monday, November 17, 2025.

 

⚠️ Penalties for Late or Missing Filings

Even if your organization doesn’t owe tax, late filing can be costly:

     

      • $20 per day for nonprofits with gross receipts under $1 million, up to $10,000 or 5 % of gross receipts (whichever is smaller).

      • $110 per day for nonprofits with receipts over $1 million, up to a maximum of $56,000 per return.

      • Automatic revocation: fail to file for three consecutive years, and your tax-exempt status is automatically revoked.

    Reinstatement after revocation can take months and involves filing fees, back filings, and re-approval by the IRS — not to mention damage to donor trust and grant eligibility. Simply put: filing on time protects your mission and your organization’s good name.

     

    📋 Two-Week Action Plan

    With just days left on the clock, here’s a quick step-by-step plan to stay compliant:

    1. Confirm your extension.

    Did you file Form 8868 by May 15, 2025? If yes, your extension is valid through November 17.
    If not, your original deadline still applies — file immediately to minimize penalties.

    2. Gather your records.

    Have your financial statements ready — income, expenses, assets, liabilities, grants, and contributions.
    You’ll also need:

       

        • Board and officer information

        • Program service accomplishments

        • Governance and policy details

        • Any required schedules (A, B, G, O, etc.)

      3. Determine the correct form to file.

         

          • Form 990-N (e-Postcard): Gross receipts ≤ $50,000

          • Form 990-EZ: Receipts < $200,000 and assets < $500,000

          • Form 990: Organizations above those thresholds

          • Form 990-PF: Private foundations

        Filing the wrong version or skipping schedules is a common (and avoidable) mistake.

        4. File electronically.

        The IRS now requires e-filing for all Form 990 series returns. Use an authorized e-file provider or work through your accountant or outsourced nonprofit accounting partner.

        5. Submit early.

        Don’t wait until the night of November 17. E-filing systems can experience delays or rejections for formatting issues, incorrect EINs, or mismatched fiscal years. Submitting early gives you a buffer to correct errors before the deadline.

         

        💡 Pro Tips for a Smooth Filing

           

            • Double-check identifying info. A simple EIN or tax-year typo can invalidate your return.

            • Have your board review the draft. Many organizations require the board to review or approve the Form 990 before submission — a good governance practice.

            • Attach all required schedules. Missing schedules can cause processing delays or rejection.

          • Save copies. Keep a PDF copy of your e-file receipt and return for at least three years for audit and grant-application purposes.
           

          🧭 Why Filing Early Protects Your Mission

          The Form 990 doesn’t just satisfy the IRS — it shapes your nonprofit’s public image. Potential funders, journalists, and watchdogs review it to understand your efficiency and governance.

          Filing on time signals credibility, transparency, and professionalism. Missing deadlines can lead to negative assumptions, even if the lapse was accidental.

          Nonprofits that consistently file on time often see stronger donor confidence and easier access to grants. It’s not just about compliance — it’s part of building long-term sustainability.

           

          🕒 If You’re Feeling the Crunch

          Two weeks may feel tight, but it’s not too late. If your books are current and you’ve gathered your financial data, your Form 990 can usually be finalized and filed within a few days.

          If your records need cleanup or review, consider working with an outsourced nonprofit accounting team familiar with IRS reporting standards.

          An experienced partner can review your numbers, complete the necessary schedules, and file electronically — ensuring accuracy and peace of mind before the deadline.

           

          ✅ Final Reminder

             

              • Extended Form 990 Due Date: Monday, November 17, 2025

              • Time Remaining: Two and a half weeks.

              • Action Required: File your 2024 Form 990 if you haven’t already.

              • If already filed by May 15, 2025: Relax — you’re compliant!

            Need a hand?
            At Non-Profit Books, we help nonprofits of all sizes stay compliant with IRS filing requirements — from bookkeeping and cleanup to final Form 990 preparation and e-filing. Email us at info@non-profitbooks.com if you have any questions.

            File before November 17 and stay focused on your mission — not the deadline.