How to Check a Nonprofit’s Filing History
A nonprofit’s IRS filing history can provide important information about the organization’s tax-exempt status, annual filings, and compliance record. Whether you are preparing a grant application, joining a nonprofit’s board, or simply reviewing your organization’s records, knowing where to find previous filings can save time and prevent compliance problems.
Check Your Filing History With Pro990
Pro990 provides a simpler way for nonprofit officers and board members to review their organization’s filing history. The search tool below will provide you with the most recent 3 years' filing info.
Access Your Full Filing History With our Free Dashboard
With Pro990's free user dashboard (image below), an organization can:
- Review its entire available filing history
- See which forms were filed for previous tax years
- Identify possible gaps in its filing record
- Download PDF copies of previous filings
- Keep important compliance records organized
- Begin a new Form 990-N or Form 990-EZ filing when needed
- Receive filing reminders as soon as it's time to file
This can be especially helpful when preparing state registrations, grant applications, bank records, or other documents that require proof of a nonprofit’s previous filings.
What Should You Do If a Filing Is Missing?
A missing filing does not always mean that the organization failed to comply. The return may not have been processed yet, may have been submitted under different organizational information, or may not be available through the public search system.
However, a missing year should not be ignored.
Review the organization’s internal records and confirm whether a Form 990-N, 990-EZ, or 990 was submitted. If the organization has missed multiple required filings, take action as soon as possible. Three consecutive missed annual filings can result in automatic revocation of federal tax-exempt status.
Why Grant Applications May Require Previous Form 990 Filings
Government agencies, private foundations, and other grantmakers often request financial and compliance documents before approving funding.
A grant application may ask for:
- The organization’s most recent Form 990 or Form 990-EZ
- Multiple years of previous returns
- Proof that the organization is currently tax-exempt
- Financial information from prior tax years
- Evidence that required annual filings have been completed
Waiting until the application deadline to locate these records can create unnecessary delays. Having downloadable PDF copies available makes it easier to provide the requested documents quickly.
Organizations that file Form 990-N should remember that the e-Postcard is much shorter than Forms 990 and 990-EZ. Some grantmakers may therefore request additional financial statements or organizational records.
Keep Your Nonprofit’s Filing Records Accessible
Your nonprofit’s filing history is more than a public record. It can be an important part of maintaining tax-exempt status, applying for grants, demonstrating transparency, and preparing for future leadership transitions.
The IRS TEOS page is a valuable place to search for public nonprofit records, but organizations may find it easier to use a platform that places their filing history and downloadable documents in one location.
To access our free dashboard, simply enter your EIN in our IRS Compliance Tool and set up your login.
Check your nonprofit’s filing history today and make sure your organization’s records are ready when you need them.