Having worked with small organizations for a number of years now, inevitably I will hear one state chapter or component leader say, “We don’t have to worry about filing taxes…we didn’t have enough income.”
Well, this is partly true.  Your organization may not need to file a formal 990, but you will have to file something, regardless of how small the revenue.  Organizations with revenues beyond $50,000 must complete an IRS Form 990 or 990 EZ, but if the organization’s revenue is $50,000 or less ($25,000 or less for tax years after December 31, 2007 and before December 31, 2010) a Form 990-N (postcard) must be filed.
The 990-N is an electronic postcard and is simple to complete. You only need to complete eight basic items of information: (1) EIN or TIN; (2) Tax Year; (3) Legal name of organization and mailing address; (4) Any other aliases or names of the organization; (5) Name and address of principal officer; (6) Organization website address; (7) Confirmation that the organization’s annual gross revenue are $25,000 or less ($50,000 or less for tax years after December 31, 2010), and (8) If applicable, a statement that the organization has gone out of business.
The trickiest issue is trying to figure out WHEN to file your organization’s 990, 990EZ or 990-N – always remember five and 15^th. Your organization’s tax filings are due the fifteenth day (just like our individual tax returns) of the fifth month after the end of your fiscal year.  For example, if the last day of your fiscal year is June 30^th, your organization’s tax filings are due November 15^th.  I always suggest that organization leaders/staff add this date to their operational timeline and policy and procedure manual.
For more information about the 990-N, visit Annual Electronic Filing For Small Exempt Organizations.