Form 990
Form 990 is an important tax document that nonprofit organizations must file with the IRS each year. It's like an annual report card that shows how a nonprofit manages its money and activities. This form is public information, which means anyone can look it up to see how a nonprofit operates. When you see this on a resume, it usually means the person has experience with nonprofit financial reporting and compliance. Think of it as the nonprofit version of a company's tax return, but with much more detail about the organization's mission, programs, and leadership.
Examples in Resumes
Prepared and filed annual Form 990 returns for multiple nonprofit organizations
Managed compliance reporting including Form 990 and state charitable registrations
Led team responsible for Form 990 preparation and IRS correspondence
Reviewed organizational policies and procedures for Form 990 compliance
Coordinated with auditors on annual Form 990-PF filing requirements
Typical job title: "Nonprofit Accountants"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Nonprofit Accountants
Professional Associations
Online Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where you discover significant errors in previously filed Form 990s?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain the process of filing amended returns, communicating with the board, implementing new review procedures, and possibly engaging external experts if needed.
Q: How do you ensure transparency in reporting executive compensation on Form 990?
Expected Answer: Should discuss compensation review processes, documentation requirements, comparability data, and board approval procedures, while maintaining clear records for public disclosure.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key differences between Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-N?
Expected Answer: Should explain the filing thresholds for each form type, basic requirements, and be able to determine which form an organization needs to file based on its size and income.
Q: How do you track and report program service accomplishments on Form 990?
Expected Answer: Should describe methods for gathering program outcomes, measuring impact, and presenting this information clearly in Part III of Form 990.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic filing deadlines for Form 990?
Expected Answer: Should know the standard due date (15th day of the 5th month after fiscal year-end), extension options, and consequences of late filing.
Q: What parts of Form 990 are most commonly reviewed by the public?
Expected Answer: Should identify key sections like mission statement, program accomplishments, board composition, and financial information that donors and watchdog groups typically examine.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic nonprofit accounting principles
- Data gathering for Form 990
- Understanding of filing deadlines
- Basic compliance requirements
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complete Form 990 preparation
- State charitable registration compliance
- Nonprofit financial reporting
- Tax-exempt status maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex nonprofit tax issues
- Policy development and implementation
- Board and audit committee liaison
- Strategic financial planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of nonprofit accounting principles
- Unfamiliarity with public disclosure requirements
- Lack of experience with tax-exempt organizations
- No knowledge of state charitable registration requirements
Related Terms
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