Officer changes

Treasurer handoff checklist

Small nonprofits rarely miss their annual IRS filing on purpose. Usually a new treasurer takes over and nobody mentions it. This is what to pass on so the next one isn't missed.

1. The basics the next filer needs

• The organization's EIN and its exact legal name as the IRS has it.
• The fiscal year end. The annual return is due on the 15th day of the fifth month after it: May 15 for a December year end, November 15 for June. Work out the date.
• Which return it files. Most small organizations file Form 990-N (the e-Postcard) when gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less; larger ones file Form 990-EZ or 990.
• The mailing address the IRS has on record, and the website if there is one.

2. Where the filings stand

• The most recent year on file, and whether any years look missed. The status checker reads the IRS public record from the EIN.
• A copy of last year's return or e-Postcard confirmation, so the new treasurer can see what was filed and when.
• Three missed years in a row end tax-exempt status automatically. If two are already missing, the next deadline is the one that matters most. What happens after a third.

3. Who the IRS has on record

• The 990-N asks for the principal officer's name and address. The next filing is where a new president or treasurer is listed, so it should name whoever holds the role now.
• If the organization's responsible party changes (the person who controls its funds and assets, as named on its EIN record), the IRS asks for Form 8822-B within 60 days. The same form updates the organization's mailing address.

4. Make sure the reminders reach the new person

• Put the due date in a shared calendar the organization keeps, not only a personal one that leaves with the outgoing treasurer.
• If you file with File 990 Now, invite the new officer to get the deadline reminders from Settings once you sign in. They confirm from their own inbox.
• Forward any reminder email you already get to the person taking over.

5. Things that usually live with the treasurer

Not IRS filings, but they go missing in the same handoff:

• Bank signers, and online banking access in the organization's name rather than a person's.
• Your state's annual report or charitable registration, if it requires one.
• Where the books and receipts are kept, and the login for any accounting or payment tool.

File 990 Now is a private company, not the IRS. Eligible organizations can file Form 990-N themselves, free, at irs.gov. This checklist is general information, not advice about your organization.