Agudath Israel of America is urging non-profit organizations to note that the IRS has set October 15, 2010 as the final deadline for all non-profit organizations to file their annual report (on Form 990).  Non-profits that have not made the filing for the past three years will automatically have their non-profit status revoked if they do not meet that deadline.

Under a law passed in 2006, all nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax exempt by the IRS must file an annual form 990 with the IRS to retain their non-profit status.   Even small nonprofits with less than $25,000 in income are now required to file.  The IRS has put together a list by state of organizations that have failed to file any sort of Form 990 since the law requiring them to file was passed three years ago.  It can be accessed at www.irs.gov , under “Charities & Non-Profits.”

There are about 1,000 Jewish organizations in New York State alone on the list, including many fundraising organizations for yeshivos and other communal and tzedakah organizations.

Many of these organizations can simply file a very short form either on-line or by paper.  If, however, they do not file by October 15, their non-profit status will be revoked.  This means that contributions to those organizations will no longer be tax deductible.  Information on how to file the 990 can also be obtained directly from the IRS by calling 1-877-829-5500.

Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel, called on all non-profits to comply with the new law.  “It would indeed be a true shame,” he said, “if, for lack of sending a short postcard to the IRS before October 15, mosdos involved in helping our community would lose their tax-exempt status and their ability to solicit and collect charitable contributions.”

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