Including SSNs On Form 990 Exposes Donors To Identity Theft

IRS Form 990 is an informational tax form that most tax-exempt organizations must file annually. The form gives the IRS an overview of the organization’s activities, governance and detailed financial information. Form 990 also includes a section for the organization to outline its accomplishments in the previous year to justify maintaining its tax-exempt status. In collecting this information, the IRS wants to ensure that organizations continue to qualify for tax exemption after the status is granted. Tax-exempt organizations that have gross receipts of at least $200,000 or assets worth at least $500,000 must file Form 990 on an annual basis. Some organizations, such as political organizations, churches and other religious organizations, are exempt from filing an annual Form 990. Many organizations file these forms themselves and make the mistake of including social security numbers of donors and benefactors on the form, which is a huge mistake. The information in Form 990 is public and including SSNs and other personal information on Form 990 exposes your donors and benefactors to identity theft. This short video from the IRS explains why you should never include unnecessary personal information on Form 990.

If you are not sure how to complete Form 990 or how to file correctly for your tax-exempt organization, give us a call! We can help!

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