Can private foundations file Form 990-EZ instead of Form 990-PF?

No, private foundations cannot file their annual tax return on Form 990-EZ but rather must use Form 990-PF. Many different types of organizations exempt from tax may be able to file Form 990-EZ including public charities, certain political organizations and nonexempt charitable trusts. However, private foundations are legally different from these organizations and must always file using Form 990-PF.

Private foundations must file Form 990-PF annually regardless of their activity, grants made, asset base, investment income, and amount of expenditures or receipts. All Form 990-PFs filed in tax years beginning after July 1, 2019 must be filed electronically (filing by paper through postal mail is no longer allowed). For a more detailed description of Form 990-PF please see the following link: What is Form 990-PF?

‍

We're Here to Help!

Our mission is to amplify the positive impact of private foundations! Please feel free to contact us at 888-402-1780 for a free, no-obligation conversation—we would love to talk with you!