What type of tax returns are required for a non-profit corporation that doesn't have 501(c)(3) status?

To limit liability, I have suggested that a group with which I am involved register with the state as a non-profit corporation. Going through the complications of 501(c)(3) status isn't important for us. We don't have employees, or any assets other than, potentially, a bank account. The main objection is that we would have to file a tax return. I doubt this would be terribly involved. I can't get an answer on what type of tax return we would need to use. Would we use one for a regular corporate tax return since we're not a 501(c)(3)? How complicated are these returns? We probably bring in $5,000 or less per year from donations and fundraisers.

What type of tax returns are required for a non-profit corporation that doesn't have 501(c)(3) status?
Do your donors know that they aren't contributing to a 501(c)(3)? They can't deduct their charitable contributions to you on their tax returns.





Organizations with gross receipts less than $25,000 annually are not required to file an annual return. But that only applies if you ARE a 501(c)(3). Maybe you should check into that tax exempt status.
Reply:http://www.guidestar.org





I think the Form 990 is used.


http://www.irs.gov/instructions/i990-ez/...





Better to file a Form 990 to cover all the bases whether the organization is 501(c)(3) or not.
Reply:Form 990-EZ
Reply:There are organizations that are not 501(c)(3) who use a 990, but according to the instructions on irs.gov, it's for organizations exempt from income tax and that doesn't sound like what you are. I'm not sure from your description where the "non-profit" designation comes from, or if you're just a regular corporation.





I'd suggest that you call the IRS, describe your organization, and ask them what needs to be filed.