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Understanding your CP259E Notice

We sent you this notice because our records indicate you did not file a required Form 990-N, e-Postcard.

Printable samples of this notice (PDF)

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How to get help

Calling the 1-800 number listed on the top right corner of your notice is the fastest way to get your questions answered.

You can also authorize someone (such as an accountant) to contact the IRS on your behalf using this Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (Form 2848).

What you need to do

Disregard this notice if you have filed the return within the last four weeks using the same name and EIN listed on the notice.
Otherwise, file your required Form 990-N, 990, or 990-EZ immediately according to the instructions on the notice.
- If you don't think you need to file, complete the Response form enclosed with your notice and mail it to us using the envelope provided.
- If you filed more than four weeks ago or used a different name or EIN, complete the Response form enclosed with your notice and mail it to us in the envelope provided along with a signed and dated copy of the return.

You may want to...

Review the filing requirements for your organization at Tax Information for Charities & Other Non-Profits.
Determine which form you must file by going to the Form 990 Filing Threshold page. If you are now eligible to file the Form 990-N (e-Postcard), it must be filed electronically.

Answers to Common Questions

Which organizations are eligible to file Form 990-N?
Small tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are $50,000 or less for 2010 ($25,000 or less for 2009) are eligible to electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard. The organization may choose to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ instead.

When is Form 990-N due?
Form 990-N is due by the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of the organization's accounting period. Thus, for a calendar year taxpayer, Form 990-N is due on May 15 of the following year. If any due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the organization can file the return on the next business day.

Which organizations must file a Form 990 or 990-EZ?
Form 990 must be filed by an organization exempt from income tax under section 501(a) (including an organization that has not applied for recognition of exemption) if it has either (1) gross receipts greater than or equal to $500,000 or (2) total assets greater than or equal to $1,250,000 at the end of the tax year. This includes:

Organizations described in section 501 (c)(3) (other than private foundations), and
Organizations described in other 501 (c) subsections (other than black lung benefit trusts).

Other exempt organizations can file Form 990-EZ instead. If gross receipts are $50,000 or lower in 2010 ($25,000 for 2009), organizations are eligible to file Form 990-N.

When is Form 990 or 990-EZ due?
Form 990 or 990-EZ is due by the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the tax year. Thus, for a calendar year taxpayer, Form 990 or Form 990-EZ is due on May 15 of the following year. If any due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the organization can file the return on the next business day.

More information can be found at Form 990 Resources and Tools for Exempt Organizations.

Can I get help over the phone?
If you have questions and/or need help completing the form, please call 1-877-829-5500. Personal assistance is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT.

Where can I go for more information about tax-exempt organizations?
For more information on tax-exempt organizations see Tax Information for Charities & Other Non-Profits.

Tips for next year

Review the tax-exempt organization resources at Form 990 Resources and Tools for Exempt Organizations.

Understanding your notice

Reading your notice
Your notice may look different from the sample because the information contained in your notice is tailored to your situation.

Notice CP259E, Page 1
Image of page 1 of a printed IRS CP259E Notice