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Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as Private Foundation
IRS Form 990-PF is the Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as Private Foundation, used to report investment income and charitable distributions for private foundations. The return must be filed by the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of the foundation's tax year.
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IRS Form 990-PF - Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as Private Foundation
IRS Form 990-PF is the Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as Private Foundation, used to report investment income and charitable distributions for private foundations. The return must be filed by the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of the foundation's tax year.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to file electronically for 2025 or missing the deadline results in immediate penalties.
- 2Filing without completing Part I, column (d) when using the cash receipts and disbursements method.
- 3Failing to file electronically if the return is for the current tax year or one of the two prior years.
- 4Submitting a return for 2020 or earlier while claiming current e-file availability.
- 5Not filing by the next business day if the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.
Plain English
This form allows a private foundation or trust to calculate its taxes based on money earned from investments. It also reports all the charitable giving and activities the organization performed during the year. Filing this return keeps the IRS informed about the foundation's financial health and mission fulfillment.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2026-01-15 18:10:39
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when filing an annual return for a private foundation exempt under section 501(a) or a taxable private foundation (section 6033(d)).
- Do not use Form 990-PF when you are a public charity, as that organization typically files the standard Form 990.
- Check Form 1041 instead when your Section 4947(a)(1) trust has taxable income.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Organization is applying for exemption
This form must be used if you cannot use the simplified Form 1023-EZ or are requesting advance approval/operating foundation status.
✓ Check that your application clearly states why Form 1023 is necessary.
Organization is eligible for but not using a specific filing option
This form may be used in conjunction with Form 990-PF to satisfy state reporting requirements or other needs.
✓ Verify the instructions specify that Form 8940 should accompany Form 990-PF.
Organization is an organization organized or created abroad
This form includes specific disclosures for organizations structured in a foreign country.
✓ Confirm Part S accurately describes the foreign entity structure.
Deadline or filing window
The standard filing trigger is the close of the foundation's tax year. The absolute deadline is the 15th day of the 5th month after that year ends. If the return is for a complete liquidation, dissolution, or termination, it must be filed by the 15th day of the 5th month following that event.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Who Must File
Private foundations exempt under section 501(a) or taxable private foundations (section 6033(d)) · Part A of Instructions
Purpose of Form 990-PF
To figure the tax based on investment income and report charitable distributions/activities. · General Instructions / Part 1
Filing Deadline
The 15th day of the 5th month following the close of the foundation's tax year. · General Instructions (Implied from context)
Tax Payment Method
Electronic funds transfer must be used for all depository tax deposits. · Part P / General Instructions
Public Disclosure Requirement
The organization's annual information returns are subject to public disclosure by the IRS. · Instruction p.2
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the revision date reads 20/25.
- 2Verify that you have determined your specific state filing requirements if applicable (refer to Part F).
- 3Ensure all required attachments are included with Form 990-PF if satisfying state reporting needs.
- 4Double-check that social security numbers are omitted from the publicly disclosed form.
- 5Confirm you are using electronic funds transfer for tax deposits (Part P).
- 6Review Part A to ensure your foundation type matches one of the listed filer categories.
- 7If applicable, verify that Form 1023 or Form 8940 is correctly referenced as an attachment.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required parts of IRS Form 990-PF (refer to Part B for guidance).
- 2Determine your tax liability by reporting investment income and charitable distributions on the form.
- 3Pay any due taxes using electronic funds transfer, following instructions in Part P.
- 4Sign and date the return before sending it to the IRS.
- 5Keep a copy of the submitted Form 990-PF for your records.
Known limitations
- 1The Form 990-PF is used to figure tax based on investment income and report charitable distributions and activities.
- 2If a private foundation fails to file an annual return as required for 3 consecutive years, it automatically loses its tax-exempt status and becomes a taxable private foundation.
- 3Organizations that agree to private foundation status but whose applications are pending may still need to file Form 990-PF on the due date for filing.
- 4The form is a substitute for Form 1041 (U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts) when a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust has no taxable income.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Organization Info
2 items
Legal name of the tax-exempt organization and its EIN.
Current mailing address and website URL if applicable.
Revenue
1 items
Sum of all revenue including contributions, program service revenue, investment income, and other revenue.
Expenses
1 items
Sum of all expenses including program services, management, and fundraising.
Assets
1 items
Total assets minus total liabilities at end of the reporting period.
Compliance
1 items
Certification of continued compliance with tax-exempt requirements.
Signatures
1 items
An authorized officer of the organization must sign.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is 20/25, and future developments are tracked at IRS.gov/Form990PF; the source notes that electronic payments are a transition from paper-based methods.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads 20/25.
- Filing deadline — confirm you are filing by the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of your tax year.
- Tax payment method — confirm electronic funds transfer is used for all depository deposits (refer to Part P).
- Social Security Numbers — confirm that social security numbers are not included on publicly disclosed forms.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the filed Form 990-PF.
- 2Take reasonable precautions to prevent alteration, destruction, or accidental loss of the document when posted on its page.
- 3If using the form for state reporting, consult officials in all states and other jurisdictions where the organization does business to confirm specific filing requirements.
- 4Do not include social security numbers on Form 990-PF because the IRS is required to publicly disclose the organization's annual information returns.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The general purpose of Form 990-PF is to figure the tax based on investment income and report charitable distributions and activities.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — A private foundation that fails to file an annual return for 3 consecutive years automatically loses its tax-exempt status.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Private foundations must file Form 990-PF annually, or submit a Form 990-N e-Postcard.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Form 990-PF is used to serve as a substitute for Form 1041 when the trust has no taxable income.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Organizations must file Form 990-PF if they are private foundations exempt under section 501(a) or taxable private foundations (section 6033(d)).
- SRCInstructions p.7 — If changing accounting period, the organization must also file Form 1128 with the short-period return.
- SRCForm p.1 — Do not enter social security numbers on this form because it may be made public.
Common confusion points
Who must file this form?
Private foundations exempt under section 501(a), taxable private foundations, or organizations pending application for exempt status.
→ Check Item G on page 1 if you are a former public charity.
When do I need to file Form 990-PF?
The filing deadline is the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of the foundation's tax year (implied from prompt context, supported by instructions).
→ Confirm your specific due date based on your accounting period.
What if I changed my accounting period recently?
If you changed it within the last 10 calendar years and had a filing requirement during that time, you must file Form 1128 with the short-period return.
→ Verify the reason for change is listed as either 'Form 1128 was approved' or 'Revenue Procedure 85-58 rules apply.'
Should I include my SSN?
No, social security numbers should not be included on Form 990-PF because it may be made public.
→ Check the instructions and form header to confirm where to enter the EIN instead.
What does 'doing business' mean for state filing purposes?
It includes soliciting contributions by mail or otherwise, conducting programs, or having employees within that jurisdiction.
→ Review your organization's activities against these three criteria in each state/jurisdiction.
When should I check Item G on page 1?
Check this item if you are filing Form 990-PF because you no longer meet a public support test under section 509(a)(1) and haven't filed it before.
→ Use this specific indicator for former public charities.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 1128, Application To Adopt, Change, or Retain a Tax Year (if changing accounting period)
Questions about IRS Form 990-PF
What is IRS Form 990-PF used for?
This form allows a private foundation or trust to calculate its taxes based on money earned from investments. It also reports all the charitable giving and activities the organization performed during the year. Filing this return keeps the IRS informed about the foundation's financial health and mission fulfillment.
Who must file IRS Form 990-PF?
Private foundations exempt under section 501(a) (section 6033(a)), taxable private foundations (section 6033(d)), and organizations applying for private foundation status must file Form 990-PF.
What information does IRS Form 990-PF require?
The form collects data on investment income, charitable distributions, and activities across various parts. Specifically, Part III analyzes changes in net assets or fund balances, while Part IV details capital gains and losses for tax on investment income.
When is IRS Form 990-PF due?
This return must be filed by the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of the foundation's tax year. If the regular due date is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, filing is due by the next business day.
Where do I file IRS Form 990-PF?
The IRS requires electronic filing for the 2025 Form 990-PF. Electronic filing is available for the current tax year and the 2 prior tax periods; otherwise, paper filing is required.
How do I complete IRS Form 990-PF?
Foundations must complete various parts based on their status; for instance, other foundations complete Part III and Part IV. The filing process requires adherence to specific rules regarding which lines are completed (e.g., foreign foundations may skip certain lines in Part VI-A). A signature is required before sending the return.
What happens if IRS Form 990-PF is filed incorrectly?
Failure to file timely, completely, or correctly can result in a maximum penalty of $6,500 imposed on all persons liable for the failure.
Who must file this form?
Private foundations exempt under section 501(a), taxable private foundations, or organizations pending application for exempt status. Check Item G on page 1 if you are a former public charity.
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