Filing the Form 990-PF - Exponent Philanthropy

Filing the Form 990-PF

How can you be sure your foundation’s Form 990-PF filing is accurate, complete, and compliant? Can you simply assume your accountant will get it right? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Regulators estimate that at least 25% of all Form 990-PF filings contain errors, which can lead to compliance issues or penalties.

A Practical Guide to Filing the Form 990-PF

Despite these risks, your foundation can file with confidence. This primer breaks down the Form 990-PF filing process, highlights common mistakes, and provides expert tips to help you stay compliant. It follows the form step by step and includes:

  • Common Filing Errors & Fixes – Text boxes throughout the Form 990-PF highlight frequent mistakes and offer practical tips.
  • Sample Form 990-PF – A completed example featuring the fictional Cactus League Foundation helps guide you through the filing process.

Even experienced accountants can find filing Form 990-PF complex. This primer gives your foundation the tools to meet IRS requirements, avoid errors, and maintain its tax-exempt status—ensuring you can focus on your charitable mission.

Inside This Primer

  1. Introduction
  2. About the Form 990-PF
  3. Preparing Source Documents
  4. Avoiding Common Mistakes
  5. Resources
  6. Sample Form 990-PF

Updated in 2024 | 54 pages of expert guidance to streamline your Form 990-PF filing.