Form 990-T is a specialized tax form used by tax-exempt organizations, such as nonprofits, religious institutions, and charities, to report any unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). While these organizations are exempt from federal income tax, they are still required to pay tax on income derived from activities not directly related to their exempt purpose. As such, preparing Form 990-T requires a nuanced understanding of what constitutes unrelated business income, applicable deductions, and compliance requirements.
In 2021, the IRS processed over 1.5 million returns for tax-exempt organizations, highlighting the importance of compliance in this sector. To simplify the process and avoid potential penalties, it is crucial to understand the structure of Form 990-T, the types of income it covers, and the strategies for accurately preparing it.