Form 990 preparation is an annual requirement for most tax-exempt organizations. Unlike a tax return that calculates taxes owed, Form 990 is an information return that provides the IRS, donors, and the public with detailed information about an organization’s finances, governance, and program activities. For nonprofits in Ashburn, Loudoun County, and across Northern Virginia, accurate Form 990 filing is essential to maintaining tax-exempt status. Understanding Tax-Exempt Status The terms “nonprofit,” “not-for-profit,” and “nonstock” describe how an organization incorporates under state law . The term “tax exempt” refers to the status granted by the IRS to qualifying organizations . To receive tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), an organization must meet specific requirements and submit an application . All Section 501(c)(3) organizations have a “foundation classification” . The terms “public charity” and “private foundation” refer to an organization’s foundation classification. Any organization that qualifies for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) is presumed to be a private foundation unless it can show that it qualifies for one of the exceptions to private foundation status . Which Form Does Your Organization File? Form 990-N (e-Postcard) – For organizations with gross receipts under $50,000. Filing is online through the IRS website; no paper return is required. Form 990-EZ – For organizations with gross receipts under $200,000 AND total assets under $500,000. Form 990 (long form) – For organizations with gross receipts over $200,000 OR total assets over $500,000. Form 990-PF – For private foundations. All private foundations file this form regardless of revenue level. Form 990-PF Requirements Private foundations must file Form 990-PF annually. The Instructions for Form 990-PF indicate which parts of the form must be completed based on foundation type and asset levels . The form is used to figure tax based on investment income and report charitable distributions and activities . If a tax-exempt private foundation fails to file an annual return as required for three consecutive years, it will automatically lose its tax-exempt status and become a taxable private foundation . Key Concepts for Form 990 Preparation Public Charity vs. Private Foundation – Some types of organizations (churches, schools) are defined as public charities by operation of law . Most organizations qualifying for public charity status do so because they can show that their financial support comes from a broad cross-section of the public. Organizations that receive support from a very narrow base will typically be classified as private foundations . Private Benefit and Inurement – Private benefit occurs when an individual or organization receives a benefit from a Section 501(c)(3) organization . Inurement occurs when an “insider” (officer, director, or key employee) receives any of an organization’s net income or inappropriately uses its assets for personal gain . Any amount of inurement, no matter how small, can jeopardize an organization’s tax-exempt status . Filing Deadlines Form 990 is due by the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization’s tax year. For calendar-year organizations, the deadline is May 15. A six-month extension is available by filing Form 8868. Virginia State Filing Requirements In addition to federal Form 990 filing, Virginia nonprofits that solicit donations must register annually with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services . Common Form 990 Preparation Errors Failing to provide complete and accurate information Not attaching required schedules Reporting incorrect compensation information Failing to disclose potential conflicts of interest Miscalculating the public support test on Schedule A At Nova Tax & Accounting Services , we specialize in Form 990 preparation for tax-exempt organizations across Virginia and Washington DC. Our team ensures accurate, timely filings that reflect your mission and maintain compliance. Schedule your free consultation to discuss your nonprofit’s filing needs.

Knowing which taxes to file and when they are due is essential for avoiding penalties and interest. For individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in Ashburn and across Northern Virginia, the 2026 tax filing season includes several important deadlines. Individual Taxes to File (Form 1040) For most individual taxpayers, the deadline to file a 2025 federal tax return is April 15, 2026. Virginia’s individual income tax deadline is May 1, 2026—a unique two-week buffer after the federal deadline . Extension to File – Virginia allows an automatic 6-month extension to file your return (November 1 for most people), with no application required . However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Any taxes owed must be paid by May 1, 2026, regardless of whether you take the filing extension. Estimated Tax Payments – If you are self-employed, receive significant investment income, or have taxes not fully withheld from your paycheck, you likely need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Business Taxes to File Partnerships (Form 1065) – Due by March 15, with extension to September 15. S-Corporations (Form 1120-S) – Due by March 15, with extension to September 15. C-Corporations (Form 1120) – Due by April 15, with extension to October 15. Payroll Taxes (Form 941) – Quarterly filings are due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. Sales Tax – Virginia has implemented changes to sales tax filing. Starting with April 2025 returns, the ST-1 consolidated form replaced the ST-8 and ST-9 file layouts . Businesses can use Web Upload for multiple sales tax types, including ST-6 and ST-7 . Virginia encourages businesses to download and use the new ST-1 file layout to avoid problems when the old layout is no longer available . Nonprofit Taxes to File (Form 990) Tax-exempt organizations must file Form 990 annually. For calendar-year organizations, the deadline is May 15, with a six-month extension to November 15. The IRS Stay Exempt program provides resources for exempt organizations . The IRS notes that the terms “nonprofit,” “not-for-profit,” and “nonstock” describe how an organization incorporates under state law, while “tax exempt” refers to the status granted by the IRS to qualifying organizations . Which Form Does Your Organization File? Form 990-N (e-Postcard) – Gross receipts under $50,000 Form 990-EZ – Gross receipts under $200,000 AND total assets under $500,000 Form 990 (long form) – Gross receipts over $200,000 OR total assets over $500,000 Form 990-PF – Private foundations (any revenue level) Maintaining Tax-Exempt Status Organizations must comply with normal annual return filing requirements, including Form 990-N, unless they are otherwise not required to file a return . Failure to file for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of tax-exempt status. Four main activities can jeopardize a 501(c)(3)’s tax-exempt status: activity that results in private benefit or inurement; lobbying activity that constitutes a substantial part of overall activities; political campaign activity; and unrelated business activity that is substantial when compared with exempt-function activities . Virginia Tax Filing Addresses For paper filings, the Virginia Department of Taxation provides specific mailing addresses: Tax Payments: P.O. Box 760, Richmond, VA 23218-0760 Tax Refunds: P.O. Box 1498, Richmond, VA 23218-1498 Estimated Payments: P.O. Box 1478, Richmond, VA 23218-1478  At Nova Tax & Accounting Services , our expert tax solutions team helps clients file all required returns accurately and on time. Schedule your free consultation to ensure you meet every deadline.

A CPA firm is a professional practice staffed by Certified Public Accountants who provide tax, audit, accounting, and advisory services. Unlike solo practitioners or uncredentialed tax preparers, CPA firms offer the depth of expertise, quality control, and professional oversight that comes with state licensure and regulatory compliance. What CPA Firms Do Tax Services – CPA firms prepare federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, businesses, estates, trusts, and nonprofit organizations. They also provide year-round tax planning, estimated tax calculations, and IRS representation. Audit and Assurance – CPA firms conduct independent financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations. These services provide assurance to lenders, grantors, investors, and regulatory bodies that financial statements are accurate and reliable. Accounting and Bookkeeping – Many CPA firms offer day-to-day accounting and bookkeeping services including transaction recording, bank reconciliations, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. Nonprofit Services – CPA firms help tax-exempt organizations with Form 990 preparation and compliance. IRS Resources for CPA Firms The IRS.gov website is the official source for federal tax information . All IRS.gov web page addresses begin with http://www.irs.gov . Taxpayers should be cautious of commercial sites that resemble the authentic IRS site but end with .com, .net, or .org instead of .gov . The IRS provides various online tools for individual taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals through its “Tools” web page . The “Where’s My Refund?” tool allows taxpayers to check refund dates . Virginia Tax Filing for CPA Firms The Virginia Department of Taxation offers a Web Upload system that provides a fast, convenient, and secure method of filing returns and payments electronically . Features include availability 24/7, submission of one or thousands of returns in a single file, instant validation and feedback, and confirmation emails for all submitted files . Choosing a CPA Firm Verify Licensure – Confirm that the firm’s CPAs hold active Virginia licenses through the Virginia Board of Accountancy . Review Specialization – Some firms specialize in particular industries or service areas. Ask about experience relevant to your situation. Assess Size and Resources – Larger firms may offer more specialized expertise and resources; smaller firms may offer more personalized attention and lower rates. Understand Fee Structure – CPA firms may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or retainer arrangements. Request a clear estimate before engaging services. CPA Firms in Ashburn, Virginia Ashburn’s economy—dominated by data centers, technology firms, government contractors, and professional services—creates demand for CPA firms with specialized industry knowledge. Local firms understand Virginia’s tax structure, the BPOL tax requirements, and the unique challenges facing businesses in Loudoun County. At Nova Tax & Accounting Services , we are a licensed CPA firm serving Ashburn and the greater Washington DC metro area. Our audit and assurance services and expert tax solutions are delivered by licensed CPAs committed to professional excellence. Schedule your free consultation today.