Hutter CPA, LLC

05/28/2026

If your nonprofit missed a Form 990 filing, don’t panic — these situations are often fixable. Here’s a quick overview of what to do next and how to minimize additional issues:

Missing a Form 990 filing can feel stressful, but it’s more common than you might think, and it can be fixed. The most important thing is to act quickly and know your options. Understand the Potential Penalties The IRS imposes penalties for late Form 990 filings, and they can add up quickly. For s...

05/20/2026

There are a lot of moving pieces that nonprofits need to stay on top of. I put together a comprehensive guide that brings these topics together in one place to help nonprofits better understand their financial responsibilities.

Table of Contents Running a nonprofit comes with important financial and compliance responsibilities. From the annual IRS filing to maintaining accurate books and safeguarding assets, there are several moving pieces to manage. This guide brings everything together in one place so you can understand....

05/12/2026

A nonprofit’s chart of accounts should look very different from a typical business. Nonprofits need to track things like grants, restricted funds, and functional expenses in ways that support both the management team and Form 990 reporting. Here’s a breakdown of how nonprofit charts of accounts should be structured:

One of the first steps to accurate bookkeeping and financial reporting for a nonprofit is setting up the chart of accounts correctly. While the concept is similar to a business (tracking income, expenses, assets, and liabilities) nonprofits have unique needs that make their accounting structure dist...

05/04/2026

Filing Form 990 for the first time after 990-EZ? You’ll need to report more than just financials. Things like governance policies, relationships, and functional expenses all come into play. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

If your nonprofit has previously filed Form 990-EZ, moving up to the full Form 990 is a significant step. Once your annual revenues exceed $200,000 or if your total assets exceed $500,000, you are no longer eligible to file Form 990-EZ and must file Form 990 instead. While Form 990-EZ requires solid...

04/26/2026

One of the biggest challenges for nonprofits is keeping up with ongoing compliance (not just year-end filings). There are multiple requirements throughout the year that are easy to overlook. I broke them down here:

Running a nonprofit involves more than just pursuing your mission. There are ongoing compliance requirements that must be met to maintain your tax-exempt status and remain in good standing. Missing these obligations can lead to penalties, loss of exemption, or issues with donors and funders. Here’...

04/18/2026

I see a lot of nonprofit organizations make the same avoidable mistakes year after year. I put together a quick guide on common Form 990 mistakes and how to avoid them:

Form 990 is more than just a tax form—It’s a public document that tells the story of your nonprofit. Mistakes can lead to IRS scrutiny, diminished credibility, or even lost grant revenues. The good news? Most errors are avoidable with the right preparation. Vague or Incomplete Program Descriptio...

04/10/2026

Most nonprofits begin with the 990-N—It’s quick and simple. But if you’re growing, then comes the first year you have to file the 990-EZ… and it’s a big step up in complexity. If you’re making that transition, here’s a guide to help you prepare:

Most nonprofits begin with the 990-N—It’s quick and simple. But if you’re growing, then comes the first year you have to file the 990-EZ… and it’s a big step up in complexity. If you’re making that transition, here’s a guide to help you prepare.

04/02/2026

Most nonprofits know they have to file Form 990, but many don’t realize how important it actually is. It’s not just a tax form. It’s a public document that donors, grantors, and the IRS all use to evaluate your organization.

I put together a quick guide on what nonprofits should know about Form 990:

If you run a nonprofit organization, Form 990 might feel like just another annual requirement, but it’s much more important than that. Understanding how it works (and why it matters) can help you stay compliant and build credibility with donors and funders. It’s a Public Document Form 990 is not...

12/17/2024

12/02/2024