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Nonprofit Tax Services in Chicago

Nonprofit organizations operate under a distinct set of accounting and tax rules that differ significantly from those governing for-profit businesses and getting them wrong can put an organization's tax-exempt status at risk. Alfred Moore CPA, PLLC provides nonprofit accounting and tax services for Chicago-area organizations, including Form 990 preparation, ongoing compliance support, and accounting practices designed around the specific requirements nonprofits must follow.

Form 990 Preparation

Most tax-exempt organizations are required to file an annual Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N with the IRS, depending on the organization's size and revenue. Alfred Moore CPA, PLLC prepares these filings accurately and on time, ensuring the organization's financial activity, governance information, and program accomplishments are reported correctly. Because Form 990 is a public document that donors, grant-makers, and watchdog organizations may review, an accurate and well-prepared filing also supports the organization's credibility and fundraising efforts.

Nonprofit Accounting and Compliance

Nonprofit accounting involves tracking restricted versus unrestricted funds, properly recognizing grant and donation revenue, and maintaining the kind of financial records that satisfy both IRS requirements and the expectations of board members, funders and auditors. Alfred Moore CPA, PLLC helps nonprofit organizations establish and maintain accounting practices that meet these standards, reducing the risk of compliance issues and giving boards reliable financial information for decision-making.

Understanding IRS Requirements for Exempt Organizations

Maintaining 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt status requires ongoing attention to IRS rules  including restrictions on political activity unrelated business income tax considerations, and recordkeeping requirements that for-profit businesses don't face. Alfred Moore CPA, PLLC helps nonprofit clients understand these requirements and stay in compliance, reducing the risk of penalties or, in serious cases, loss of tax-exempt status.

Why Nonprofits Benefit From a CPA Who Knows the Sector

Nonprofit accounting is a specialized area, and not every CPA or tax preparer works with tax-exempt organizations regularly. Alfred Moore CPA, PLLC's experience serving nonprofit clients in Chicago means organizations get guidance from someone genuinely familiar with the sector's rules not a general practitioner applying for-profit accounting standards to a nonprofit's books. For boards and executive directors who are often balancing accounting oversight with their organization's mission, that specialized knowledge reduces risk and saves time.
Need help with your organization's Form 990 or nonprofit accounting? Schedule a free consultation or call (630) 405-8514.

We can help you setup and maintain your non-profit organization's tax-exempt status by handling all the IRS reporting for you.

Each year the IRS requires most tax-exempt organizations to submit the Form 990 and its relations, which includes the following items.

  1. Income Statement with very specific revenue and expense categories like donations, salaries, postage, rent...

  2. Balance Sheet with specific categories like cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable...

  3. Functional Expense Statement with all the expenses allocated to either program services, fundraising, or operations.

  4. Individual Program Expense Statement that reports all of the expenses for each program or service like seminar programs or educational mailings.

  5. Revenue Support Schedules that detail the organization's sources of income in specific categories like charitable donations, membership fees, investment income.

The IRS uses these very specific revenue and expense classifications to determine if your organization will retain its tax-exempt status. So it's imperative that you build your accounting system around these revenue and expense classifications.

Here's what we do for you...

  • Review and compile your financial statements

  • Design, install, and maintain your Accounting System

  • Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payroll preparation

  • Payroll Tax Preparation and Deposits

  • Provide training for your accounting personnel

  • Complete and file your non-profit status application

  • Provide training for your board on non-profit financial statement usage and effective budgeting practices

  • Prepare and file the 990 and 990T tax forms

  • Prepare your initial start-up documentation, including incorporation, federal employee identification number (FEIN), and payroll setup with federal and state agencies.

  • Churches: We prepare the pastoral housing allowance and other required benefit documentation to meet the complex dual status of ministers.

If you're starting a new not-for-profit organization we can help you prepare your organization's 501 (c)(3) application for tax-exempt status.

Here's what's needed...

  • Articles of Incorporation containing the Exempt Purpose Statement as described in IRS Code section 501(c)(3) and defined in Treasury Regulation 1.501(c)(3)-1 Paragraph d and the Dissolution Statement described in Treasury Regulation 1.501(c)(3)-1 Paragraph b subparagraph 4 ("Organizational Test").

  • Employer Identification Number

  • By-laws of the Organization

  • Minutes of Board Meetings

  • Names, Addresses, and Resumes of Board Members

  • Names and addresses of all Active Members

  • Inventory of Assets like cash, furniture, equipment, property, pledges...

  • Inventory of Liabilities like mortgages, accounts payable, loans...

  • Rent/Lease Agreements and Contracts

  • Revenue and Expense Statements for the last four years or as far back as possible if your organization has been in existence for less than four years.

  • Written Reason for Formation and History of the organization.

  • Organization Mission Statement or Statement of Faith or Beliefs for Churches and other Religious Organizations.

  • Organization Activities, Operations and Programs Documentation including your statement of purpose & operations, food programs, fundraisers, flyers/brochures/pamphlets...

  • Financial Support Documentation including all sources of revenue like contributions, tithes, offerings, fundraisers...

  • Fund Raising Program Descriptions

  • IRS Processing/Filing Fee

We are happy to prepare any of these items if you need help.

Let us help you setup and/or maintain your non-profit tax-exempt status by requesting a Free Consultation below.

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Why partner with us?

Commitment to Quality


Maintaining the highest standards in every record and report.

Organizational Clarity


Bringing order to complex information to support better decision-making.

Proactive Protection


Ensuring your operations remain aligned with current requirements and best practices.

We are ready to answer your questions.

Whatever is on your mind, we’re always happy to start a conversation. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the contact form provided.

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