Can penalties for filing Form 990 late be abated?
Failure to timely file the information return, absent reasonable cause, can give rise to a penalty under 6652 of the Code. Generally, the reasonable cause exception to the penalty will be determined on a case-by-case basis taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances. The regulations provide that an affirmative showing of reasonable cause must be made in the form of a written statement, containing a declaration by the appropriate person that the statement is made under the penalties of perjury, setting forth all the facts alleged as reasonable cause. The request for abatement may be made by using Form 4571, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676), and should include supporting documentation.
