What is e-File for charities and nonprofits (tax-exempt organizations)?
IRS Modernized e-File (MeF) is the name for the electronic filing system for certain tax and information returns. When a nonprofit organization e-files, it sends its information return data to IRS electronically instead of on paper forms. MeF is a web-based system allowing electronic filing through the Internet. MeF uses the widely accepted eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format, a standardized way of identifying, storing and transmitting data. MeF currently accepts filings through IRS’ existing Electronic Management System (EMS). Exempt organizations can e-file: • Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax; • Form 990-EZ, Short Form Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax; • Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as a Private Foundation; • Form1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations; • Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organization Return; and • Form 7004, Application f
