Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
For clubs whose tax year follows the Rotary year, the filing deadline is November 15.
The type of form required depends on your club’s gross receipts:
If your club takes in less than $50,000 in a year, you’re eligible to file the simple postcard-style Form 990-N - this is most of us!
If your club grosses more than $50,000, you will need to file Form 990 or possibly Form 990-EZ
It is very important to comply: under Internal Revenue Code Section 6033(j), the exemption of any organization may be automatically revoked if it fails to file for three consecutive years
At minimum you’ll need your club’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) to complete the filing
Why it matters: Non-compliance can lead to negative consequences for your club’s tax-exempt status, which in turn can undermine the club’s ability to raise funds, receive contributions, and operate effectively.
If you need assistance, reach out to our current Tax Support person, Sue Reisman at suereiscpa@gmail.com.
Call for a New Tax Support Person — Volunteer Wanted
Our current tax-advisor, Sue Reisman, a CPA and member of DeWitt Rotary, has graciously served many clubs in our region by helping them complete their annual IRS filings for many years. She is looking to retire and her role must be replaced as this is a vital service to our fellow clubs! We are asking for someone else to step into this role and assist with our tax-filing process going forward. Sue will finish out this Rotary year, giving you time to connect with her, shadow her, and understand who she assists and how she helps. This new person would become official July 1, 2026.
Ideal qualifications and attributes for the role include:
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or equivalent tax-preparer credentials, with experience in non-profit or 501(c)(4) / 501(c)(3) filings
Familiarity with IRS Forms 990-N, 990, and 990-EZ, including knowing thresholds, deadlines, and requirements for tax-exempt organizations
Organized and detail-oriented: able to gather financial information, review supporting data (income, donations, receipts), and assemble the filing package
Good communicator: able to explain filing requirements to club leadership and ensure the club remains in compliance
Willingness to serve on a volunteer basis and coordinate with club officers and treasurers
If you—or someone you know—are willing to take on this important role and help our club maintain our compliance with IRS requirements, please reach out as soon as possible to centralNYrotary@gmail.com. We depend on reliable leadership in this area to continue our service work without interruption.
Final Thoughts
Compliance with IRS filing requirements might seem like an administrative chore, but it is truly foundational: it protects your club’s tax-exempt status, protects donor confidence, and ensures we remain eligible for the resources and support that accompany a properly maintained nonprofit organization. With the November 15 deadline approaching, let’s get ahead of it, ensure our forms are filed correctly and on time, and recruit the right person to help us stay compliant in the years ahead.
Thank you in advance to the person who will step up to be our club’s next tax advisor!