Most tax-exempt organizations, other than churches, must file a yearly return or notice with the IRS. If an organization does not file as required for three consecutive years, the law provides that it automatically loses its tax-exempt status. Loss of exempt status means an organization must file income tax returns and pay income tax, and its contributors will not be able to deduct their donations.

The critical deadline is May 17 for organizations that use the calendar year as their fiscal year. What must be filed this year depends on the organization’s financial activity: