Are you the administrator of a qualified nonprofit organization? Since these organizations are often exempt from taxation by the IRS, you might mistakenly fail to file an annual tax return with the government because you thought you didn't need to file your taxes. While it's true that your nonprofit may not have to pay taxes, your group may still be obligated to provide certain information to the IRS annually.   According to the tax code, most qualified nonprofit organizations are required to submit IRS Form 990 each year. Only a few groups are legally exempt from this requirement. The key is finding out if your group must adhere to this standard so that you can choose the correct version of Form 990 and submit it in a timely manner. Here are three tax tips for nonprofits.

1. Find out if your organization is required to file a return.

First, you should investigate to find out if your organization can claim an exemption from the filing requirement. According to the IRS, organizations that have a religious basis are not required to submit Form 990. Federal and state nonprofit groups are also exempted from filing an annual return.

The IRS also grants an exemption to nonprofits that are subsidiary groups of larger charities. Since these big charitable organizations are already obligated to file returns, there is no requirement for every satellite group to submit an annual form.

2. Choose the right annual return.

If your group does not qualify for one of these exemptions, you must complete Form 990 to remain in compliance with the tax code. However, there are several versions of this form, and you must submit the one that best suits your nonprofit's situation.

For example, if your organization's gross receipts for the year total less than $50,000, you must fill out Form 990-N. If your nonprofit received more than $50,000 but less than $200,000 during the year and has less than $500,000 in assets, you can complete either Form 990-EZ or Form 990. On the other hand, if your group receives more than $500,000 annually, you'll be obligated to complete Form 990. Private foundations must submit Form 990PF.

3. Submit your return on time.

The IRS requires nonprofit groups to submit their appropriate Form 990 by the 15th day of the fifth month following the end of the group's tax year. As an example, if you choose to end your tax year on June 3, your Form 990 for that year will be due on November 15. Failure to submit tax returns on time for three years in a row will cause organizations to have their tax-exempt status automatically revoked.

Operating a nonprofit organization can be a rewarding experience. To keep your charity up and running, though, you'll need to learn which tax code regulations you must follow and then comply with them promptly.