Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tax990 - Cloud-based platform for easy preparation and e-filing of IRS Form 990 series returns with built-in diagnostics.
- 2#2: ExpressTaxExempt - Affordable, user-friendly software for accurate e-filing of Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-N returns.
- 3#3: 990eFile - Streamlined online tool for preparing and electronically filing IRS Form 990 returns securely.
- 4#4: Simple990 - Intuitive software designed specifically for nonprofits to create and e-file Form 990 returns.
- 5#5: Aplos - Cloud accounting software for nonprofits that automates Form 990 generation and fund accounting.
- 6#6: ARC - Modern nonprofit accounting platform with automated Form 990 preparation and compliance tools.
- 7#7: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - Robust accounting solution with nonprofit features for generating and exporting Form 990 data.
- 8#8: Sage Intacct - Scalable financial management software for nonprofits supporting advanced Form 990 reporting.
- 9#9: File990 - Online service offering free and paid e-filing options for IRS Form 990 returns.
- 10#10: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Enterprise fundraising and financial management system with Form 990 compliance and reporting.
Tools were chosen based on a focus on robust features (e.g., automation, IRS adherence), ease of use, platform reliability, and value, ensuring alignment with the diverse needs of nonprofits seeking streamlined 990 preparation and filing.
Comparison Table
Finding the right 990 software is crucial for streamlined filing, and our comparison table simplifies the process by featuring tools like Tax990, ExpressTaxExempt, 990eFile, Simple990, Aplos, and more. This guide breaks down key attributes—from ease of use to cost—empowering users to match their needs with the best platform. By examining direct features side-by-side, readers gain clarity on which solution enhances efficiency, reduces errors, and aligns with their unique organizational requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tax990 Cloud-based platform for easy preparation and e-filing of IRS Form 990 series returns with built-in diagnostics. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | ExpressTaxExempt Affordable, user-friendly software for accurate e-filing of Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-N returns. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | 990eFile Streamlined online tool for preparing and electronically filing IRS Form 990 returns securely. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Simple990 Intuitive software designed specifically for nonprofits to create and e-file Form 990 returns. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 5 | Aplos Cloud accounting software for nonprofits that automates Form 990 generation and fund accounting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ARC Modern nonprofit accounting platform with automated Form 990 preparation and compliance tools. | enterprise | 5.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 5.5/10 |
| 7 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit Robust accounting solution with nonprofit features for generating and exporting Form 990 data. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Sage Intacct Scalable financial management software for nonprofits supporting advanced Form 990 reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | File990 Online service offering free and paid e-filing options for IRS Form 990 returns. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Enterprise fundraising and financial management system with Form 990 compliance and reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
Cloud-based platform for easy preparation and e-filing of IRS Form 990 series returns with built-in diagnostics.
Affordable, user-friendly software for accurate e-filing of Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-N returns.
Streamlined online tool for preparing and electronically filing IRS Form 990 returns securely.
Intuitive software designed specifically for nonprofits to create and e-file Form 990 returns.
Cloud accounting software for nonprofits that automates Form 990 generation and fund accounting.
Modern nonprofit accounting platform with automated Form 990 preparation and compliance tools.
Robust accounting solution with nonprofit features for generating and exporting Form 990 data.
Scalable financial management software for nonprofits supporting advanced Form 990 reporting.
Online service offering free and paid e-filing options for IRS Form 990 returns.
Enterprise fundraising and financial management system with Form 990 compliance and reporting.
Tax990
specializedCloud-based platform for easy preparation and e-filing of IRS Form 990 series returns with built-in diagnostics.
The conversational guided interview system that walks users through forms step-by-step, reducing errors and mimicking professional tax prep services.
Tax990 is a cloud-based platform specializing in the preparation and e-filing of IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and 990-PF, designed specifically for non-profit organizations. It features a guided interview process, automatic calculations, data import from prior returns or accounting software like QuickBooks, and built-in compliance checks to ensure accuracy. The service supports unlimited amendments and provides secure, direct e-filing to the IRS, making it efficient for tax-exempt filers.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with multi-year discounts and no hidden fees
- Intuitive guided Q&A interface that simplifies complex 990 preparation
- Responsive customer support via phone, email, and chat with unlimited assistance
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting or analytics beyond basic 990 requirements
- Requires stable internet connection as it's fully cloud-based
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise-level tax software
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits and their preparers seeking a user-friendly, cost-effective solution for accurate and timely Form 990 e-filing.
Pricing
Starts at $199 for 990-N, $299 for 990-EZ, $479 for 990/990-PF; volume discounts for multiple returns or multi-year packages.
ExpressTaxExempt
specializedAffordable, user-friendly software for accurate e-filing of Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-N returns.
Real-time IRS connectivity for instant form validation and guaranteed e-file acceptance notifications
ExpressTaxExempt is a cloud-based e-filing platform tailored for tax-exempt organizations, enabling the preparation and electronic submission of IRS Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, 990-PF, 990-T, and extensions. It features a step-by-step interview process, data import from prior returns or spreadsheets, and built-in error checks with real-time IRS validation. The software ensures compliance with IRS e-filing mandates while supporting amendments and state returns for many jurisdictions.
Pros
- Affordable pay-per-return pricing with no subscription required
- Direct IRS e-filing with high acceptance rates and quick processing
- Strong data import tools and guided workflows for accuracy
Cons
- Lacks advanced analytics or donor management integrations found in enterprise solutions
- Fully web-based with no offline mode, requiring reliable internet
- Customer support can have longer wait times during peak tax seasons
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and churches needing a straightforward, cost-effective tool for annual 990 series e-filings.
Pricing
Pay-per-return model starting at $14.99 for 990-N, $109.99 for 990-EZ, $199.99-$274.99 for Form 990 (based on pages/assets), with add-ons for states and extensions.
990eFile
specializedStreamlined online tool for preparing and electronically filing IRS Form 990 returns securely.
Ultra-low per-return pricing with IRS e-file acceptance guarantee and same-day processing for most returns
990eFile is a straightforward web-based platform specializing in electronic filing of IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, 990-PF, and associated schedules for tax-exempt organizations. It allows users to prepare, review, and submit returns directly to the IRS without software downloads or complex setups. Ideal for non-profits seeking a no-frills e-filing solution, it emphasizes speed, compliance, and affordability over comprehensive accounting features.
Pros
- Extremely affordable pay-per-return pricing
- Simple, intuitive interface for quick filings
- IRS-approved with high acceptance rates and fast processing
Cons
- Limited features beyond basic e-filing and review
- No integrations with accounting or donor management software
- Basic customer support without live chat or phone options
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits or volunteers needing fast, low-cost 990 e-filing without advanced tools.
Pricing
Pay-per-return model: $14.95 for 990-N, $49.95-$99.95 for 990/990-EZ/990-PF based on complexity; no subscriptions or annual fees.
Simple990
specializedIntuitive software designed specifically for nonprofits to create and e-file Form 990 returns.
Step-by-step guided interview that mimics a tax preparer's questions for error-free completion
Simple990 is a cloud-based software solution designed specifically for nonprofit organizations to prepare and e-file IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and 990-PF. It features a guided interview-style interface that simplifies data entry for users without deep tax expertise, supporting prior-year data import and real-time error checking. The platform emphasizes affordability and quick turnaround for electronic filing directly with the IRS.
Pros
- Intuitive guided interview process reduces errors and speeds up preparation
- Affordable pricing tiers suitable for small nonprofits
- Reliable IRS e-filing with built-in validation and support for all 990 variants
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for highly complex returns
- Basic analytics and reporting compared to enterprise solutions
- Occasional interface glitches reported by some users
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking an affordable, user-friendly tool for straightforward 990 filings without needing extensive accounting support.
Pricing
Starts at $99 for 990-N, $199 for 990-EZ, $299-$499 for Form 990 based on revenue size; volume discounts available.
Aplos
enterpriseCloud accounting software for nonprofits that automates Form 990 generation and fund accounting.
Fund accounting system that automatically segregates and reports on restricted vs. unrestricted funds for accurate 990 Schedule D preparation.
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting platform designed specifically for non-profits and churches, providing fund accounting, donor management, payroll, and robust reporting tools to support IRS Form 990 preparation. It enables users to track restricted and unrestricted funds, generate financial statements, and produce schedules required for 990 compliance directly from the dashboard. While not a dedicated e-filing solution, it exports data seamlessly to tax software and offers customizable reports aligned with non-profit accounting standards.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants
- Comprehensive fund accounting for restricted/unrestricted funds
- Strong reporting and donor tracking tailored to 990 needs
Cons
- No direct IRS e-filing for Form 990
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Limited integrations with specialized tax software
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits and churches needing an all-in-one accounting tool with solid 990 reporting support.
Pricing
Basic plan at $59/month (1 user), Growth at $99/month (up to 5 users), Pro at $149/month (unlimited users), billed annually.
ARC
enterpriseModern nonprofit accounting platform with automated Form 990 preparation and compliance tools.
Arc Max AI assistant, which provides contextual insights and summaries directly within the browser for IRS regulations and documents
ARC (arc.co) is a productivity-focused web browser that can support 990 preparation workflows by providing superior tab management, split-screen views, and AI-assisted research for accessing IRS portals and web-based filing tools. It excels in multitasking for reviewing financial data, guidelines, and forms across multiple tabs or spaces. However, it is not a dedicated 990 software solution and lacks specialized form-building or e-filing integrations.
Pros
- Advanced tab organization and Spaces for managing complex 990 documentation and research
- Arc Max AI for summarizing IRS instructions and extracting key data from PDFs
- Lightning-fast performance and split views ideal for side-by-side financial comparisons
Cons
- No native support for 990 form generation, validation, or direct e-filing
- Requires integration with external 990 platforms, adding steps
- Limited offline capabilities for sensitive financial data handling
Best For
Small non-profits or preparers who use web-based 990 tools and need an enhanced browser for efficient multitasking.
Pricing
Free core browser; Arc Max AI features available via invite or subscription starting at $12/month.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
enterpriseRobust accounting solution with nonprofit features for generating and exporting Form 990 data.
Class and location tracking for precise fund allocation, vital for accurate 990 Part IX functional expenses
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform customized for nonprofits, featuring fund accounting, donor management, and customizable reporting to support IRS Form 990 preparation. It generates key financial statements like balance sheets and income statements that feed into 990 schedules, with tools for tracking restricted funds and grants. While not a dedicated e-filing solution, it excels in organizing data for tax compliance when paired with export capabilities to specialized 990 software.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting tracks restricted/unrestricted funds critical for 990 schedules
- Intuitive interface with bank feeds and 500+ app integrations
- Nonprofit-specific reports and dashboards simplify audit trails
Cons
- No direct Form 990 generation or e-filing; requires data export to other tools
- Pricing can be steep for small nonprofits compared to pure 990 software
- Advanced features like multi-location have a learning curve
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits needing integrated accounting and reporting to streamline 990 data prep rather than direct filing.
Pricing
Nonprofit plans start at ~$45/mo (Plus equivalent with 30-50% discounts); scales to $150+/mo for Advanced; 50% off first 3 months.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable financial management software for nonprofits supporting advanced Form 990 reporting.
Dimension-based tracking for unlimited funds, programs, and grants, enabling precise allocation for 990 Schedule F and functional expense reporting.
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based ERP platform designed for nonprofits, providing comprehensive financial management tools including fund accounting, grant tracking, and multi-entity consolidations to support IRS Form 990 preparation. It offers real-time dashboards, customizable reports, and compliance features that streamline data compilation for schedules like revenue, expenses, and executive compensation. While not a standalone 990 e-filing tool, it excels in generating audit-ready financials that feed into 990 workflows, making it suitable for organizations needing broader accounting capabilities.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting and grant management tailored for nonprofits
- Advanced reporting and analytics for easy 990 data extraction
- Scalable multi-entity support with real-time consolidations
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting staff
- Not specialized for direct 990 e-filing, requiring integrations
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits needing integrated financial ERP with strong support for Form 990 reporting and compliance.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing, typically starting at $15,000-$30,000 annually based on modules, users, and entities.
File990
specializedOnline service offering free and paid e-filing options for IRS Form 990 returns.
Free, unlimited e-filing of Form 990-N for organizations with under $50K in gross receipts.
File990 (file990.org) is a web-based platform specializing in e-filing IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and schedules for nonprofit organizations. It provides guided form preparation, data import from spreadsheets, built-in validation checks, and direct submission to the IRS. The service targets simplicity for smaller nonprofits, with options for both free and paid filings.
Pros
- Free e-filing for Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
- Straightforward interface with step-by-step guidance
- Affordable per-return or subscription pricing
Cons
- Limited advanced integrations with accounting software
- Fewer customization options for complex organizations
- Basic reporting and analytics tools
Best For
Small nonprofits with simple filing needs seeking an easy, low-cost e-filing solution.
Pricing
Free for 990-N; paid filings start at $49 per return, with annual subscriptions from $99.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseEnterprise fundraising and financial management system with Form 990 compliance and reporting.
Customizable report builder that maps directly to 990 schedules for precise compliance data extraction
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based fund accounting platform designed specifically for nonprofits, offering general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and payroll management. It excels in generating detailed financial reports and statements required for IRS Form 990 preparation, with customizable dashboards for compliance tracking. While not a dedicated e-filing tool, it provides the foundational data and audit-ready outputs essential for accurate 990 submissions.
Pros
- Robust financial reporting and analytics tailored for 990 requirements
- Seamless integration with Blackbaud's CRM and fundraising tools
- Cloud-based with strong security and mobile access for remote teams
Cons
- High cost may not suit smaller nonprofits
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Requires additional steps or third-party tools for direct 990 e-filing
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits seeking comprehensive accounting with integrated 990-ready reporting.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $5,000/month for mid-sized organizations, scaling with users and modules.
Conclusion
Evaluating top 990 software highlights Tax990 as the clear leader, with its cloud-based platform and built-in diagnostics streamlining Form 990 preparation and e-filing. ExpressTaxExempt, a strong runner-up, offers affordability and user-friendliness for various form types, while 990eFile stands out with secure, streamlined online filing. Together, these tools collectively address diverse nonprofit needs, ensuring accurate and efficient compliance.
Don't miss out on Tax990—start preparing your Form 990 with confidence today, and explore these top tools to find the best fit for your organization.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.