Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tax990 - Cloud-based platform for preparing, reviewing, and e-filing IRS Form 990 series returns specifically for nonprofits.
- 2#2: ExpressTaxExempt - User-friendly IRS-authorized e-filing software for Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and related nonprofit tax schedules.
- 3#3: File990 - Free and paid online tool for e-filing simple Form 990-N and full 990 returns tailored to small nonprofits.
- 4#4: Aplos - All-in-one nonprofit accounting software that automates Form 990 preparation and e-filing from financial data.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - Customized version of QuickBooks for nonprofits with built-in support for generating and exporting 990 tax forms.
- 6#6: Sage Intacct - Cloud ERP for nonprofits offering advanced fund accounting and compliance reporting for complex 990 filings.
- 7#7: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Comprehensive nonprofit financial management system with integrated tax reporting and Form 990 generation.
- 8#8: MIP Fund Accounting - Fund accounting software designed for nonprofits with tools for audit-ready financials and 990 tax preparation.
- 9#9: Drake Software - Professional tax preparation software with dedicated modules for e-filing nonprofit Form 990 returns.
- 10#10: UltraTax CS - Professional tax software supporting complex nonprofit returns including Form 990-PF and state filings.
Tools were selected based on robust features (including IRS authorization and automation), user-friendly design, data accuracy, and overall value, prioritizing those that cater to diverse organizational needs, from small startups to complex entities.
Comparison Table
Managing nonprofit taxes effectively demands reliable tools, and this comparison table explores key options like Tax990, ExpressTaxExempt, File990, Aplos, QuickBooks Online Nonprofit, and others. Readers will gain insights to assess features, usability, and fit for their organization, whether focusing on filing 990 forms, streamlining financial workflows, or meeting compliance needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tax990 Cloud-based platform for preparing, reviewing, and e-filing IRS Form 990 series returns specifically for nonprofits. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | ExpressTaxExempt User-friendly IRS-authorized e-filing software for Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and related nonprofit tax schedules. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 3 | File990 Free and paid online tool for e-filing simple Form 990-N and full 990 returns tailored to small nonprofits. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 4 | Aplos All-in-one nonprofit accounting software that automates Form 990 preparation and e-filing from financial data. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit Customized version of QuickBooks for nonprofits with built-in support for generating and exporting 990 tax forms. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 6 | Sage Intacct Cloud ERP for nonprofits offering advanced fund accounting and compliance reporting for complex 990 filings. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Comprehensive nonprofit financial management system with integrated tax reporting and Form 990 generation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | MIP Fund Accounting Fund accounting software designed for nonprofits with tools for audit-ready financials and 990 tax preparation. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | Drake Software Professional tax preparation software with dedicated modules for e-filing nonprofit Form 990 returns. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 10 | UltraTax CS Professional tax software supporting complex nonprofit returns including Form 990-PF and state filings. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based platform for preparing, reviewing, and e-filing IRS Form 990 series returns specifically for nonprofits.
User-friendly IRS-authorized e-filing software for Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and related nonprofit tax schedules.
Free and paid online tool for e-filing simple Form 990-N and full 990 returns tailored to small nonprofits.
All-in-one nonprofit accounting software that automates Form 990 preparation and e-filing from financial data.
Customized version of QuickBooks for nonprofits with built-in support for generating and exporting 990 tax forms.
Cloud ERP for nonprofits offering advanced fund accounting and compliance reporting for complex 990 filings.
Comprehensive nonprofit financial management system with integrated tax reporting and Form 990 generation.
Fund accounting software designed for nonprofits with tools for audit-ready financials and 990 tax preparation.
Professional tax preparation software with dedicated modules for e-filing nonprofit Form 990 returns.
Professional tax software supporting complex nonprofit returns including Form 990-PF and state filings.
Tax990
specializedCloud-based platform for preparing, reviewing, and e-filing IRS Form 990 series returns specifically for nonprofits.
Professional CPA review and sign-off service with a 100% accuracy guarantee, ensuring IRS acceptance on the first submission.
Tax990 is a cloud-based software platform specializing in nonprofit tax preparation and e-filing for IRS Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, 990-PF, and related schedules, along with state charitable registrations. It provides step-by-step guided interviews, automatic calculations, compliance checks, and professional review options to ensure accuracy and IRS acceptance. Designed for nonprofits of all sizes, it streamlines the entire process from data entry to electronic submission and receipt tracking.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all Form 990 series and multi-state filings
- 100% IRS e-file acceptance guarantee with unlimited amendments
- Intuitive guided interface with import tools and specialist review options
Cons
- Limited integrations with full accounting software like QuickBooks
- Higher pricing for complex returns with schedules
- No mobile app for on-the-go editing
Best For
Nonprofits and tax professionals seeking a reliable, user-friendly solution for accurate 990-series e-filing without needing in-house expertise.
Pricing
Free for Form 990-N; paid plans start at $179 for 990-EZ, $299 for standard 990, up to $549+ for complex returns with schedules; subscription discounts for multiple filings.
ExpressTaxExempt
specializedUser-friendly IRS-authorized e-filing software for Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and related nonprofit tax schedules.
One-click import of prior-year returns and Excel data for rapid, error-free preparation.
ExpressTaxExempt is a cloud-based platform specialized for tax-exempt organizations to prepare and e-file IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and associated schedules. It features a guided interview process, data import from prior years or Excel, and direct electronic submission to the IRS with real-time status updates. The software emphasizes accuracy with built-in validations and offers unlimited amendments for filed returns.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing tailored to nonprofit sizes
- Intuitive step-by-step guidance minimizes errors
- Direct IRS e-filing with 100% accuracy guarantee and unlimited support
Cons
- Limited exclusively to Form 990 series, no other tax forms
- Lacks advanced reporting or analytics for complex organizations
- No dedicated mobile app, browser-based only
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing a simple, cost-effective tool for annual 990 e-filing.
Pricing
Starts at $129.99 for 990-N, $249.99 for 990-EZ (under $500K revenue), up to $349.99 for full 990 based on assets/revenue; volume discounts available.
File990
specializedFree and paid online tool for e-filing simple Form 990-N and full 990 returns tailored to small nonprofits.
100% free electronic filing of IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, and 990-N directly through the platform
File990 (file990.org) is a free online platform designed specifically for nonprofits to prepare and e-file IRS Form 990 series returns, including 990, 990-EZ, 990-N, and select state forms. It guides users through a step-by-step interview process to ensure compliance without needing tax expertise. The tool emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, making annual tax filings efficient for smaller organizations.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden fees
- Intuitive step-by-step wizard for easy navigation
- Direct e-filing accepted by the IRS
- Supports core 990 forms and some state requirements
Cons
- Lacks integration with accounting software
- Limited support for complex or large nonprofit scenarios
- Basic customer support without live chat
- No additional bookkeeping or financial reporting tools
Best For
Small to medium nonprofits with simple finances seeking a no-cost, straightforward solution for annual IRS 990 filings.
Pricing
Entirely free for all users, with no subscription or per-return fees.
Aplos
otherAll-in-one nonprofit accounting software that automates Form 990 preparation and e-filing from financial data.
Automated Form 990 generation and e-filing directly from reconciled fund accounting data
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits, providing fund accounting, donation management, and tools for preparing and e-filing Form 990 series tax returns. It integrates everyday bookkeeping with tax compliance, allowing organizations to track restricted funds and generate necessary schedules directly from financial data. The platform emphasizes ease of use for non-accountants while ensuring IRS-compliant reporting.
Pros
- Intuitive interface designed for nonprofit staff without accounting expertise
- Seamless integration of fund accounting with Form 990 preparation
- Strong donor management and reporting tools alongside tax features
Cons
- Limited support for complex multi-entity or international nonprofits
- Tax module requires higher-tier plans or add-ons, increasing costs
- Fewer advanced tax customization options compared to dedicated tax software
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing an all-in-one platform for accounting and basic Form 990 tax filing without a full-time accountant.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Essential plan (basic accounting); Professional ($99/month) and Enterprise (custom) include advanced features and tax e-filing.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
otherCustomized version of QuickBooks for nonprofits with built-in support for generating and exporting 990 tax forms.
Advanced class and location tracking for precise multi-fund and program accounting
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for nonprofits, providing fund accounting, donor management, and customizable reporting to support financial transparency required for tax compliance like Form 990. It excels in tracking donations, grants, and expenses by program or fund using class and location tracking, generating statements that feed into tax preparation. While not a dedicated tax filing tool, it organizes data efficiently for accountants or export to specialized 990 software.
Pros
- Robust fund and program tracking with unlimited classes
- Intuitive interface with bank feeds and automation
- Comprehensive reporting for Form 990 schedules
Cons
- No direct e-filing or automated Form 990 generation
- Relatively high cost for tax-focused needs only
- Requires integration or export for full tax prep
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits needing integrated accounting that supports tax reporting and compliance rather than standalone tax filing.
Pricing
Starts at $90/month (Plus plan) or $200/month (Advanced); volume discounts available for nonprofits.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseCloud ERP for nonprofits offering advanced fund accounting and compliance reporting for complex 990 filings.
Multi-dimensional tracking that allocates expenses across funds, grants, and programs for precise 990 compliance.
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based ERP and financial management platform tailored for nonprofits, providing robust fund accounting, grant tracking, and compliance reporting essential for tax preparation. It excels in generating detailed financial statements and schedules that support Form 990 filing, with multi-dimensional tracking for programs, funds, and grants. While not a dedicated tax filing tool, it streamlines data export to specialized tax software, ensuring GAAP and FASB compliance.
Pros
- Superior multi-entity and fund accounting for complex nonprofit structures
- Real-time customizable reporting for 990 schedules and audits
- Seamless integrations with donor CRM and payroll systems
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup process
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Lacks built-in e-filing for Form 990; relies on exports
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits requiring comprehensive accounting with strong tax reporting support.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $15,000-$30,000 annually depending on modules and users.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseComprehensive nonprofit financial management system with integrated tax reporting and Form 990 generation.
Infinity Reporting for real-time, unlimited customizable financial dashboards and analytics
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based fund accounting platform tailored for nonprofits, providing comprehensive financial management including general ledger, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and grant tracking. It excels in generating detailed financial reports and statements crucial for nonprofit tax compliance, such as supporting Form 990 preparation through customizable dashboards and analytics. While not a dedicated tax filing tool, it streamlines the data aggregation and reporting needed for accurate tax submissions and audits.
Pros
- Nonprofit-specific fund accounting compliant with FASB standards
- Powerful customizable reporting for tax prep and audits
- Seamless integration with Blackbaud CRM and fundraising tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
- High cost unsuitable for small nonprofits
- Lacks direct tax form e-filing capabilities
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits needing robust financial reporting to support tax compliance and audits.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000-$10,000 annually depending on organization size and modules.
MIP Fund Accounting
enterpriseFund accounting software designed for nonprofits with tools for audit-ready financials and 990 tax preparation.
Seamless integration of fund accounting data directly into IRS Form 990 preparation, ensuring audit-ready compliance.
MIP Fund Accounting, offered by Community Brands, is a robust cloud-based ERP system tailored for nonprofits, providing fund accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting with built-in support for tax compliance. It excels in tracking restricted funds, grants, and generating essential forms like 990 and 990-EZ directly from the general ledger. While primarily an accounting platform, its tax tools make it suitable for nonprofits handling complex financials alongside tax prep.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with donor restriction tracking
- Integrated Form 990 and tax form generation from ledger data
- Scalable for mid-to-large nonprofits with multi-entity support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- Higher pricing not ideal for small organizations
- Less specialized in pure tax workflows compared to dedicated tax tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits needing integrated fund accounting and tax compliance within a full ERP system.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $10,000 annually, based on organization size, users, and modules.
Drake Software
otherProfessional tax preparation software with dedicated modules for e-filing nonprofit Form 990 returns.
Unlimited e-filing capacity for Form 990 series returns without additional per-client or per-return charges
Drake Software is a comprehensive professional tax preparation platform that supports nonprofit tax returns, including the full Form 990 series (990, 990-EZ, 990-N, 990-PF, and related schedules). It provides tools for electronic filing, diagnostics, data import/export, and multi-state compliance, making it suitable for tax professionals handling nonprofit clients. The software integrates with practice management features and offers robust error-checking to ensure accurate filings.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all Form 990 variants and schedules
- Unlimited clients and e-filings with no per-return fees
- Strong diagnostics and error-checking tools for compliance
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for users new to professional tax software
- Less specialized nonprofit workflow tools compared to dedicated solutions
- Customer support response times can vary during peak tax season
Best For
Tax professionals and CPAs managing nonprofit clients as part of a diverse portfolio of individual, business, and entity returns.
Pricing
Base Professional package starts at approximately $1,495/year for single-user (unlimited returns); network/multi-user editions from $2,500+, with state add-ons $300-$500 each.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseProfessional tax software supporting complex nonprofit returns including Form 990-PF and state filings.
Advanced Cluster Tools for handling related-party transactions and consolidated nonprofit returns
UltraTax CS is a professional-grade tax preparation software from Thomson Reuters, tailored for CPAs and accounting firms handling complex returns, including the full suite of nonprofit Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, and 990-N. It offers robust calculations, state return support, and integration with practice management tools like CS Professional Suite. Ideal for high-volume preparers, it emphasizes accuracy, diagnostics, and electronic filing efficiency for nonprofit organizations.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all nonprofit forms and schedules with advanced calculations
- Powerful diagnostics and error-checking tools to ensure compliance
- Seamless data import/export and integration with Thomson Reuters ecosystem
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High subscription costs unsuitable for small firms or solo preparers
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud flexibility
Best For
Mid-to-large accounting firms preparing complex nonprofit tax returns for multiple clients.
Pricing
Quote-based subscriptions starting at around $5,000-$10,000 annually for core federal/nonprofit modules, plus per-state fees and add-ons.
Conclusion
Navigating nonprofit tax filing is streamlined by the reviewed tools, with focus on accuracy and efficiency. At the top is Tax990, a standout for its specialized focus on the IRS Form 990 series. Close contenders include ExpressTaxExempt, lauded for user-friendliness, and File990, a strong choice for small nonprofits with flexible pricing. Each offers distinct value, ensuring the right fit for diverse needs.
Begin your nonprofit tax filing journey with Tax990, our top-ranked tool, to simplify compliance and dedicate more time to your mission.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
