At a Glance

Colorado nonprofits must file multiple annual reports to maintain compliance: IRS Form 990 (or its variations) by the 15th day of the 5th month after fiscal year end, Colorado Periodic Reports during your incorporation anniversary month, and Charitable Solicitation Registration renewals by the same deadline as Form 990. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, loss of tax-exempt status, and inability to legally solicit donations.

Introduction

Did you know that missing your nonprofit annual filing requirements can cost your organization its tax-exempt status and legal standing? Keeping up with compliance deadlines isn’t just bureaucratic busywork—it’s essential protection for the mission you’ve worked so hard to build. Many Colorado nonprofits find themselves scrambling at the last minute to gather documents and complete forms they didn’t even realize were mandatory.

Mastering these requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From federal tax forms to state-specific reports, this step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you need to file, when to submit it, and how to avoid costly penalties. You’ll discover the critical deadlines for IRS Form 990, Colorado Periodic Reports, and Charitable Solicitation renewals that keep your organization in good standing.

Know Your Annual Filing Obligations

Maintaining compliance as a nonprofit requires vigilance and organization. Staying on top of your annual filing obligations protects your mission by ensuring your organization remains in good standing with both federal and state authorities.

Why annual filings matter for nonprofits

Annual filings serve as the lifeline for your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status. These required documents demonstrate your organization’s financial accountability and operational transparency to government agencies and the public.

First, your annual filings validate that your organization continues to operate according to its stated charitable purpose. The IRS and state agencies use these reports to verify your nonprofit deserves its tax privileges and is using funds appropriately.

Second, these filings create a public record of your activities. Most nonprofit financial reports become publicly available documents that donors, grantmakers, and community partners can access when evaluating your organization.

Third, timely filings maintain your legal right to operate. Without them, your nonprofit risks losing essential privileges, including:

• Tax exemption at federal and state levels
• Ability to receive tax-deductible donations
• Legal authority to conduct business
• Eligibility for grants and certain funding opportunities

Overview of federal and state requirements

Federal Requirements (IRS)
Every tax-exempt organization must file an annual information return with the IRS. The specific form depends on your organization’s size:

• Form 990-N (e-Postcard): For organizations with gross receipts ≤ $50,000.
• Form 990-EZ: For organizations with gross receipts < $200,000 and total assets < $500,000.
• Form 990: For organizations with gross receipts ≥ $200,000 or total assets ≥ $500,000.
• Form 990-PF: Required for all private foundations, regardless of financial activity.

The filing deadline falls on the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends. For organizations with a December 31 year-end, forms are due May 15 (see Colorado charitable registration renewal instructions). Electronic filing is now mandatory for most forms.

Colorado State Requirements
In addition to federal filings, Colorado nonprofits must submit:

1. Annual/Periodic Report: Filed with the Colorado Secretary of State annually during your incorporation month. A two-month grace period exists for late filings (see the Secretary of State’s delinquency and cure FAQs). Managing these state filings can be complex, and Labyrinth, Inc. helps organizations prepare and submit required state filings—including Annual Reports and Statements of Information—so organizations remain in good standing with state agencies.
2. Charitable Solicitation Registration Renewal: Required for organizations that solicit contributions in Colorado. Due on the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends—the same day as your Form 990 (see Colorado charitable registration renewal instructions). Labyrinth manages the full renewal process and tracks each deadline for organizations operating across multiple states.

What happens if you miss a deadline

Missing filing deadlines comes with serious consequences. For federal returns, penalties begin immediately (see IRS guidance on penalties for failure to file):

• For smaller organizations, penalties generally accrue at $20 per day up to the lesser of a statutory maximum or 5% of gross receipts. Organizations with higher gross receipts are subject to a higher daily penalty and maximum cap established by the IRS for the applicable filing year.

Furthermore, failing to file required returns for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of your tax-exempt status. Reinstating your status requires reapplying with the IRS (for example, by filing Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption)) and paying the required user fee.

Colorado penalties for missed state filings include:

• A $60 fine for failure to file a charitable registration renewal; soliciting while unregistered may carry a $300 fine (see Colorado’s charitable renewal instructions and the charitable fee schedule).
• Potential suspension or revocation of your right to conduct business in the state.

Beyond financial penalties, missed filings can damage donor trust, create reputational harm, and make securing funding more challenging. Additionally, your organization may face increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies in the future.

To recover from a missed deadline, file your required forms immediately, explain your reason for lateness (which may help waive penalties in some cases), and implement a better tracking system for future deadlines. Labyrinth assists organizations with organizing filing details, reminders, and agency correspondence to prevent these situations.

Filing IRS Form 990: Federal Tax Requirements

The Form 990 series represents the cornerstone of federal compliance for Colorado nonprofits. This annual information return provides the IRS with essential details about your organization’s finances, governance, and activities.

Which version of Form 990 to file

Your nonprofit’s financial activity determines which form you’ll need to submit:

• Form 990-N (e-Postcard): For organizations with gross receipts normally ≤ $50,000.
• Form 990-EZ: For organizations with gross receipts < $200,000 and total assets < $500,000.
• Form 990 (full version): Required when gross receipts ≥ $200,000 or total assets ≥ $500,000.
• Form 990-PF: All private foundations must file this form regardless of financial status.

Note that smaller organizations can opt to file a more comprehensive form than required. A 990-N eligible organization could choose to file a 990-EZ or full 990 if they wish to provide more detailed financial information.

Deadlines and penalties

Your Form 990 is due by the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends. For calendar-year organizations ending December 31, the filing deadline is May 15. Organizations can request an automatic six-month extension using Form 8868 (see the IRS page on return due dates and extensions).

Missing deadlines carries significant consequences:

• For organizations with gross receipts under $1,084,000: $20 per day, up to $10,500 or 5% of gross receipts, whichever is less.
• For organizations with gross receipts over $1,084,000: $105 per day, up to a maximum of $54,000.

Moreover, failing to file required returns for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of tax-exempt status. Reinstatement thereafter requires submitting a new application and paying associated fees.

How to file electronically

The Taxpayer First Act now mandates electronic filing for many tax-exempt organization returns. Electronic submission provides several benefits, including faster acknowledgment of receipt, reduced processing time, and simplified compliance with reporting requirements (see the IRS overview of e-file for charities and nonprofits).

For Forms 990, 990-EZ, and 990-PF, organizations must file electronically for tax years ending July 31, 2020 or later. Similarly, Form 990-T must be filed electronically for tax years ending December 2020 or later with due dates on or after April 15, 2021 (see IRS guidance on e-file requirements).

To file electronically, work with an IRS Authorized e-File Provider. Tax professionals must complete the necessary authorization steps before filing electronically. Electronic filing is available only for the current and two prior tax periods.

Common mistakes to avoid

Prevent delays and penalties by avoiding these frequent errors:

• Incomplete submissions: Missing required schedules or incomplete narrative responses.
• Filing the wrong form: Selecting a form that doesn’t match your organization’s financial thresholds.
• Missing filing deadlines: Failing to calendar the due date or request extensions on time.
• Improper expense classification: Incorrectly categorizing expenses by functional category (program, administrative, fundraising).
• Schedule B omissions: Failing to complete Schedule B or certify it’s not required (see the IRS notes on common errors and filing tips).
• Inadequate narratives: Carrying forward outdated narrative responses from previous years without updating.

Remember that although you may use a paid preparer, your organization remains responsible for filing complete and accurate returns.

Colorado Periodic Report: Maintaining Good Standing

Every Colorado nonprofit corporation must complete a state filing beyond federal requirements. The Colorado Periodic Report serves as the state’s mechanism for keeping track of active organizations and ensuring their information remains current.

What is the Periodic Report

The Periodic Report is Colorado’s version of what many states call an “annual report.” This mandatory filing updates the Secretary of State about your nonprofit’s current information and demonstrates your organization’s active status. The report primarily verifies or updates your:

• Nonprofit’s principal address
• Mailing address
• Registered agent information
• Business email address
• Names and addresses of individuals filing the report

Essentially, this filing confirms your organization still exists and operates in Colorado. Unlike the detailed financial information required in IRS Form 990, the Periodic Report focuses specifically on basic contact and operational information.

When and how to file it

Colorado uses an anniversary-based filing system, meaning your report is due based on the month your nonprofit was originally formed or registered in the state. The state provides flexibility with a five-month filing window:

• Filing opens two months before your anniversary month
• Continues through your anniversary month
• Extends two months after your anniversary month (see the Secretary of State’s delinquency and cure FAQs).

To file:

1. Visit the Secretary of State’s website
2. Search for your nonprofit using your business name or 11-digit ID number
3. Select “File a Periodic Report” from the available forms
4. Update any changed information
5. Review all details before submitting
6. Pay the $25 filing fee via credit/debit card (see Colorado’s business fee schedule).

Late filing penalties and grace period

Missing your filing deadline triggers a series of escalating consequences. Initially, your nonprofit enters “noncompliant” status immediately after the report due date.

• A standard $25 filing fee plus a $50 late penalty may apply.
• A two-month grace period is available before more serious consequences (see the Secretary of State’s delinquency and cure FAQs).

If the Periodic Report is not filed by the end of the two-month grace period, your organization becomes “Delinquent.”

• To restore good standing, file a “Statement Curing Delinquency” ($100 fee) (see Colorado’s business fee schedule).
• Delinquency can limit enforcement of business rights in court and can lead to administrative dissolution by the state.
• Lenders and grantors may require proof of good standing to approve funding.

To avoid these issues, consider registering for email notifications from the Secretary of State’s office. While ultimately responsible for timely filing regardless of reminders, these notifications serve as helpful alerts for approaching deadlines. Labyrinth helps nonprofits track these varying renewal dates and manage the filing process.

Charitable Solicitation Renewal in Colorado

Beyond federal and state corporate filings, Colorado nonprofits that solicit donations must manage an additional compliance requirement: charitable solicitation registration and renewal.

Who needs to register

Nearly all organizations soliciting contributions in Colorado must register with the Secretary of State (see the SOS overview of charitable registration requirements). The registration requirement applies to:

• Charitable organizations soliciting contributions in Colorado
• Organizations having contributions solicited on their behalf
• Organizations participating in charitable sales promotions

However, small organizations raising less than $25,000 annually (excluding government grants and grants from 501(c)(3) organizations) are exempt from registration (see the SOS page on registration exemptions).

Annual renewal process

Once registered, your charitable solicitation registration must be renewed annually to maintain compliance. The process involves:

1. Log into your account on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website
2. Select “Renew Registration” from your dashboard
3. Update any organizational information that has changed
4. Submit financial information for the most recently completed fiscal year
5. Pay the renewal fee

First-time registrants providing estimated financial information must update with actual figures by filing an “Amendment-Estimates” on or before the 15th day of the eighth month after their fiscal year ends (see the SOS instructions for initial charitable registration).

Filing deadlines and fees

Charitable solicitation renewals align with federal tax deadlines—due by the 15th day of the fifth month after your fiscal year ends (see Colorado’s charitable renewal instructions). Organizations with December 31 fiscal years must file by May 15.

Colorado automatically grants a three-month extension, though this extension is only valid if the IRS has granted the extension. Organizations needing more time may request an additional three-month extension (details in the renewal instructions).

The standard renewal fee is $10 for charitable organizations. Different fees apply for professional fundraising consultants ($175) and paid solicitors ($175) (see the Colorado charitable fee schedule).

Missing deadlines can result in late fees and suspension of your registration, prohibiting fundraising until all filings and fees are completed.

How it connects to IRS Form 990

• Both filings share the same initial deadline (15th day of the 5th month after fiscal year end).
• Financial information from your Form 990 is used in the renewal, and the renewal form aligns with Form 990 line items where possible (see the SOS charitable registration instructions).
• Extensions granted by the IRS apply to your solicitation renewal (see Colorado’s renewal instructions).

Other Ongoing Compliance Requirements

Completing your core filings is just the beginning. Several additional compliance requirements deserve your attention to maintain proper nonprofit status in Colorado.

Sales tax exemption renewals

Colorado sales tax exemption certificates follow specific rules. All valid exemption certificates start with the numbers “98” or “098” (see the Colorado Department of Revenue page on certificates of exemption).

Remember that this exemption applies exclusively to state-collected sales tax. Self-collecting jurisdictions establish their own regulations (see Colorado guidance on tax-exempt purchases).

• For purchases under $100: Show your certificate and sign an affidavit.
• For purchases $100+: Payment must come directly from organization funds (see the Department of Revenue’s page on tax-exempt purchases).

County-level filings (if applicable)

Beyond state requirements, particular counties and municipalities may impose additional filing obligations. Self-collecting jurisdictions create independent tax policies (see Colorado’s page for charities and nonprofits). Contact each jurisdiction directly to determine their specific requirements.

Recordkeeping and policy updates

Colorado nonprofits commonly maintain core corporate records such as minutes, resolutions, and committee actions, along with organizing documents and recent financial statements for reference and inspection.

Tips for staying organized year-round

Establish a comprehensive document retention policy outlining which records to keep and for how long. Assign specific responsibility for maintaining records and conducting regular reviews. Create a compliance calendar with reminders set 45–60 days before deadlines.

Consider organizing electronic messages in designated archive folders, as emails older than 45 days may be automatically deleted in some systems (see the Colorado Secretary of State’s record retention policy). Schedule quarterly reviews of your compliance status rather than scrambling annually. For organizations managing multiple filing requirements across different jurisdictions, we help monitor varying renewal dates, reporting schedules, and jurisdiction-specific rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Maintaining your Colorado nonprofit’s compliance requires attention to detail and proactive planning throughout the year. Your organization’s ability to serve its mission depends significantly on meeting these filing requirements promptly and accurately.

Federal tax obligations through Form 990 serve as the foundation of your nonprofit’s accountability system. Depending on your organization’s size, you must select the appropriate version while adhering to the May 15 deadline for calendar-year organizations. Remember, failing to file for three consecutive years automatically revokes your tax-exempt status—a devastating consequence for any nonprofit.

Equally important, your Colorado Periodic Report maintains your good standing with the state. This straightforward yet crucial filing prevents delinquency status and the accompanying penalties that could hinder your operations. The five-month filing window offers flexibility, though missing this deadline triggers escalating consequences.

Organizations soliciting contributions face additional responsibilities through the Charitable Solicitation Registration renewal process. This $10 filing aligns with your Form 990 deadline and ensures your continued legal authority to fundraise within Colorado.

Beyond these core requirements, your nonprofit must manage various ongoing compliance obligations, including proper recordkeeping and potentially county-level filings. Though seemingly overwhelming at first, managing annual reports and charitable registration renewals becomes more manageable when you have reliable systems in place to track deadlines and coordinate renewals.

Therefore, consider creating a comprehensive compliance calendar with built-in reminders well before deadlines. For organizations managing multiple filing requirements across different jurisdictions, dedicated compliance specialists can help streamline the process by preparing documents, monitoring renewal cycles, and maintaining organized records. Your nonprofit’s ability to focus on its mission rather than regulatory problems depends on maintaining these essential filings. Compliance might not be the most exciting aspect of nonprofit management, but it provides the stable foundation upon which all your charitable work stands.