Did you know that small non-profit organizations that are recognized by the IRS as non-profit (501(c)(3) organizations) must file a tax return with the federal government? Even organizations that have gross receipts of $25,000 or less must file a very short tax return. A number of Vermont libraries and Friends groups are in danger of losing their 501(c)(3) IRS recognition, because they have not filed this required annual informational return. This is a tax return, of sorts, but there is no tax to be paid. IRS simply wants to verify the continuing status of the organization. In particular, they want to have current contact information and verification that the gross receipts are $25,000.or less.
The following information is taken from the IRS website, http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=169250,00.html :