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Compliance Deadlines You Should Not Ignore in 2026

January is when we see the most preventable compliance issues surface—not because nonprofit leaders and small business owners don’t care, but because deadlines are misunderstood, assumed away, or quietly missed.

Compliance doesn’t usually fall apart all at once.

It happens slowly, through small oversights that compound over time.


Here are the key compliance deadlines and requirements that deserve your attention early in 2026.


Federal Compliance (IRS)

Form 990 Series

Most nonprofits are required to file a version of Form 990 annually.

For calendar-year organizations, the filing deadline is typically May 15, 2026.

Why this matters:

  • Filing is required even if your organization had little or no activity

  • Failing to file for three consecutive years results in automatic loss of tax-exempt status

  • Reinstatement can be time-consuming and costly

This is one of the most common compliance issues we see—and one of the most avoidable.


State Compliance (California – If Applicable)

Statement of Information (SI-100)

  • Due every two years

  • Based on your organization’s registration anniversary month

  • Required to keep your entity in good standing with the Secretary of State

Attorney General Registration Renewal Fee (RRF-1)

  • Typically due 4½ months after the end of your fiscal year

  • Required for most nonprofits registered with the Attorney General

  • Late or missing filings can result in penalties or enforcement actions

Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Annual Filings

  • Required even if no income was earned

  • Applies to both nonprofits and certain small businesses

  • Often overlooked when organizations believe inactivity equals exemption


Why These Deadlines Matter More Than You Think

We regularly work with organizations that assumed:

  • “We didn’t raise money, so we don’t have to file.”

  • “We’ve been inactive, so nothing applies.”

  • “Someone else handled that.”


Unfortunately, assumptions are one of the fastest ways organizations fall out of good standing.

Missed filings don’t disappear.

They accumulate—and eventually show up as penalties, loss of status, or blocked funding opportunities.

Compliance isn’t about fear.It’s about protection, credibility, and readiness.


What to Do If You’re Unsure Where You Stand

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m not sure if this applies to us,” that’s exactly the moment to pause and get clarity.

You have two simple options:


📞 Call for Immediate Clarity

If you have a quick question or need direction, you’re welcome to call Cheryl directly at (909) 706-8795 for guidance on next steps.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of stress.


If you want a deeper review, a Power Hour Meeting allows us to:

  • Review your current compliance status

  • Identify upcoming deadlines that apply to your organization

  • Flag risks before they become problems

  • Create a clear, realistic plan for 2026


No judgment. No pressure. Just clarity and strategy.


Final Thought

Most compliance issues we see in January were not caused by neglect—they were caused by uncertainty.

Taking the time now to understand what applies to your organization puts you in a position of strength for the rest of the year.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone.


Sincerely,

Cheryl

 
 
 

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