Your association is a non-profit corporation? True. Thus, as a non-profit entity, it owes no income taxes? False!
 
This is a common misconception among board members, especially those first time volunteers. If you do not understand your association’s taxes, don’t feel alone.
 
Community association taxes are very complex. It is quite possible that even your personal tax preparer has little or no knowledge on this subject. That is why it is important the board chooses an accounting professional who knows this industry and one who will make the best choices for your association.
 
Unlike individual federal tax returns, which are due three months fifteen days after the end of the year (April 15th), association tax returns are due two months fifteen days after the end of the fiscal year. Thus, for December 31^st year end associations, the due date is March 15^th. Like individuals, an association can get an extension of up to six months to file its federal taxes. It should be noted that this is an extension to file the tax return - not an extension to pay the taxes! Any taxes due must be  paid by the original due date, or the association will have to pay penalties and interest.
 
So on what income does an association pay tax? This can get very complicated, as will be described in the following paragraphs, but at the very least, the association generally needs to pay tax on its interest earnings. Other items that may or may not be taxable include laundry income, rental income from the clubhouse or other common areas, and sales of goods or services to non-members. Generally, membership income is non-taxable. 
 
Associations have a unique tax situation found in no other area of tax law, in that they have the choice of how to file their tax returns and what tax rate to pay - with many rules and regulations surrounding these choices. An association may file as a homeowners association using Form 1120-H, or may file as a regular corporation using Form 1120. This decision can change annually. The association may file Form 1120-H one year, then 1120 the next.  Additionally, some larger associations may be exempt from taxation and may file Form 990. This is a permanent decision. The following paragraphs will attempt to briefly explain the differences, but the explanations will touch just the surface issues and readers are strongly encouraged to consult with their association’s accountant.
 
Form 1120-H is the form that was specially designed for homeowners associations. It is the easiest to prepare. Non-exempt function income is taxed at a rate of 30%. Non-exempt function income includes interest and rental income, net of expenses. A tax savings hint to avoid being taxed on the rental income is to assess the fee on an annual basis or as part of the regular assessment, rather than as a per use fee. It is the per use fee which causes the income to be taxable. Thus, if you have RV parking spaces, you may decide to assess the fee once a year rather than monthly, or for clubhouse use you may choose to add one dollar to everyone’s monthly assessments rather than charge a per use fee.
 
Form 1120 is the regular corporation tax form. It is much more difficult to prepare, and can cause even membership net income to be taxable. But, it has a much more favorable tax rate - 15% on the first $50,000 of taxable income.  Another advantage is that rental income from members may not be taxable. With proper planning and budgeting, an association may be able to cut its taxes substantially, if it is willing to plan accordingly. A common planning tool is Revenue Ruling 70-604, which says that the membership may choose to have any net membership income transferred to the next year or returned to the owners. This is an important election that may benefit an association. The drawbacks are, however, that it appears use of this election may not be possible in consecutive years and it may require the election to be made at the annual meeting. The board also needs to be aware of the inherent risks that may be involved in filing Form 1120. Some of the more restrictive accounting procedures - such as segregation of operating and reserve cash, adoption and adherence to a reserve study budget and adequate accounting for various reserve items by category - are issues to consider. Last, it appears that there may be additional IRS audit risk when filing Form 1120. These matters should be carefully weighed to determine whether the association qualifies to file Form 1120 and whether the tax advantages outweigh the audit risk.
 
Form 990 is for larger associations that are communities among themselves. These associations are exempt from taxation. This designation is difficult to get, but some associations have been successful in obtaining this tax status.
 
Take time to discuss your association and its tax matters with your accountant. Ask whether there are any tax savings tools which your association could use. Discuss whether to file 1120 or 1120-H and whether your current accounting procedures allow you to make this choice. Consider whether or not to use Revenue Ruling 70-604. Evaluate the per use fees charged currently. Evaluate IRS audit risk, including any audit activity in your area.
 
Remember, the final tax responsibility rests with the board member. It is the board members who will have to sign the return, and board members must ensure that the best interests of the association membership are being met.