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JenniferL6 (Illinois)
Posts: 11
Posted:
So I've recently discovered that our HOA has not filed taxes, ever, since it's inception in 2006, and although I know we now need to do it, I'm unsure how to file for prior years. We don't have the funds for a CPA, at least not if we're looking at back taxes and fines too.

I don't think we need to file form 1024, as we don't qualify because we do take care of exterior maintenance. Can I even file form 1120-H so late after the filing deadline or do I have to use form 1120?
BruceF1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 2,535
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JenniferL6 on 09/12/2012 2:36 PM
So I've recently discovered that our HOA has not filed taxes, ever, since it's inception in 2006, and although I know we now need to do it, I'm unsure how to file for prior years. We don't have the funds for a CPA, at least not if we're looking at back taxes and fines too.

I don't think we need to file form 1024, as we don't qualify because we do take care of exterior maintenance. Can I even file form 1120-H so late after the filing deadline or do I have to use form 1120?

You should be able to file Form 1120-H.

First, you should have an EIN. If you don't have one, apply to the IRS for one. Then, simply complete a Form 1120-H for each year. As long as you can show you qualify to use Form 1120-H, and as long as you have no tax liability, there should be no penalty.

You can also try simply to file a form 1120-H for 2011 and see where that gets you. The IRS will let you know if it wants returns for prior years.

Here are the requirements to file Form 1120-H:

60% or more of your income must be exempt function income (association assessments, or dues).
90% or more of your annual budget must be related to maintaining your "real estate." (lawn care, property management, insurance, etc.)

Then, none of your exempt function is taxable. Only your non-exempt function income (if any) is taxable, after a $100 standard deduction and expenses related to making your exempt function income.

No taxes due = no fines or penalties.
JenniferL6 (Illinois)
Posts: 11
Posted:
That's great, thank you so much!

The only 'income' we have aside from assessments is the occasional late payment fee, we had a couple of units go into foreclosure in 2010 and there were fees paid by the homeowners when they settled with the bank. We don't even really have interest income thanks to our prior treasurer who has simply amassed the reserves in the checking account instead of investing them
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Jen

Happy you got an answer, but I think your initial comment about not having enough money to pay for a CPA raises a larger issue. If your HOA has no "spare cash" to pay for such, might well indicate an HOA that is in financial trouble if any "unplanned" on expenses arises.

Hope this helps.

JenniferL6 (Illinois)
Posts: 11
Posted:
We have money, but we are about to have a reserve study done (our first), and are facing possibly having some basement repairs so we're trying to conserve our cash. The problem is that most of our units are worth half or less than the amount they were bought for, which means owners don't want to put any more money in than necessary. I walked into quite a mess here as you can see!
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Jen

I understand but also admire/thank you for being one willing to step forward and do ones duty.

PS

Salt or not salt on the Margarita.....LOL

Mel..Am I cyber flirting?....LOL

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699
Posted:
How many units?
Condos? Single family houses?
How much for the reserve study?
JenniferL6 (Illinois)
Posts: 11
Posted:
22 townhomes over 3 2-story buildings built in 1986, converted in 2006, no pool. (Can you tell I just spent all day requesting bids!) No idea on cost yet.

Mess doesn't begin to cover the nightmare I took on. No accounts since ever. Two units not paid since early 2010, owing over $15K between them, no taxes, no reserve study, no involvement in a project advisory group that is working on a major road construction proposal that would massively impact us. The list goes on. Where's that margarita!

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