Dear Schedule O,
 You are the answer to so many questions. When I wondered how to clarify why we marked yes (or no) to one of the questions on the form I turn to you. You are so very versatile, so helpful, and so open. In sum:

You rock!

- KT

It is probably one of the coolest schedules on the 990, and yet, because it is, in essence, a blank piece of paper, it gets so overlooked. The Schedule O is required to be used to explain such things as how your board reviews the 990 (or to note that the board does not and then explain how it is reviewed). However, this is also a great place to explain some of the other questions being asked. If you are like some organizations that don’t have a whistleblower policy yet, but your board is working on implementing one, you should definitely note this on Schedule O. Or if you think any of the other yes/no questions merit further explanation, this is the place to do it. I love the instructions on the form: “Attach to Form 990. To be completed by organizations to provide additional information for responses to specific questions for the Form 990 or to provide any additional information.” The rest of the form is just lines, open for the taking.

One final thought, don’t forget that the Schedule O is not only for explaining points from the core form, but also from other schedules that you may be required to file.

Katie Thomas, CPA