The regulations say what charities and many other nonprofits must do to make copies of their informational tax returns readily available to the public.
Copies are to be provided at no charge-other than a reasonable fee for reproduction and mailing.
The regulations include stiff penalties for non-compliance. Some tax experts are predicting many nonprofits will react by posting the documents on the Internet. Internet posting of the documents following prescribed directions will waive organizations' obligation to provide hard copies upon request. These new rules will implement a 1996 law enacted after numerous complaints from people having trouble gaining access to organizations' Forms 990s. They do not apply to private foundations, but the IRS said it will shortly issue proposed rules for private foundations.