To get a better understanding of HOA tax laws, HOA financial audit requirements, IRS form 1120-H instructions, and more, Associa, a respected community management leader for decades, has crafted “A Complete Guide to HOA Taxes”.

The Importance of Filing HOA Taxes 

Understanding how to file taxes for homeowners association (HOA) communities is one of the top requirements for successful board members, especially those in the role of board treasurer. Even if a community has little to no taxable income, boards still must file to prove their HOA tax-exempt status and if they do have non-exempt income or unusual funding, the process gets more complicated. Either way, managing HOA taxes demands time, attention to detail, and legal compliance.  

In this ebook, we go over all the steps in the process to ensure legal compliance and financial transparency in any community. Even if you’re still debating between CPA vs self-filing for HOA taxes, this serves as a great starting point to getting this important financial task done. In addition to answers to frequently asked questions and details on Associa’s financial management services, here’s what you can expect from your copy.

Read More: HOA Taxes: The Dos And Don'ts

Inside the Guide

• Form 1120-H vs. 1120: A side-by-side comparison to help you choose the most cost-effective filing method.

• Required Form: All the forms you need to successfully report income and expenses and avoid audit issues or penalties.

• Tax-Exempt Myths: Why being a non-profit at the state level doesn’t mean you’re exempt from federal taxes.

• Avoid Penalties: Critical filing deadlines and the late-file consequences you need to prevent.

• State Taxes: Learn if your state requires you to file state income tax returns.

• Tax Advisors: How the role of the CPA varies from that of a board treasurer.

Download the Free 2026 HOA Tax Guide. No credit card required. Instant PDF access.

Read More: HOA Tax Preparation: What Happens If You Suspect Fraud?

Additional HOA Financial Content 

What’s an HOA Budget? Understanding Your Community’s Financials

What is an HOA budget? What should an HOA budget look like? And how should board members manage the budget? Read this to learn everything you need to know.

HOA Accounting Help: Top 5 Experts You Can Trust

Whether or not board members have an accounting background, ultimately, the mismanagement of funds can have detrimental consequences. Read this to learn more about HOA financials and the accounting service providers who can help keep an HOA financially healthy.

What is Financial Only-Management?

If your board finds the financial aspects of HOA management challenging, partnering with a management company may be the ideal solution. Read on to learn more about financial-only management and how it can help you optimize your community’s potential.

HOA Committee Spotlight: Budget Committee 

What is an HOA budget? What should an HOA budget look like? And how should board members manage the budget? Read on to learn everything you need to know to lead confidently, keep members informed, and maintain smooth operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When are taxes due 2026?

The deadline to file your taxes for 2025 is on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026. All taxpayers, including homeowners' associations, are required to submit their tax returns on or before April 15.

2. What happens if an HOA misses the tax filing deadline?

Missing the deadline could lead to penalties, interest on unpaid taxes, and potential IRS scrutiny. Filing an extension gives your association an automatic six-month extension to submit the tax return, moving the deadline from the original due date to later in the year. However, it doesn’t remove the obligation to pay any taxes owed by the original deadline, as interest and penalties may still apply to unpaid amounts.

3. Which tax form do most HOAs file, Form 1120 or Form 1120-H?

Many HOAs choose Form 1120-H because it offers tax benefits on exemptfunction income. However, some associations with certain income types or financial goals might use Form 1120.

4. Can an HOA be fully tax-exempt?

Yes. A CPA can help boards navigate IRS rules to determine tax-exempt status, file appropriate forms, classify income correctly, and comply with state and federal regulations, reducing costly errors.

This ebook was reviewed by Rose Jurczewski, CMCA®, AMS, of Associa Chicagoland.