Our role
Financials
We post our audited financial statements and 990-PFs to the site as they become available. Typically, the financial statement for each year is posted the summer of the following year, while the 990-PF is available in the fall of the following year.
In October of 2006, our trustees created a two-entity structure: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (foundation) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust (trust). Both entities are tax-exempt private foundations that are structured as a charitable trust. Each entity has a distinct purpose, as explained below.
The foundation works to reduce inequities around the world. In the developing world, it focuses on improving health and alleviating extreme poverty. In the United States, the foundation supports programs related to education. In its local region, the foundation promotes strategies and programs that help low income families. The foundation is based in Seattle, Washington, with regional offices in Washington, D.C.; Beijing, China; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Berlin, Germany; New Delhi, India; Abuja, Nigeria; Johannesburg, South Africa; and London, United Kingdom. The foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Co-chairs Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and the board of trustees.
Browse Frequently Asked Questions about the foundationThe trust holds the donated investment assets from Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and receives contributions from Warren Buffett. The primary role of the trust is to manage the investment assets and transfer proceeds to the foundation as necessary to achieve the foundation’s charitable goals. Its trustees are Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates.
Gates Philanthropy Partners is a public charity established in 2016 that provides a streamlined, transparent way for donors to align their gifts with the charitable purpose of the Gates Foundation.
Guide to Understanding the Financial Statements and Tax Returns2022
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2022 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 371 KB, 21 pages)
2022 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 3.28 MB, 1,342 pages)
2022 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.16 MB, 8 pages)
Gates Philanthropy Partners
2022 Annual Tax Return, Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (PDF, 0.98 MB, 49 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2022 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 269 KB, 15 pages)
2022 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 1.38 MKB, 89 pages)
2022 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.52 MB, 25 pages)
2021
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2021 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 282 KB, 19 pages
2021 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 3.16 MB, 1,316 pages)
2021 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.17 MB, 8 pages)
Gates Philanthropy Partners
2021 Annual Tax Return, Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (PDF, 1.05 MB, 51 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2021 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 269 KB, 15 pages)
2021 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 1.69 MKB, 87 pages)
2021 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 0.99 MB, 31 pages)
2020
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2020 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 282 KB, 19 pages
2020 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 4.11 MB, 1,245 pages)
2020 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 825 KB, 5 pages)
Gates Philanthropy Partners
2020 Annual Tax Return, Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (PDF, 964 KB, 49 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2020 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 291 KB, 15 pages)
2020 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 1.97 MKB, 73 pages)
2020 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.02 MB, 21 pages)
2019
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2019 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 394 KB, 18 pages
2019 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 3.6 MB, 1,143 pages)
2019 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.9 MB, 7 pages)
Gates Philanthropy Partners
2019 Annual Tax Return, Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (PDF, 2.4 MB, 48 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2019 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 450 KB, 15 pages)
2019 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 2.5 MB, 78 pages)
2019 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.6 MB, 31 pages)
2018
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2018 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 410 KB, 17 pages
2018 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 4.5 MB, 1,444 pages)
2018 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.4 MB, 9 pages)
Gates Philanthropy Partners
2018 Annual Tax Return, Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (PDF, 1.6 MB, 45 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2018 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 505 KB, 15 pages)
2018 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 3.4 MB, 86 pages)
2018 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.1 MB, 36 pages)
2017
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2017 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 530 KB, 16 pages
2017 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF - May 2019 (PDF, 4 MB, 979 pages)
2017 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 4 MB, 979 pages)
Gates Philanthropy Partners
2017 Annual Tax Return, Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (PDF, 1.3 MB, 48 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2017 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 386 KB, 13 pages)
2017 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 2.9 MB, 82 pages)
2017 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 2 MB, 36 pages)
2016
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2016 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 237 KB, 16 pages
2016 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 7.1 MB, 1,114 pages)
Gates Philanthropy Partners
2016 Annual Tax Return, Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (PDF, 1.4 MB, 44 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2016 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 236 KB, 13 pages)
2016 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 4.8 MB, 83 pages)
2016 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.2 MB, 38 pages)
2015
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2015 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 270 KB, 16 pages
2015 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 4 MB, 1,124 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2015 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 257 KB, 13 pages)
2015 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 2.6 MB, 94 pages)
2015 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.1 MB, 34 pages)
2014
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2014 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 333 KB, 17 pages
2014 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 3MB, 1,018 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2014 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 303 KB, 14 pages)
2014 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 2 MB, 86 pages)
2014 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1 MB, 27 pages)
2013
Reader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 111KB, 4 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2013 Form 990-PF and to respond to the most asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2013 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 108 KB, 13 pages
2013 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 5 MB, 940 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2013 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 117 KB, 15 pages)
2013 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 882 KB, 78 pages)
2013 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 882 KB, 25 pages)
2012
Reader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 696KB, 6 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2012 Form 990-PF and to respond to the most asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2012 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 394 KB, 18 pages
2012 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 3.6 MB, 1,143 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2012 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 117 KB, 15 pages)
2012 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 1.79 MB, 96 pages)
2012 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.49 MB, 24 pages)
2011
2011 Annual Snapshot of Grants PaidReader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 696KB, 6 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2011 Form 990-PF and to respond to the most asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2011 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 85KB, 12 pages
2011 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 4MB, 736 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2011 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 102KB, 17 pages)
2011 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 2.4 MB, 107 pages)
2011 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 1.2 MB, 26 pages)
2010
2010 Annual Snapshot of Grants PaidReader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 97KB, 4 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2010 Form 990-PF and to respond to the most asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2010 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 187 KB, 12 pages
2010 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 2 MB, 692 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2010 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 206 KB, 16 pages)
2010 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 652 KB, 124 pages)
2010 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 26 KB, 26 pages)
2009
2009 Annual Snapshot of Grants PaidReader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 114KB, 5 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2009 Form 990-PF and to respond to the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2009 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 113 KB, 12 pages
2009 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 5.6 MB, 680 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2009 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 131 KB, 15 pages)
2009 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 3.4 MB, 119 pages)
2009 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF,1.4 MB, 28 pages)
2008
Combined Financial Statement for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation TrustReader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 97KB, 4 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2008 Form 990-PF and to respond to the most asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2008 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 187 KB, 12 pages)
2008 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 2 MB, 692 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2008 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 206 KB, 16 pages)
2008 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 652 KB, 124 pages)
2008 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 26 KB, 26 pages)
2007
Combined Financial Statement for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation TrustReader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 100KB, 5 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2007 Form 990-PF and to respond to the most asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2007 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 69 KB, 12 pages
2007 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (1 MB , PDF)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2007 Audited Financial Statements (75 KB, PDF)
2007 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 1.1 MB, 179 pages)
2007 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 3.3 MB, 223 pages)
2006
Combined Financial Statement for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation TrustReader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 109KB, 4 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2006x Form 990-PF and to respond to the most asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2006 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 61 KB, 10 pages)
2006 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 1.2 MB, 36 pages)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2006 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 77 KB, 14 pages)
2006 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 3.7 MB, 422 pages)
2006 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 3.7 MB, 84 pages)
2007
Combined Financial Statement for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation TrustReader's Guide to the Form 990-PF (PDF, 100KB, 5 pages)
The purpose of the Reader's Guide is to demystify the key information contained in the 2007 Form 990-PF and to respond to the most asked questions we receive.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2007 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 69 KB, 12 pages
2007 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (1 MB , PDF)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2007 Audited Financial Statements (75 KB, PDF)
2007 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 1.1 MB, 179 pages)
2007 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-T: Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (PDF, 3.3 MB, 223 pages)
2005
2005 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 80KB, 12 pages)2005 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation
For ease in viewing and downloading, the 990-PF has been broken into the sections below.
Form 990-PF (PDF, 2MB, 19 pages)
Statements 1-17 (PDF, 256KB, 17 pages)
Attachments A-L (detail of paid grants) (PDF, 1MB, 365 pages)
Attachments M, N, and O (investment gains/losses) (PDF, 7.8MB, 4714 pages)
Form 990-T and Statements (PDF, 957KB, 15 pages)
2004
2004 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 89KB, 12 pages)2004 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation
For ease in viewing and downloading, the 990-PF has been broken into the sections below.
Form 990-PF (PDF, 1.06MB, 16 pages)
Index of Statements; Statements 1-15; Attachments A-C, and E-M (PDF, 12.6MB, 214 pages)
Attachment D (detail of paid grants) (PDF, 3.07MB, 105 pages)
Attachments N, O, and P (investment gains/losses) (PDF, 81.1MB, 2335 pages)
2003
2003 Audited Financial Statements (PDF, 2MB, 13 pages)2003 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation
For ease in viewing and downloading, the 990-PF has been broken into the sections below.
Form 990-PF (PDF, 940KB, 15 pages)
Statements 1-16; Attachments A to K (L not used) (PDF, 11MB, 13 pages)
Attachments M-P (investment gains/losses) (PDF, 40MB, 973 pages)
2002
2002 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation
For ease in viewing and downloading, the 990-PF has been broken into the sections below.
First 12 pages & Statements 1-19 (PDF, 16MB, 22 pages)
Statement 20 (PDF, 74KB, 1 page)
Statement 20a, pages 1-98 (A-He) (PDF, 37MB, 98 pages)
Statement 20a, pages 99-188 (He-Pr) (PDF, 34MB, 90 pages)
Statement 20a, pages 189-272 (Pr-Z) (PDF, 35MB, 84 pages)
Statements 20b, 20c, and 21 (PDF, 20MB, 54 pages)
Statement 22 (PDF, 2, 4 pages)
Statements 23, 24, 25, and 26 (PDF, 77MB, 77 pages)
2001
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2001 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 47 MB, 1,475 pages)
2000
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust
2000 Annual Tax Return, Form 990-PF: Return of Private Foundation (PDF, 58 MB, 1,071 pages)