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It’s that time of the year when every minute is crucial, and every piece of data counts! Whether you’re handling 1099s or W-2s, ensuring both IRS filing and recipient copies are done on time (on or before January 31, 2025) is non-negotiable. Missing the deadline could mean penalties, and no one wants to start the year dealing with unnecessary fines.
If you think you need a breather, now’s the time to act proactively and secure an extension. The IRS provides relief through Forms 8809 and 15397, giving you extra time to file and furnish your forms. At TaxBandits, we make requesting an extension quick and easy so you can keep everything on track without the last-minute scramble.
Understanding Your Extension Options
Need more time? Here’s how you can extend your filing and recipient copy deadlines.
Form 8809: Extending Your IRS Filing Deadline
If you need extra time to submit your information returns, Form 8809 allows you to request a 30-day extension. This applies to multiple returns, including:
- 1099
- W-2
- 1098
- 1097
- W-2G
- 5498
- 8027
- 3921
- 3922
- 1042-S
- ACA Forms 1094/1095
While this extension is automatic for most forms (i.e., you don’t need to provide a reason for requesting an extension), the IRS provides extensions for 1099-NEC and W-2 only under the specific circumstances mentioned below.
- The filer suffered a catastrophic event in a federally declared disaster area that made the filer unable to resume operations or made necessary records unavailable.
- Fire, casualty, or natural disaster affected the operation of the filer.
- Death, serious illness, or unavoidable absence of the individual responsible for filing the information returns affected the operation of the filer.
- The filer was in the first year of establishment.
- The filer did not receive data on a payee statement such as Schedule K-1, Form 1042-S, or the statement of sick pay required under section 31.6051-3(a)(1) in time to prepare an accurate information return.
Form 15397: Extending the Recipient Copy Deadline
If you need additional time to distribute recipient copies, Form 15397 is required. This extension applies to all the information returns listed above, including 1099-NEC, W-2, and others.
Even if you’ve filed 8809, it only extends your filing deadline. If you need an extension of time to furnish your recipient copies, you should file Form 15397.
How to Submit Your Extension Requests
The IRS has specific guidelines for requesting extensions, and it’s important to follow the correct process to avoid delays.
- Form 8809 can be e-filed to request an extension for most information returns except 1099-NEC and W-2. To request an extension to file those two forms, you must file 8809 on paper. Requests must be submitted on paper with line 7 completed and signed by the filer/transmitter or person duly authorized to sign a return.
- Form 15397 must be faxed to the IRS for all supported information returns.
Why Choose TaxBandits for Your Extension Filing?
Handling IRS deadlines doesn’t have to be stressful. TaxBandits simplifies the process of requesting extensions. Whether your request requires e-filing, paper filing, or faxing, we ensure compliance and timely submission.
Simplified 8809 Filing for All Information Returns:
- TaxBandits offers an intuitive solution that enables you to complete and e-file 8809 forms in a matter of minutes. You can instantly e-file 8809 for eligible returns and get a 30-day automatic extension for any eligible information returns.
- In addition, for 1099-NEC and W-2, TaxBandits can print and mail your completed 8809 form to the IRS, eliminating the need for you to mail it on your own. The IRS correspondence on your extension form will be sent directly to the mailing address you report on Line 1 of the 8809 forms.
Effortless Faxing of 15397:
- If you need to extend your recipient copy deadline of the information returns, you can complete the 15397 using TaxBandits and let us fax it to the IRS on your behalf.
Act Now – The Deadline Is Just a Day Away!
If you need more time to file or furnish recipient copies, don’t wait until it’s too late. The IRS deadline is almost here, but TaxBandits makes it easy to request an extension. Stay compliant, avoid penalties, and file your extension with confidence.
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