What Form 8809 (2017) Is For
Form 8809 (2017) is the official Internal Revenue Service application that grants a 30-day extension to file specific information returns. It applies to filings such as wage and tax statements, mortgage interest received, and health insurance coverage. This extension helps businesses, tax professionals, and certain employers maintain compliance with information reporting requirements during the filing year.
Applicable information returns include Form 1099, Form 1042-S, and Form W-2G, which cover various payments and reportable transactions. The form does not extend tax returns for individuals or corporations. Correct use of Form 8809 helps filers avoid penalties, meet IRS deadlines, and maintain accurate reporting for specified securities, incentive stock options, and payment card transactions.
When You’d Use Form 8809 (2017)
Form 8809 must be filed on or before the original due date for every information return. Employers that report nonemployee compensation, health insurance costs, or mortgage interest often need more time to complete accurate reports. Filing promptly supports compliance with IRS deadlines and reduces the risk of penalties.
Tax professionals and specific exempt organizations manage multiple returns for various entities. Delays can arise from missing records, settlements, or third-party network transactions involving related expenses. Certain fishing boat operators and trade or business filers also use Form 8809 to remain compliant during each filing year.
Key Rules or Details for 2017
Form 8809 allowed filers to request either automatic or non-automatic extensions for the 2017 tax year. The automatic extension granted 30 additional days for most information returns, while non-automatic extensions required valid reasons for hardship. Certain employers can file electronically through the FIRE System, while others need to submit paper Form W-2 extensions and supporting documentation.
Information returns submitted to the Internal Revenue Service differed from statements provided to recipients or payees. Combined arrangements, profit-sharing plans, and applicable insurance contracts required proper reporting within their respective deadlines. Accurate data entry for each tax year and calendar year ensured compliance, reduced filing errors, and supported proper information reporting practices.
Step-by-Step (High Level)
Completing Form 8809 requires organization and attention to detail to ensure compliance with IRS requirements. Each filer must provide accurate information to ensure that the extension request is accepted without errors. Following these key steps simplifies the process and supports timely submission.
- Gather essential identification details: the taxpayer provides a taxpayer identification number, business name, and complete contact information.
- List all information returns: the filer includes Forms 1099, 5498, or 8027 that require an extension for the current tax year.
- Select a filing method: the filer uses the FIRE System to file electronically and saves the acknowledgment for official records.
- Submit the completed form by the due date to validate the request and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
Filing Form 8809 correctly ensures that the Internal Revenue Service processes your extension efficiently and accurately. Reviewing the specific instructions for your filing year helps promote accuracy and reduce avoidable errors. Organized preparation supports compliance and protects filers from unnecessary penalties.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many filers make avoidable errors when completing Form 8809, leading to rejected or delayed submissions. Common mistakes include missing the due date, filing incorrect forms, or failing to understand reportable transactions. Filers can avoid these issues by marking deadlines early, using the correct form version, and reviewing IRS instructions before submission.
Another frequent error involves Form W-2 extensions, which require paper filing and a justification for hardship. Filers can prevent rejections by including an apparent reason for delay, signing all necessary pages, and reviewing each entry for accuracy in income, interest, and dividend reporting before mailing. This ensures compliance with IRS information reporting requirements.
Consistency and review are the best safeguards for accurate filing. Filers should compare IRS data to their records, verify identification numbers, and store proof of submission. Careful preparation reduces penalties and ensures professional, compliant reporting.
What Happens After You File
When Form 8809 is filed electronically, an acknowledgment appears instantly through the FIRE System. Paper submissions take longer, and proof of mailing serves as confirmation of timely filing. Filers should always keep acknowledgment or tracking records for verification and compliance purposes.
The Internal Revenue Service reviews hardship or nonemployee compensation extension requests. If approved, filers must submit information returns within the granted extension period. If denied, they should file immediately to avoid penalties and interest. Understanding the process helps tax professionals and eligible individuals maintain accuracy and confidence for every filing year.
FAQs
Does Form 8809 extend the deadline for wage and tax statements?
The Form 8809 application for extension of time 2017 does not extend the deadline for wage and tax statements issued to employees. It only extends the time to file those statements with the Internal Revenue Service. Employers must still provide employee copies by the original due date to stay compliant with reporting requirements.
Can I file electronically for Form W-2 and Form 1099?
You can file Form 8809 electronically through the FIRE System when requesting extensions for Form 1099 and other information returns. Form W-2 extensions must be submitted on paper, accompanied by a completed and approved hardship explanation. Filing electronically helps eligible individuals and tax professionals maintain accurate submission records for each filing year.
What is the maximum extension period for information returns?
The Internal Revenue Service allows a maximum 60-day extension for filing information returns. The form provides an automatic 30-day extension and an additional 30 days for qualifying hardship requests. This rule applies to returns covering reportable transactions such as mortgage interest received, health insurance costs, and applicable insurance contracts.
What penalties apply if the form or returns are filed incorrectly or late?
Late or incorrect filings can result in penalties determined by the number of returns required and the number of days the filing is delayed. Employers required to file information returns may also face additional fines for missing data, such as a taxpayer identification number or incorrect payment reporting. Maintaining accurate records and submitting on time prevents unnecessary penalties and protects compliance.
Where can I find the specific instructions for filing Form 8809?
Filers can access official general instructions for the Form 8809 application for an extension of time in 2017 on the Internal Revenue Service website, under the "About Form 8809" page. The IRS provides guidance on information reporting, specified securities, profit-sharing plans, and specific exempt organizations. Tax professionals and businesses should always review the current instructions before filing forms or information returns for any tax year.
