Form 8868–2015 Tax Year Checklist
Purpose
Form 8868 requests an automatic 6-month extension for exempt organizations filing Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T, 4720, 5227, 6069, 8870, or 1041-A. For Form 5330 filers requesting extensions for excise taxes related to employee benefit plans, an extension of up to six months may be granted if the application demonstrates reasonable cause and is filed by the original due date, accompanied by the required payment.
Filing Steps
Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility
Verify that your organization is exempt under section 501(a) or is a nonexempt charitable trust, a Section 527 political organization, or a governmental entity filing Form 990-T. Ensure your Taxpayer Identification Number corresponds to an active IRS record. Organizations without established exempt status must check the “Application pending” box in the return heading.
Step 2: Select the Correct Return Code
Enter the appropriate return that matches the specific return requiring an extension. File a separate Form 8868 for each return type with different due dates. Combining multiple types into a single form can cause processing delays. Form 5330 has distinct codes for individual versus non-individual filers.
Step 3: Enter Organizational Information Accurately
Provide your organization’s legal name and TIN exactly as registered with the IRS. Any mismatch between the name and TIN on file may void the extension. Include the complete address with suite or room numbers. For foreign organizations without U.S. offices, check the designated box and provide the foreign address in the proper format.
Step 4: Complete Group Return Information
For group returns, enter the four-digit Group Exemption Number and specify whether the extension applies to the entire group or to specific members. If you are filing for a subset of the group, attach a list containing the names and TINs of all the member organizations included in the subset. Failure to provide complete GEN information may delay processing.
Step 5: Specify the Tax Year
In Part II, Line 1, enter the tax year for which the extension applies, either as a calendar year or a fiscal year with beginning and ending dates. The extension provides 6 months from the original due date for most returns. For Form 5330, enter the requested due date, which cannot exceed 6 months from the normal due date.
Step 6: Calculate Tentative Tax for Applicable Forms
For Forms 990-T, 4720, or 5330, calculate the tentative tax on Line 3a. Reduce this amount only by nonrefundable credits. Do not include refundable credits or estimated tax payments in this calculation. Enter refundable credits and estimated payments separately on Line 3b as instructed.
Step 7: Determine Balance Due and Prepare Payment
Calculate the balance due by subtracting Line 3b from Line 3a and enter the result on Line 3c. If a balance is due, payment must accompany the form. Payment options include EFTPS, Electronic Funds Withdrawal, check, or money order payable to “United States Treasury.” Write your EIN, plan number (if applicable), and tax year on checks or money orders.
Step 8: Complete Form 5330 Extension Requirements
For Form 5330 extensions in Part III, enter the applicable Internal Revenue Code section(s) imposing the excise tax and the estimated payment amount on Line 1b. Provide a detailed explanation demonstrating reasonable cause for needing additional time beyond the original due date. Include supporting documentation showing circumstances beyond your control that prevent timely filing.
Step 9: Review Signature Requirements
For Form 5330 extensions, the form must be signed under penalties of perjury by an authorized person, such as the employer, plan sponsor, plan administrator, disqualified person, attorney, CPA, enrolled agent, or individual holding power of attorney. For all other returns (Part II filers), no signature is required. If using a paid preparer, they must complete the Paid Preparer’s Use Only section with their signature, printed name, address, and PTIN.
Step 10: File by the Original Due Date
Submit Form 8868 by the original due date of the return being extended. Filing after this date results in an invalid extension and may trigger failure-to-file penalties. For Form 5330, file in sufficient time for IRS review before the normal due date. Use the designated mailing address for paper filing or submit electronically through an authorized e-file provider.
Step 11: Maintain Documentation and Records
Retain a copy of the filed Form 8868, payment confirmation, and any correspondence for organizational records. The IRS does not automatically send acknowledgment letters for approved extensions, so maintain proof of timely filing. If paying electronically through EFTPS, save transaction confirmation numbers and payment receipts.
Important Considerations
Extension Limitations
Form 8868 extends the time to file but does not extend the time to pay any tax due. Payment must accompany the extension request to avoid interest and penalties. Interest accrues from the original due date on any unpaid tax, even if an approved extension is in place. Late payment penalties may apply if payment is not received by the original due date.
Form 5330 Special Rules
Form 5330 extensions require approval and are not automatically granted like extensions for Forms 990, 990-EZ, or 990-T. The IRS evaluates each request based on the circumstances presented. Applicants must demonstrate that they are unable to file by the normal due date due to circumstances beyond their control. Professional convenience or workload does not constitute reasonable cause for termination.
Payment Methods
Acceptable payment methods include the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, Electronic Funds Withdrawal when filing electronically, checks, money orders, and same-day wire payments. Organizations are not required to use EFTPS; check and money order payments remain valid options. Include identifying information at all costs to ensure proper credit to your account.
Multiple Extension Requests
If you're filing extensions for multiple forms with the same due date and under the same EIN, you may combine them on one Form 8868. However, if the forms have different due dates or different filers, separate extension requests must be filed. Each Form 5330 requiring an extension must have its own separate Form 8868.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to file a required return by the due date, including extensions, results in penalties. Organizations with annual gross receipts exceeding certain thresholds are subject to higher daily penalties. Penalties apply even if the organization has an approved extension but fails to file by the extended due date. Filing incomplete returns or returns with incorrect information may also trigger penalties.
State Filing Requirements
State law may require separate extension requests or copies of federal extensions. Some states accept Form 8868 to fulfill their extension requirements, while others have their own independent procedures. Consult state-specific guidance to ensure compliance with both federal and state deadlines. An IRS extension does not automatically extend state filing deadlines.
Amendment and Correction Procedures
If you need to correct information on a filed Form 8868, contact the IRS immediately. For Form 5330 extensions, material changes to the circumstances requiring an extension should be communicated promptly. If your organization’s address or responsible party changes after filing the extension, update your information using Form 8822-B.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Maintain all supporting documentation for extension requests for at least three years from the date of filing. This includes financial records supporting tax calculations, correspondence with the IRS, payment receipts, and copies of filed forms. Documentation should demonstrate compliance with all filing requirements and substantiate any claims made in the extension request.
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This checklist is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Always review official IRS instructions and consult a qualified professional for guidance.
