Form 8868 (Rev. January 2020) Checklist
Purpose and Scope
Form 8868 requests automatic 6-month filing extensions for exempt organizations and employee benefit plan returns. The January 2020 revision consolidates the extension process into a single automatic 6-month period, eliminating the previous 3-month automatic extension followed by a subsequent 3-month request.
Part I: Organization Identification Information
Return Code Selection
You must select the correct Return Code matching your return type from codes 01 through 12. The 2020 form includes the following return codes:
● Code 01: Form 990 or Form 990-EZ
● Code 02: Form 990-BL
● Code 03: Form 4720 (individual)
● Code 04: Form 990-PF
● Code 05: Form 990-T (section 401(a) or 408(a) trust)
● Code 06: Form 990-T (trust other than above)
● Code 07: Form 990-T (corporation)
● Code 08: Form 1041-A
● Code 09: Form 4720 (other than individual)
● Code 10: Form 5227
● Code 11: Form 6069
● Code 12: Form 8870
Required Organization Details
You must enter the exempt organization name, Employer Identification Number, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. If the Post Office does not deliver mail to the street address and you have a P.O. box, you may show the box number instead of the street address. Foreign addresses require country designation per the 2020 instructions.
Books and Records Contact
You must record the name, telephone number, and fax number of the person responsible for maintaining the organization's books and records. This person serves as the IRS contact point for extension inquiries.
Group Return Designation
Organizations filing under a Group Exemption Number must check the appropriate box on behalf of the group. You must either indicate that the extension covers the whole group or attach a separate list with names and taxpayer identification numbers of each member organization receiving the extension.
Part II: Automatic 6-Month Extension Details
Extension Period and Tax Year
You request the automatic 6-month extension by entering the extended due date on line 1. The extended due date equals the original due date plus six months. You must specify the calendar year or tax year beginning and ending dates for which the extension applies. Organizations filing short-year returns must select the appropriate reason: initial return, final return, or change in accounting period.
Tentative Tax Calculation
Organizations filing Form 990-PF, 990-T, 4720, or 6069 must compute tentative tax on line 3a. You calculate this amount by determining your tentative tax and subtracting any nonrefundable credits allowable under the 2020 tax law. Refundable credits are not included in this calculation.
Refundable Credits and Estimated Payments
Line 3b requires the total of refundable credits claimed for 2020 plus all federal estimated tax payments made during the 2020 tax year. You must include any prior-year overpayment that you elected to credit forward to 2020.
Balance Due and Payment
You determine the balance due by subtracting line 3b from line 3a. Organizations with a positive balance must include payment using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System per the 2020 instructions. Organizations without a balance due may leave line 3c blank or enter zero.
Filing Procedures and Requirements
Electronic Filing
You can electronically file Form 8868 to request a 6-month automatic extension for each form listed above except Form 8870. Applications for Form 8870 extensions must be sent in paper format. Electronic filing provides faster processing and immediate confirmation of receipt.
Paper Filing Address
Organizations choosing paper filing must mail Form 8868 to the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service Center, Ogden, UT 84201-0045. You must file the form by the due date of the return for which you are requesting an extension.
Separate Applications Required
You must file a separate Form 8868 for each return requiring an extension. The automatic 6-month extension applies only to the specific return code selected. An extension for one return type does not extend the time for filing related returns.
Payment Requirements
Tax-exempt organizations must make all federal tax deposits electronically. You can use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or arrange deposits through your tax professional, financial institution, payroll service, or other trusted third party. The extension of time to file does not extend the time to pay any tax due.
Special Payment Option for Small Foundations
Private foundations meeting specific requirements may submit the section 4940 tax by check or money order. The foundation qualifies if the tax from investment income on Part VI, line 5 of Form 990-PF, is less than $500, the amount on line 3a of Form 8868 is also less than $500, and the payment includes the full amount due.
Penalties and Interest
The IRS charges interest on any tax not paid by the regular due date, from that date until payment. Interest applies even when the organization receives an extension or demonstrates reasonable cause for late payment.
The late payment penalty equals one-half of one percent of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month the tax remains unpaid, not exceeding 25 percent of the amount due. Organizations receiving an extension avoid the late payment penalty when the tax shown on line 3a equals at least 90 percent of the tax shown on the return, and they pay the balance by the extended due date.
Important Limitations
You cannot use Form 8868 to extend the due date of Form 990-N. Organizations receive only one extension of six months for a return for a tax year. The automatic 6-month extension will be granted when you properly complete the form, file it, and pay any balance due on line 3c by the due date for the return.
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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.
