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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 10837: 10837

Form 10837 is the IRS application for an automatic 6‑month extension to file an exempt organization’s annual return (Form 990, 990‑EZ, 990‑PF, etc.). Use it when the organization cannot meet the regular filing deadline.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 10837 - 10837

Form 10837 is the IRS application for an automatic 6‑month extension to file an exempt organization’s annual return (Form 990, 990‑EZ, 990‑PF, etc.). Use it when the organization cannot meet the regular filing deadline.

The form captures the organization’s name, EIN, tax‑year, current filing deadline, and the requested extension period.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1An invalid or late extension request can trigger immediate penalties.
  • 2Missing the original filing deadline
  • 3Incorrect EIN or tax‑year entered
  • 4Requesting more than a six‑month extension
  • 5Unsigned or improperly dated form

Plain English

If a charity or other tax‑exempt group needs more time to finish its yearly report, it files Form 10837. The IRS then gives a six‑month grace period, provided the request is on time and complete.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2025-02-28 22:10:38
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

grace periodperiodmonthgroup

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What this form is for

  • Use when you need a six‑month extension for a Form 990, 990‑EZ, or 990‑PF filing.
  • Do not use for extensions of other IRS returns (e.g., Form 1120‑P).
  • Check the Form 990 instructions first; some organizations qualify for an automatic extension without filing Form 10837.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Extension needed for a nonprofit's Form 990‑N

Specific to Form 990‑N filing

✓ Verify the correct form before proceeding

Form 990‑N Extension Request

Change of accounting period

Used to request a change in tax year

✓ Not a filing deadline extension

Form 1128

Deadline or filing window

The extension request must be received by the IRS on or before the original due date of the exempt organization’s return. If the request arrives after that date, the extension will be denied and penalties may apply. The granted extension cannot exceed six months from the original deadline.

  • —Original due date | +180 days | Extension end date | Verify the date does not exceed six months

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

EIN

Employer Identification Number letter or prior return · Organization’s records

⚠ Typo or transposition✕ High
2

Tax year end

Governing documents or prior return · Articles of incorporation

⚠ Mismatch with prior filings✕ Medium
3

Requested extension period

Calculation of +180 days · Calendar

⚠ Exceeding six months✕ High
4

Signature

Authorized officer’s signature · Org. officer list

⚠ Missing or unauthorized signatory✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm the form edition matches the current tax year
  2. 2Verify EIN and tax‑year are correct
  3. 3Calculate the correct six‑month extension end date
  4. 4Ensure the form is signed and dated by an authorized officer
  5. 5Attach any required payment for taxes due
  6. 6Use the correct IRS mailing address for the specific return type
  7. 7Print clearly or submit a legible electronic PDF if faxed
  8. 8Retain a copy of the signed form and proof of mailing/fax

How to file this form

  1. 1Download Form 10837 from IRS.gov
  2. 2Enter organization name, EIN, and tax‑year
  3. 3Enter original filing deadline and calculate new deadline (max 180 days)
  4. 4Sign and date the form
  5. 5Prepare payment for any tax due, if applicable
  6. 6Mail (or fax) to the address in the instructions before the original deadline
  7. 7Keep tracking number or fax confirmation for proof of timely filing

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not waive penalties for late filing beyond the extension period
  2. 2Only applicable to Form 990 series returns
  3. 3Extension cannot be granted retroactively after the deadline
  4. 4IRS may reject if the organization has outstanding filing compliance issues

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

General Info

2 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).

Requiredtext
Address

Current mailing address.

Requiredtext

Details

2 items

Required Information

Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.

Requiredtext
Amount (if applicable)

Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.

amount

Certification

1 items

Certification Statement

Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 10837 is active for the 2024 filing year. The IRS updates the form annually; verify the edition date before use.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – confirm the form is the latest version (e.g., 2024)
  • Fee – no fee for the extension request itself, but any tax due must be paid
  • Mailing address – use the address in the current instructions for the specific return type
  • Signature block – ensure an authorized officer signs
  • Date – must be on or before the original filing deadline

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Quick Facts

Any tax‑exempt organization that files a Form 990 series return and needs extra time.
The form captures the organization’s name, EIN, tax‑year, current filing deadline, and the requested extension period.
File on or before the original due date of the return (generally the 15th day of the 5th month after the fiscal year ends).
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for the specific return type, or fax if the IRS permits for that form year.
Late filing without an approved extension can trigger penalties and loss of tax‑exempt status, and the extension cannot be granted retroactively.
1. Download the current edition of Form 10837 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in the organization’s identifying information and the original return due date. 3. Indicate the requested extension end date (maximum six months). 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail (or fax, if allowed) to the address in the instructions before the original deadline.

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After you file

  1. 1File a copy of the signed Form 10837 with your records
  2. 2Save mailing receipt or fax confirmation
  3. 3Monitor for IRS acknowledgment or notice of acceptance
  4. 4Prepare the extended‑deadline return well before the new due date
  5. 5Update internal filing calendar with the new deadline
  6. 6If a notice of denial arrives, address the issue immediately to avoid penalties

Sources

  • SRCForm 10837 title and purposeIRS official form description
  • SRCExtension period of six monthsIRS instructions for Form 10837
  • SRCEligibility limited to exempt organizations filing Form 990 seriesIRS guidance
  • SRCNo fee for the extension request itselfIRS fee schedule
  • SRCSignature and dating requirementsForm 10837 instructions
  • SRCMailing addresses listed in the form instructionsIRS publication
  • SRCEdition date updates annuallyIRS form revision history
  • SRCPenalty risk for late filing without extensionIRS penalty rules

Common confusion points

Extension vs. automatic six‑month grace – Some 990 returns get an automatic extension without filing Form 10837; check the return instructions

Maximum six‑month period – Requesting longer than 180 days leads to denial

Which return type – Form 10837 is not used for Form 990‑N or non‑990 filings

Signature authority – Only an officer or authorized person may sign; a staff member without authority will cause rejection

Mailing address – Different addresses for paper vs. electronic filing; using the wrong one delays processing

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Review Form 990 instructions to see if an automatic extension applies

Current

10837

After

File the extended‑deadline Form 990 series return

Often used with

Form 990, Form 990‑EZ, Form 990‑PF (the return being extended)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Receive IRS notice of denial – may need to file a late return with penalties

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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