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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 13287: 13287

Form 13287 is the IRS application to request an automatic 30‑day extension for filing employment tax returns (Forms 941, 944, or 943). Use it when you cannot meet the regular filing deadline for those quarterly or annual payroll tax forms.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 13287 - 13287

Form 13287 is the IRS application to request an automatic 30‑day extension for filing employment tax returns (Forms 941, 944, or 943). Use it when you cannot meet the regular filing deadline for those quarterly or annual payroll tax forms.

The form captures the employer’s identification, the specific payroll tax form you need extended, the period covered, and the reason for the request.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can invalidate the entire extension request.
  • 2Using the wrong IRS mailing address
  • 3Selecting the wrong payroll tax form (941 vs 944 vs 943)
  • 4Leaving the reason for extension blank or vague
  • 5Missing the original filing deadline

Plain English

If your business needs extra time to get its payroll tax return in order, you file this short form to ask the IRS for a 30‑day grace period. It’s a simple request, not a payment or a new tax return.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2026-01-20 13:10:33
  • 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

identificationgrace periodpaymentperiodorder

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need a 30‑day extension for Forms 941, 944, or 943.
  • Do not use if you need an extension longer than 30 days; request a private letter ruling instead.
  • If you have already filed the payroll return, you do not need this form.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Late payroll tax payment

Corrects errors after filing

✓ Verify you actually need a correction, not an extension

Form 941‑X

Extended filing beyond 30 days

Requires detailed justification

✓ Check IRS guidance before pursuing

Private Letter{Ruling} request

Annual filing for small employer

No quarterly filing required

✓ Ensure you qualify for annual filing before using Form 13287

Form 944

Quarterly filing for seasonal employer

Different eligibility

✓ Confirm seasonal rules apply

Form/941‑SS

Employer with multiple EINs

Each EIN needs its own request

✓ Avoid consolidating multiple EINs on one form

Separate Form 13287 per EIN

need to pay tax due now

Payment only, no extension

✓ Not clearly stated in the provided official source

Form 941‑V (payment voucher)

Deadline or filing window

The extension request must be postmarked on or before the original due date of the payroll tax return you’re extending. If you miss that date, the extension is not granted and penalties may apply. The IRS does not publish a separate deadline for Form 13287 beyond the original filing deadline.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Employer EIN

IRS notice or prior return · Form 941/944/943 header

⚠ Typos cause rejection✕ High
2

Tax period covered

Payroll calendar or payroll reports · Schedule of filing

⚠ Wrong period leads to denial✕ Medium
3

Reason for extension

Internal memo or circumstance description · Text box on form

⚠ Vague reason may be rejected✕ Low
4

Signature

Authorized officer signature · Physical or electronic signature block

⚠ Missing or unauthorized signature✕ High
5

Mailing date

Postmark receipt · Certified mail receipt

⚠ Late postmark invalidates request✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest PDF edition of Form 13287
  2. 2Confirm the correct IRS mailing address for the payroll form you’re extending
  3. 3Enter the exact EIN as shown on prior filings
  4. 4Select the correct payroll tax form (941, 944, or 943)
  5. 5Specify the exact tax period needing extension
  6. 6Provide a concise, truthful reason for the request
  7. 7Sign and date the form with an authorized officer
  8. 8Include a payment voucher if tax is due with the extension request
  9. 9Make a copy for your records before mailing
  10. 10Use certified mail or a tracking service
  11. 11Verify the postmark is on or before the original due date
  12. 12Retain the mailing receipt as proof of timely filing

How to file this form

  1. 1Download Form 13287 from IRS.gov and print on white 8.5" x 11" paper
  2. 2Complete the employer information section (name, address, EIN)
  3. 3Check the box for the payroll tax form you need extended (941, 944, or 943)
  4. 4Enter the tax period (e.g., Q2 2024) and brief reason for extension
  5. 5Sign and date the form as an authorized officer
  6. 6If tax is owed, attach Form 941‑V payment voucher
  7. 7Mail the completed form to the address listed in the form’s instructions
  8. 8Track the mailing and keep the receipt for your records

Known limitations

  1. 1Form only grants a 30‑day automatic extension; longer relief requires separate IRS request
  2. 2No electronic filing option is provided for Form 13287
  3. 3The form does not calculate any penalty or interest; those are assessed separately
  4. 4Only one extension per tax period is allowed

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 13287 is actively accepted for extensions; the IRS updates the PDF annually. Verify the edition date on the form before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form’s revision month/year matches the current tax year
  • Fee – no filing fee for Form 13287
  • Mailing address – use the address specified for the payroll tax form you’re extending
  • Signature line – ensure a valid authorized signer signs
  • EIN accuracy – double‑check the Employer Identification Number

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Quick Facts

Employers who file Forms 941, 944, or 943 and need more time to submit them.
The form captures the employer’s identification, the specific payroll tax form you need extended, the period covered, and the reason for the request.
File before the original due date of the payroll tax return you’re extending; the extension is automatic for 30 days once approved.
Mail the completed Form 13287 to the address listed in the instructions for the tax form you’re extending (usually the same address where you file the original return).
Errors can cause the extension to be denied, leaving you subject to late‑filing penalties and interest on any tax due.
1. Download the latest Form 13287 PDF from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in your EIN, name, address, and select the payroll tax form you need extended. 3. State the tax period and brief reason for the request. 4. Sign, date, and mail it to the correct IRS processing center before the original filing deadline.

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After you file

  1. 1Save the mailed copy and receipt in your payroll file
  2. 2Monitor for IRS acknowledgment or notice of denial
  3. 3If approved, note the new filing deadline on your calendar
  4. 4Pay any tax due by the original due date to avoid interest
  5. 5If denied, consult a tax professional for next steps
  6. 6Update internal payroll compliance checklist with extension status
  7. 7Retain all related correspondence for at least three years

Common confusion points

Form vs. payment voucher

Users think the form also pays tax

→ Verify if a payment is{{ { }} required

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

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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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