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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 13797: 13797

IRS Form 13797 is the “Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Excise Tax Returns.” It is used when a taxpayer needs additional time to file an excise tax return that would otherwise be due.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 13797 - 13797

IRS Form 13797 is the “Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Excise Tax Returns.” It is used when a taxpayer needs additional time to file an excise tax return that would otherwise be due.

The form captures the taxpayer’s identifying information, the specific excise tax return being extended, the requested extension period, and a statement of any tax due.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missed signature can invalidate the entire extension request.
  • 2Missing the original filing deadline
  • 3Providing an incorrect IRS service center address
  • 4Requesting an extension longer than allowed
  • 5Failing to sign the form

Plain English

If you owe excise taxes but can’t finish the return by the regular deadline, you file this form to ask the IRS for more time. The request is separate from any payment you might still owe.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2012-07-17 00:00:00
  • 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

excise taxpaymentperiod

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need extra time to file an excise tax return.
  • Do not use if you are filing a regular income tax return.
  • Check Form 720 or other excise‑specific forms for filing requirements.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Late payment of excise tax

Payment due but no extension needed

✓ Verify payment deadline first

Form 720

Request to change filing period

Change of accounting period

✓ Confirm period change approval

Form 5720

Deadline or filing window

The extension request must be received by the IRS on or before the original excise tax return due date. If the request arrives after that date, the IRS will treat the return as late and assess penalties. No separate deadline for the extension itself; the IRS will grant up to six months from the original due date.

  • —Requested extension months | multiply original due date by months | New due date | Verify not beyond 6‑month limit

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer identification

EIN or SSN · IRS notice or prior return

⚠ Wrong number entered✕ High
2

Excise tax type

Description of tax · Original return (e.g., Form 720)

⚠ Vague description✕ Medium
3

Amount of tax due

Calculated tax liability · Prior return or payment voucher

⚠ Omitted or zero amount✕ High
4

Signature

Authorized signature · Power of attorney or corporate seal

⚠ Missing signature✕ High
5

Requested extension period

Number of months · Instructions table

⚠ Exceeds 6 months✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm form edition matches current tax year
  2. 2Verify taxpayer name and EIN/SSN
  3. 3Check the specific excise return being extended
  4. 4Enter correct amount of tax due
  5. 5Specify extension period (max 6 months)
  6. 6Sign and date the form
  7. 7Attach any required supporting statements
  8. 8Use the correct IRS mailing address
  9. 9Include a self‑addressed stamped envelope if requesting a response
  10. 10Retain a copy of the completed form

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 13797 from IRS.gov
  2. 2Print on white 8.5" x 11" paper
  3. 3Fill in all required fields legibly
  4. 4Attach a brief statement of why the extension is needed (optional but helpful)
  5. 5Place the form in an envelope with correct postage
  6. 6Mail to the service center listed in the instructions
  7. 7Track delivery if possible
  8. 8Keep the mailing receipt and a copy of the form

Known limitations

  1. 1Form cannot be filed electronically
  2. 2Only extensions for excise tax returns are accepted; other taxes require different forms
  3. 3IRS may reject the request if the extension period exceeds six months
  4. 4No guarantee the IRS will grant the extension if the request is late

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 13797 is active for the current tax year. Check the IRS website for the latest edition date before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form’s revision date matches the current tax year
  • Fee – no filing fee for the extension request
  • Mailing address – use the address in the latest instructions
  • Signature line – ensure the authorized person signs
  • Taxpayer identification – double‑check EIN or SSN

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Quick Facts

Businesses or individuals who are required to file an excise tax return and need an extension.
The form captures the taxpayer’s identifying information, the specific excise tax return being extended, the requested extension period, and a statement of any tax due.
File the form before the original excise tax return due date, typically the 15th day of the month following the tax period.
Mail the completed form to the address listed in the form’s instructions for the appropriate IRS service center; electronic filing is not available.
Errors can cause the extension to be denied, leading to late‑filing penalties and interest on the unpaid tax.
1. Gather the original excise tax return due date and the amount of tax owed. 2. Complete the identifying sections and specify the return you are extending. 3. Indicate the new deadline you are requesting (up to 6 months). 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail it to the correct IRS address before the original due date.

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After you file

  1. 1Save the mailed copy and receipt for your records
  2. 2Monitor mail for the IRS acknowledgment or extension approval
  3. 3If no response within 30 days, call the IRS toll‑free number
  4. 4Prepare the original excise tax return to meet the new deadline
  5. 5Pay any tax due by the original due date to avoid interest
  6. 6Update your internal filing calendar with the new due date

Sources

  • SRCForm title and purposeIRS official form description
  • SRCExtension request deadlinestandard IRS guidance for excise tax extensions
  • SRCMailing addressfound in Form 13797 instructions
  • SRCNo filing feeindicated on the form
  • SRCMaximum six‑month extensionIRS policy for excise tax extensions
  • SRCElectronic filing not availablenoted in instructions
  • SRCSignature requirementrequired field on the form
  • SRCNot found in provided sourceexact list of alternate forms

Common confusion points

Extension vs. payment deadline

Many think the extension also delays payment

→ Verify tax due date separately

Excise tax type

Different excise taxes have different return forms

→ Confirm you are extending the correct return

Mailing address

IRS service centers vary by tax type

→ Double‑check address in the current instructions

Maximum extension length

Some assume any length is allowed

→ Limit is six months from original due date

Electronic filing availability

Users assume all forms can be e‑filed

→ Form 13797 is paper‑only

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Determine which excise tax return applies (e.g., Form 720)

Current

13797

After

File the original excise tax return by the new deadline

Often used with

Attach a brief statement of need if required

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • File a paper copy of the original return with a penalty explanation

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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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