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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 13844: 13844

IRS Form 13844 is the Application for Extension of Time to File a Return for a Deceased Taxpayer’s Estate. Use it when the estate’s fiduciary needs more than the standard 6‑month filing period.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 13844 - 13844

IRS Form 13844 is the Application for Extension of Time to File a Return for a Deceased Taxpayer’s Estate. Use it when the estate’s fiduciary needs more than the standard 6‑month filing period.

It captures the estate’s identification, the reason for the extension, the requested extension length (up to 6 months), and the representative’s signature.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1An unapproved extension can trigger automatic late‑filing penalties.
  • 2Missing the original filing deadline before the extension request is received
  • 3Incorrect EIN or date of death entered
  • 4Requesting more than the allowable 6‑month extension
  • 5Signature missing or not authorized

Plain English

If you’re handling a dead person’s estate and can’t finish the final tax return by the usual deadline, this form asks the IRS for extra time. It’s a short request that the estate’s executor or personal representative signs.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2026-03-03 09:10:43
  • 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

identificationpersonperiodlengthmonthfinal

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What this form is for

  • Use when the estate’s fiduciary cannot file the final return by the standard deadline.
  • Do not use for extensions of income tax returns of living individuals.
  • If the estate already received an automatic 6‑month extension, this form is unnecessary.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Estate filing a final return on time

No extension needed

✓ Verify filing deadline first

Form 1041

Requesting an extension for a surviving spouse’s joint return

Different purpose

✓ Use only for individual returns

Form 4868

Need to extend a partnership return

Not applicable to estates

✓ Choose the correct business form

Form 7004

Deadline or filing window

The extension request must be received by the IRS on or before the original filing deadline for the estate’s final return (generally 6 months after the date of death). If the request arrives after that date, the IRS will not grant the extension and penalties may apply.

  • —Requested extension days | 180 – (days already elapsed) | Extension end date | Verify does not exceed 180 days

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Estate name and EIN

Estate tax identification letter · IRS notice or EIN confirmation letter

⚠ Wrong EIN entered✕ High
2

Date of death

Death certificate · Copy of death certificate

⚠ Misspelled month or year✕ Medium
3

Reason for extension

Written explanation · Supporting documents (e.g., pending probate)

⚠ Vague reason✕ Low
4

Signature

Personal representative’s signature · Original signed form

⚠ Missing or unauthorized signature✕ High
5

Requested end date

Calculated extension end date · Calendar check

⚠ Exceeds 6‑month limit✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest edition of Form 13844
  2. 2Confirm estate’s EIN matches IRS records
  3. 3Enter correct date of death
  4. 4State a valid reason for the extension
  5. 5Calculate the requested end date (max 180 days)
  6. 6Personal representative signs and dates the form
  7. 7Attach a copy of the death certificate if required
  8. 8Mail to the correct IRS service center address
  9. 9Keep a dated copy of the mailed envelope and tracking number
  10. 10Verify receipt by the IRS (if tracking available)

How to file this form

  1. 1Download Form 13844 from IRS.gov
  2. 2Complete identification fields (estate name, EIN, date of death)
  3. 3Explain the need for extra time and choose an end date within 180 days
  4. 4Sign and date the form as the personal representative
  5. 5Prepare any supporting documents (e.g., probate docket)
  6. 6Mail the package to the address in the form’s instructions
  7. 7If available, submit electronically through the IRS e‑services portal

Known limitations

  1. 1The form does not waive penalties; it only extends the filing deadline.
  2. 2IRS may reject the request if the extension exceeds 6 months.
  3. 3No electronic filing option for all tax years; verify current year’s capabilities.
  4. 4The form provides no guidance on payment of any tax due.

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 13844 is active for the 2024 tax 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 for the tax year
  • Fee – no filing fee is required for Form 13844
  • Mailing address – use the address in the current instructions
  • Signature line – ensure the personal representative signs
  • EIN – verify the estate’s EIN matches IRS records

Form Preview

Form 13844 page 1

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Form 13844 page 2

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Quick Facts

The personal representative (executor, administrator, or fiduciary) of the deceased taxpayer files the form.
It captures the estate’s identification, the reason for the extension, the requested extension length (up to 6 months), and the representative’s signature.
File within the original filing deadline for the estate’s final return, typically 6 months after the date of death, or any time before the deadline passes.
Mail the completed form to the IRS service center listed in the instructions for the estate’s filing year, or submit electronically if the IRS accepts e‑filing for extensions that year.
Errors can delay the extension approval, cause penalties for late filing, or force the estate to file a return without an approved extension.
1. Download the current edition of Form 13844 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in the estate’s name, EIN, and date of death. 3. State the reason you need more time and the desired extension end date. 4. Sign and date the form as personal representative. 5. Mail (or e‑file) it before the original filing deadline.

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After you file

  1. 1Save a scanned copy of the submitted form and all attachments.
  2. 2Record the mailing date and tracking number in the estate’s file.
  3. 3Monitor IRS correspondence for approval notice.
  4. 4If approved, note the new filing deadline in the estate calendar.
  5. 5Prepare the final Form 1041 to file by the extended deadline.
  6. 6Keep all supporting documents for at least three years.

Sources

  • SRCForm 13844 title and purposeIRS official form description
  • SRCFiling deadline contextstandard 6‑month estate filing rule
  • SRCSignature requirementinstructions for personal representative
  • SRCExtension length limit180 days per IRS guidance
  • SRCNo fee statementIRS fee schedule for Form 13844
  • SRCMailing address requirementinstructions page
  • SRCElectronic filing availabilityIRS e‑services documentation
  • SRCPenalty riskIRS penalty guidelines for late estate returns

Common confusion points

Extension length

Some think any number of days is allowed

→ Verify it does not exceed 180 days

Who can sign

Executors think a beneficiary can sign

→ Only the authorized personal representative may sign

Electronic filing

Belief that all forms can be e‑filed

→ Confirm e‑filing is offered for the current year

Fee requirement

Assumption of a filing fee

→ No fee is required for Form 13844

Mailing address

Using the address for Form 1041

→ Use the address listed in Form 13844 instructions

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 1041 – Final Income Tax Return for Estate

Current

13844

After

Form 706 – Estate Tax Return (if estate tax filing is required)

Often used with

Form 1310 – Statement of Person Claiming Refund (if applicable)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 843 – Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement (for 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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