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Form 5227: Split-Interest Trust Information Return
IRS Form 5227 is a Split-Interest Trust Information Return used by split-interest trusts to report income and asset distributions. If the trust's gross income exceeds $327,000, the failure-to-file penalty increases.
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IRS Form 5227 - Split-Interest Trust Information Return
IRS Form 5227 is a Split-Interest Trust Information Return used by split-interest trusts to report income and asset distributions. If the trust's gross income exceeds $327,000, the failure-to-file penalty increases.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not enter an SSN; always use the paid preparer’s PTIN when completing the form.
- 2Failing to file electronically if filing 10 or more returns in a calendar year.
- 3Entering the preparer’s SSN instead of their required PTIN.
- 4Not completing Part IX, line 13 and attaching the trust instrument for CRTs filing initial returns.
- 5Forgetting to apply gain and loss netting rules from Part III under Schedule A before entering amounts on line 2.
Plain English
This form helps track how an organization known as a split-interest trust manages its money and distributes assets over time. By filing this return, the trust provides necessary details to the IRS about its income sources and charitable distributions. Filing correctly ensures the trust remains compliant with tax regulations.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2025-12-12 13:10:46
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when reporting financial activities of a split-interest trust or providing information regarding charitable deductions and distributions.
- Do not use Form 4835, Farm Rental Income and Expenses, or Schedule F (Form 1040) to report income and expenses intended for line 5 of Form 5227; instead, list the items on Line 7.
- Check Form 4797 when reporting gain or loss from the sale or exchange of property (other than capital assets) and also from involuntary conversions (other than casualty or theft), which must be entered on Line 6.
Deadline or filing window
For the calendar year 2025, Form 5227 is due by April 15, 2026. If filing for a final short-year period, the return must be filed by the 15th day of the 4th month following termination. An automatic extension can be requested using Form 8868, which must be filed by the original due date.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Preparer Identification
Paid preparer’s tax identification number (PTIN) · Paid preparer’s block
Schedule A reporting
Donors and assets contributed during the year · Schedule A of Form 5227
Line 6 entry
Gain or loss from sale/exchange of property (excluding capital assets) or involuntary conversions · Instructions for Form 4797
Electronic Filing Requirement
Filer must file at least 10 returns in the aggregate during the calendar year ending with or within the tax year · [Instructions p.1]
Tax Year Deadline
For calendar year 2025, filing is due by April 15, 2026 · [Instructions p.3]
Before you submit
- 1Confirm that if the filer is required to file at least 10 returns of any type during the calendar year ending with or within the tax year, the return is submitted electronically.
- 2Verify that when filing for calendar year 2025, the Form 5227 is filed by April 15, 2026.
- 3Check if a statement identifying notes receivable and their relationship to any officer, director, trustee, or other disqualified person has been attached.
- 4Ensure that all Social Security numbers (SSNs) are removed from public-ly disclosed forms, as instructed.
- 5If the trust changed its method of payment during the tax year, verify that the triggering event and old method of payment were described on Form 5227.
- 6Confirm the calculation for the unitrust amount (Part IV, line 4b) was performed by subtracting Part IV, line 19, column (c), from Part IV, line 13, column (c), and multiplying the result by the percentage on line 4a.
- 7If filing an extension of time to file is necessary, verify that Form 8868 was used and submitted by the due date of the return.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required preparer information and ensure the trustee or officer representing the trustee signs Form 5227.
- 2Enter the total amount for other items includible in gross income on Line 7, attaching a statement if more space is needed.
- 3If applicable, enter the gain or loss from sales of property onto Line 6 using figures sourced from Form 4797.
- 4Submit the return electronically if filing 10 or more returns in the aggregate during the calendar year ending with or within the tax year.
- 5Keep a copy of the filed return for records.
Known limitations
- 1Form 5227 and its attachments are subject to public disclosure, with exceptions for Schedule A (and any related early termination agreement), Schedule K-1, continuation pages/transmittals of Schedule K-1, the trust agreement, trust amendments, Form 926, Form 8582, Form 8621, and any attachment referencing contributor or donor information [Instructions p.1].
- 2The trust may not change its accounting method without first obtaining consent on Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, unless law allows otherwise [Instructions p.3].
- 3Filers must file Form 5227 electronically if they file 10 or more returns in the aggregate during a calendar year ending with or within the tax year, based on final regulations (T.D. 9972) issued in February 2023 [Instructions p.1].
- 4Do not enter social security numbers (SSNs) on public-ly disclosed forms for Form 5227, except possibly on Schedule A [Instructions p.1] and [Form p.1].
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is 20/25. For the latest information about developments related to Form 5227 and its instructions, filers must visit IRS.gov/Form5227.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date is 20/25.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source, but mandatory electronic filing applies if 10 or more returns are filed.
- Signature — The trustee or officer representing the trustee must sign Form 5227.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Filers must keep a copy of the filed Form 5227.
- 2If mailing paper returns, send them to Internal Revenue Service Center 1973 Rulon White Blvd. M/S 6054 Ogden, UT 84201.
- 3Use Form 8868 if requesting an automatic extension of time to file; this request must be filed by the original due date.
- 4The trust should retain records regarding any change in accounting methods that required consent on Form 3115.
- 5If filing for a final short-year period, remember the return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month following the date of the trust's termination.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Filers are required to file Form 5227 electronically if they file 10 or more returns in the aggregate in a calendar year, effective for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2023.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — All CRTs described in section 664 must file Form 5227.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Schedule A reports accumulations of income for charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), distributions to noncharitable beneficiaries/recipients, and donor/asset contribution information.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — For calendar year 2025, File Form 5227 by April 15, 2026.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Gross income includes interest, dividends, rents (such as the amount on line 3 of Schedule E (Form 1040)), royalties (such as the amount on line 4 of Schedule E (Form 1040)), business income (such as the amount on line 7 of Schedule C (Form 1040)), and gains derived from property dealings.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — Lines 15 and 16 of Schedule D (Form 1041) apply only to a CRT (section 664 trust).
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Use Form 8868 to request an automatic extension of time to file, which must be filed by the due date of the return.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Items not subject to public disclosure include Schedule A and any related early termination agreement; Schedule K-1; any Schedule K-1 continuation pages and transmittals; the trust agreement; trust amendments; Form 926; Form 8582; Form 8621; and any attachment that references contributor or donor information.
Common confusion points
What is the purpose of filing Form 5227?
The form reports the financial activities of a split-interest trust, provides information regarding charitable deductions and distributions, and determines if the trust is treated as a private foundation for excise tax purposes [Instructions p.1].
Who must file Form 5227?
All Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) described in section 664 must file Form 5227 [Instructions p.1].
When is the deadline for filing Form 5227 for calendar year 2025?
The form must be filed by April 15, 2026 [Instructions p.3].
What information does Schedule A report?
Schedule A is used to report accumulations of income for CRTs, distributions to noncharitable beneficiaries/recipients, and information about donors and assets contributed during the year [Instructions p.1].
How must gross income be calculated for Form 5227?
Gross income includes interest, dividends, rents (from Schedule E line 3), royalties (from Schedule E line 4), business income (from Schedule C line 7), and gains derived from property dealings [Instructions p.4].
What is required if the trust files many returns in a year?
If a filer must file at least 10 returns of any type during the calendar year ending with or within the tax year, they must file electronically [Instructions p.3].
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Use Form 8868 to request an automatic extension of time to file for Form 5227 [Instructions p.3].
Questions about IRS Form 5227
What is IRS Form 5227 used for?
This form helps track how an organization known as a split-interest trust manages its money and distributes assets over time. By filing this return, the trust provides necessary details to the IRS about its income sources and charitable distributions. Filing correctly ensures the trust remains compliant with tax regulations.
Who must file IRS Form 5227?
A split-interest trust must file Form 5227.
What information does IRS Form 5227 require?
The form collects information regarding donations, assets, and donor data on Schedule A—Distributions, Assets, and Donor Information. It also requires allocating items of income or loss between Excluded Income and NII on line 2.
When is IRS Form 5227 due?
For the calendar year 2025, Form 5227 must be filed by April 15, 2026. For a final short-year period, the return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month following the date of termination.
Where do I file IRS Form 5227?
Filers required to file at least 10 returns in a calendar year must submit their returns electronically. The U.S. Postal Service must be used for mailing items, as PDSs cannot deliver items to P.O. boxes.
How do I complete IRS Form 5227?
The preparer must complete the required information and enter their paid preparer’s PTIN into the correct block. A facsimile signature is acceptable in the designated space for the preparer's signature. The trustee must receive a copy of the return in addition to the copy filed with the IRS.
What happens if IRS Form 5227 is filed incorrectly?
Failure-to-file penalty under section 6652(c)(2)(C) is imposed on a split-interest trust unless the failure is due to reasonable cause. The penalty starts at $25 for each day of failure, increasing to $130 per day if gross income exceeds $327,000.
What is the purpose of filing Form 5227?
The form reports the financial activities of a split-interest trust, provides information regarding charitable deductions and distributions, and determines if the trust is treated as a private foundation for excise tax purposes [Instructions p.1].
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