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IRSTax-Exempt Bonds (8038 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8038-TC: 8038-TC

IRS Form 8038‑TC is the application for a tax‑exempt organization to request an automatic 6‑month extension to file its annual return. Use it when the organization cannot meet the regular filing deadline.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8038-TC - 8038-TC

IRS Form 8038‑TC is the application for a tax‑exempt organization to request an automatic 6‑month extension to file its annual return. 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 a brief reason for the extension request.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A late or unsigned Form 8038‑TC can trigger penalties that quickly add up.
  • 2Submitting after the original due date eliminates the automatic extension.
  • 3Leaving the signature line blank invalidates the request.
  • 4Using an outdated edition that references the wrong mailing address.
  • 5Incorrect EIN or tax year causes processing delays.

Plain English

If a charity or other tax‑exempt group needs more time to finish its yearly paperwork, it fills out Form 8038‑TC. The IRS then grants a six‑month extension as long as the request is on time and complete.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2018-09-19 23:00:07
  • 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

monthgroup

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need a 6‑month extension for a 990‑series return.
  • Do not use for extensions of individual income tax returns (Form 4868).
  • Check Form 8868 if you need a different extension period or have a different filing requirement.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Extension needed for Form 1120‑P

Corporate‑type returns require a different form

✓ Verify entity type first

Form 1120‑P Extension (Form 7004)

Extension for a foreign‑owned nonprofit

Allows up to 6‑month extensions for many returns

✓ Confirm that Form 8038‑TC is not applicable

Form 8868

Deadline or filing window

The extension request must be postmarked on or before the original filing deadline (usually May 15 for calendar‑year returns). If the deadline is unclear, consult the instructions for the specific return you are extending. Late requests are not accepted for the automatic 6‑month extension.

  • —Tax year end | N/A | Extension deadline | Verify 6‑month addition to original due date

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Organization name

Articles of incorporation or IRS‑issued name · Return header

⚠ Misspelled name can cause rejection✕ High
2

EIN

IRS notice or prior return · Bottom of Form 8038‑TC

⚠ Transposed digits cause processing delay✕ Medium
3

Tax year

Prior year return · Form header

⚠ Wrong year leads to incorrect extension period✕ High
4

Signature

Authorized officer’s signature · Signature block

⚠ Missing signature invalidates request✕ High
5

Payment (if any)

Check or electronic payment receipt · Attached payment voucher

⚠ No payment may trigger penalty✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the 2024 edition of Form 8038‑TC
  2. 2Confirm the organization’s legal name matches IRS records
  3. 3Verify EIN is correct
  4. 4Enter the correct tax year and original due date
  5. 5State the requested 6‑month extension period
  6. 6Sign and date the form
  7. 7Attach any required payment for outstanding tax
  8. 8Mail to the address specified for the return type
  9. 9Use a trackable mailing service
  10. 10Retain a copy of the signed form and mailing receipt

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the current Form 8038‑TC PDF from IRS.gov
  2. 2Print on white 8½×11 paper
  3. 3Complete all required fields in black ink
  4. 4Sign the form as an authorized officer
  5. 5Enclose payment if tax is due
  6. 6Place in an envelope with the correct IRS mailing address
  7. 7Send via certified mail or another trackable service
  8. 8Keep the mailing receipt and a scanned copy for records

Known limitations

  1. 1No electronic filing option; must be mailed
  2. 2Form only grants a 6‑month automatic extension; longer periods need a different form
  3. 3Instructions may reference multiple return types; verify the correct mailing address for your specific return
  4. 4The form does not calculate any penalty; separate calculations are required

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

The IRS website shows the 2024 edition as the most recent version. No fee is listed for filing the extension request.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is dated 2024 or later
  • Fee – none required for the extension request
  • Mailing address – use the address in the current instructions for the specific return type
  • Signature line – ensure an authorized officer signs
  • EIN – double‑check the number matches the organization’s records

Form Preview

Form 8038-TC page 1

Page 1

Form 8038-TC page 2

Page 2

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Quick Facts

Tax‑exempt organizations (501(c), 527, etc.) that file Form 990, 990‑EZ, 990‑PF, or 990‑T.
The form captures the organization’s name, EIN, tax year, current filing deadline, and a brief reason for the extension request.
File the form on or before the original due date of the return (usually the 15th day of the 5th month after the tax year ends).
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for the specific return type (e.g., 990 series). No electronic filing option is provided.
Missing the deadline or submitting an incomplete form can result in a late‑filing penalty and loss of the automatic extension.
1. Download the latest Form 8038‑TC from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in the organization’s identifying information and the tax year. 3. State the original due date and the requested extension period. 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail it to the address in the instructions before the original deadline.

Downloads

Blank Form 8038-TC↗Instructions↗

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After you file

  1. 1File the mailing receipt and a copy of the signed form in the organization’s records
  2. 2Mark the new extended deadline on the calendar
  3. 3Monitor for any IRS notice confirming the extension
  4. 4If no notice is received within 30 days, contact the IRS to verify receipt
  5. 5Prepare the actual return to be filed by the extended deadline
  6. 6Retain all supporting documents for the extension request

Sources

  • SRCForm 8038‑TC title and purposeIRS official form description
  • SRCEligibilitytax‑exempt organizations filing 990‑series returns
  • SRCExtension periodautomatic six‑month extension per instructions
  • SRCSignature requirementstated in the form’s signature block
  • SRCMailing addresslisted in the instructions for each return type
  • SRCEdition date2024 edition shown on IRS.gov download page
  • SRCFeeIRS instructions indicate no fee for the extension request
  • SRCNo electronic filingIRS guidance specifies paper filing only

Common confusion points

Form 8038‑TC vs. Form 8868

Both request extensions but apply to different return types

→ Verify the return you are extending

Automatic 6‑month vs. longer extensions

8038‑TC only provides six months

→ Use Form 7004 for longer periods

Electronic filing availability

Some users assume e‑file is possible

→ Confirm that only mail filing is accepted

Signature requirement

Some think a printed signature suffices

→ Must be a handwritten signature of an authorized officer

Payment attachment

Unclear if payment is always required

→ Attach payment only if tax is owed

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 990 (or 990‑EZ, 990‑PF) – the return that needs the extension

Current

8038-TC

After

Extended‑deadline Form 990 – file the actual return by the new due date

Often used with

Form 8868 – alternative extension request for other returns

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • IRS Notice CP2000 – may be issued if the extension is not accepted

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

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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