Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.
Official form guide
Form 8717A: 8717-A
Form 8717‑A is an attachment used with IRS Form 8717 when a taxpayer requests relief from penalties for failing to file information returns. It provides detailed explanations and supporting facts for the penalty relief request.
Need help with Form 8717A?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of Form 8717A.
Start filling →Form Overview
IRS Form 8717A - 8717-A
Form 8717‑A is an attachment used with IRS Form 8717 when a taxpayer requests relief from penalties for failing to file information returns. It provides detailed explanations and supporting facts for the penalty relief request.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1A single missing signature can invalidate the entire relief request.
- 2Missing the 30‑day response window
- 3Leaving required fields blank or illegible
- 4Submitting incomplete or unrelated documentation
- 5Using the wrong mailing address
Plain English
If the IRS has charged you a penalty because you didn’t file a required 1099, 1098, or similar return, you can ask for a waiver. Form 8717‑A lets you tell the IRS why the failure was out of your control and attach evidence.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2024-09-03 22:11:50
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use when you need to explain why an information return was not filed on time.
- Do not use for ordinary tax return extensions; those require Form 4868.
- If the penalty notice refers to a different form number, check the appropriate relief form.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Late filing of a 1099 without penalty relief request
No relief explanation needed
✓ Verify if penalty actually applies
Penalty for failure to file Form 1099‑INT
Provides narrative and evidence
✓ Ensure the notice cites Form 1099‑INT
Deadline or filing window
The IRS typically requires a response within 30 days of the penalty notice. If the notice specifies a different deadline, follow that date. No statutory deadline beyond the notice period is published for Form 8717‑A.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Reason for failure
Written explanation of cause · Penalty notice, internal logs
Corrective action taken
Proof of filed return or amended return · Copy of filed return
Third‑party reliance
Contract or email showing reliance on another party · Correspondence records
Financial hardship
Statement of cash flow impact · Bank statements, financial statements
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the penalty notice reference number matches the form
- 2Complete every required field on Form 8717‑A
- 3Attach a signed copy of Form 8717
- 4Include all supporting documents referenced in the narrative
- 5Label each attachment with a brief description
- 6Sign and date every page of the attachment
- 7Use the exact mailing address from the notice
- 8Make a copy of the entire packet for your records
- 9Send via certified mail or a trackable service
- 10If e‑filing, verify the portal accepts Form 8717‑A
How to file this form
- 1Open the penalty notice and note the response deadline and mailing address.
- 2Download the latest Form 8717 and Form 8717‑A from IRS.gov.
- 3Fill out Form 8717 first, then complete the attachment with a clear timeline.
- 4Gather all supporting evidence and label each file.
- 5Attach the evidence to Form 8717‑A, sign, and date.
- 6Package Form 8717, Form 8717‑A, and attachments together.
- 7Mail the package using a trackable method or submit electronically if allowed.
Known limitations
- 1The form does not calculate any penalty amount; it only requests relief.
- 2IRS guidance on what qualifies as reasonable cause can change without notice.
- 3No online validation tool exists for Form 8717‑A; errors are caught only during IRS review.
- 4The form does not accept electronic signatures unless specifically authorized.
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->Form 8717‑A is still an active attachment used for penalty‑relief requests. The IRS has not announced any pending revisions, but always verify the edition date before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date – verify the form is the 2024 revision or later
- Fee – no filing fee for Form 8717 or 8717‑A
- Mailing address – use the address on the penalty notice
- Signature line – sign and date each page
- Attachments – label each supporting document clearly
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the certified‑mail receipt or electronic confirmation.
- 2File a copy of the entire submission in your tax records for at least three years.
- 3Monitor mail for any IRS follow‑up notice.
- 4If the IRS requests additional information, respond within the new deadline.
- 5Update your internal compliance calendar to prevent repeat failures.
- 6Record the outcome (approved, denied, partial relief) in your penalty log.
Common confusion points
Penalty notice vs. notice of deficiency
Both are IRS letters but only the penalty notice triggers Form 8717‑A
→ Verify the heading on the notice
Form 8717‑A vs. Form 8717
The attachment must accompany Form {}
→ Ensure both are filed together, not separately
Mailing address on notice vs. IRS website address
The notice address overrides the website address
→ Use the address printed onthe notice
Electronic filing availability
Some IRS notices allow e‑filing, others do not
→ Confirm the notice’s instructions
Signature requirement on each page
Missing a signature on any page invalidates the packet
→ Sign every page before sealing
Supporting document relevance
Over‑attaching unrelated files can delay review
→ Attach only documents referenced in the narrative
Medium
Edition date mismatch
Using an older form version may cause processing delays
→ Check the revision date on the form header
Deadline calculation
Some notices: 30 days; others: 45 days
→ Use the exact date shown on the notice
Third‑party reliance proof
Taxpayers often claim reliance on software vendors without documentation
→ Provide/contracts or support tickets
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms
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.
Never sign without understanding every clause.
BrieflyGo reviews your contracts in plain English — instantly.