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Official form guide
Form 8809: Application for Extension of Time To File Information Returns
IRS Form 8809 (Rev. December 2025) is used to request an initial or additional extension of time to file specific information returns for the current tax year. This form applies to payers/filers of Forms W-2, W-2G, and others.
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IRS Form 8809 - Application for Extension of Time To File Information Returns
IRS Form 8809 (Rev. December 2025) is used to request an initial or additional extension of time to file specific information returns for the current tax year. This form applies to payers/filers of Forms W-2, W-2G, and others.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not use Form 8809 to file extensions for Form 1040 or 1042; use Forms 4868 or 7004 instead.
- 2Filing Form 8809 after the information return's due date will result in no extension being granted.
- 3For W-2 and 1099-NEC, additional 30-day extensions are not allowed beyond the initial request.
- 4When filing multiple forms, use the earliest due date to determine your submission deadline.
- 5If requesting an extension for more than one payer/filer, ensure you list all names and TINs on a typed attachment.
Plain English
This form lets a payer or filer ask the IRS for more time to submit their official tax documents (information returns). If filed correctly, it grants an extension for forms like 1099s or W-2s. For most forms, this extension is automatically granted for 30 days.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2025-12-17 08:10:41
- 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 requesting an initial or additional extension of time to file specific information returns listed on line 6 (for the current tax year).
- Do not use Form 8809 when requesting an extension to file Form 1040 or 1040-SR, nor for filing Form 1042.
- Check Form 7004 instead when requesting an extension to file Form 1042.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need extension for W-2 or 1099-NEC
These specific types require paper submission for extensions.
✓ Confirm the justification is on line 7.
Requesting multiple payers/filers
Enter total count and attach a typed list of names/TINs.
✓ Ensure the attached list matches the main form data.
Need an additional extension after automatic request
Check box 5 on line 6 to indicate this specific need.
✓ Do not enter a number in Box 6 if submitting individual forms.
Deadline or filing window
Form 8809 must be filed by the return's due date. For example, if requesting an extension for Forms 1098 and 5498, it must be filed by February 28 (or March 31 if e-filing). Most forms allow a 30-day automatic extension.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Payer’s/filer’s name
Type or print clearly in black ink · Line 1
Taxpayer identification number (TIN)
Payer’s nine-digit number, no hyphens · Line 2
Method of filing check box
Select only one option from line 3 · Line 3
Justification for extension
Required for nonautomatic extensions (Line 7) · Line 7
E-file via IRIS
Use https://irs.gov/iris · Paperless filing option
Filing Deadline
Must be filed by the due date of the returns · Line 2 (General)
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the Payer’s/filer’s name and address on line 1 are accurate.
- 2Verify that the Taxpayer identification number (TIN) entered on line 2 is nine digits without hyphens.
- 3Check only one box under Method of filing on line 3.
- 4If requesting more than one return, ensure you have attached a typed list of names and TINs.
- 5Select the correct box(es) on line 6 that apply to your request.
- 6If submitting paper, complete and sign the justification section (Line 7).
- 7Verify the date is current when signing the declaration.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required information fields for Payer’s/filer’s details on line 1 and TIN on line 2.
- 2Check only one box under Method of filing on line 3, selecting how you are submitting the request.
- 3Select the applicable box(es) on line 6 to specify the return type or status (e.g., additional extension).
- 4If not e-filing, complete and sign the justification section on line 7 if a nonautomatic extension is needed.
- 5Mail the completed Form 8809 to the IRS Center in Ogden, UT 84201-0209 (if not using e-file).
- 6E-file through IRIS at https://irs.gov/iris for a free electronic submission (unless W-2 or 1099-NEC).
- 7Submit the form as soon as you know an extension is necessary, but no earlier than January 1 of the tax year.
Known limitations
- 1Form 8809 does not apply to requesting an extension of time to file Form 1040 or 1040-SR; for those, Form 4868 must be used.
- 2Form 8809 does not apply to requesting an extension of time to file Form 1042; for that, Form 7004 must be used.
- 3If the filer is sending individual Form 8809s for each request and requests more than one payer/filer, they should not enter a total number of payers/filers on line 3.
- 4Extension requests for Forms W-2, Form 1099-NEC, and additional 30-day extensions must be submitted on paper.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Entity Info
1 items
Name and taxpayer ID of the entity claiming the credit.
Credit Info
1 items
Type of credit or incentive being claimed.
Calculation
2 items
The base amount used to calculate the credit.
Calculated credit amount after applying formulas and limitations.
Certification
1 items
Detailed breakdown supporting the credit calculation.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date the form.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Revision December 2025, and the form directs users to www.irs.gov/Form8809 for the latest information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads December 2025.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source (automatic extensions are free).
- Mailing address — confirm the center is Ogden, UT 84201-0209.
- Signature — ensure the filer/transmitter signs the form.
- Form applicability — verify that the returns being extended are listed on line 6.
- Filer name consistency — check that the legal name matches your EIN application exactly.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the filed Form 8809 to document the request.
- 2File Form 8809 as soon as an extension is known to be necessary, but not before January 1 of the year in which the return is due.
- 3The form must be filed by the actual due date of the information returns it seeks to extend.
- 4If filing on paper, mail the form to Center Ogden, UT 84201-0209.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form 8809 is to request an initial or additional extension of time to file the forms shown on line 6 for the current tax year.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Payers/filers should use Form 8809 before the filing due date.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The form applies specifically to W-2, W-2G, 1042-S, 1094-C, 1095, 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and 8027.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Nonautomatic extensions require a justification on line 7 completed and signed by the filer/transmitter.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Form 8809 must be filed by the due date of the returns.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — File Form 8809 as soon as an extension is known to be necessary, but not before January 1 of the year in which the return is due.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The mailing address for paper filing is Center Ogden, UT 84201-0209.
Common confusion points
When should I file Form 8809?
Confusion
File as soon as you know an extension is needed, but no earlier than January 1 of the return year.
What if I need more than one extension or have multiple payers?
Confusion
If filing individually, do not enter a total number; if entering one form for many, list all names/TINs on line 3.
Which forms *should* I use instead of Form 8809?
Confusion
Use this form for W-2, 1042-S, 1095, etc., but use Form 4868 for 1040/1040-SR and Form 7004 for Form 1042.
Do I need to write a reason why I need the extension?
Confusion
Nonautomatic extensions require a justification on line 7, but automatic extensions may not.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- If you need an additional extension after already requesting an automatic one, check box 5 on Form 8809.
Questions about IRS Form 8809
What is IRS Form 8809 used for?
This form lets a payer or filer ask the IRS for more time to submit their official tax documents (information returns). If filed correctly, it grants an extension for forms like 1099s or W-2s. For most forms, this extension is automatically granted for 30 days.
Who must file IRS Form 8809?
Payers/filers who need more time to file information returns with the IRS should file Form 8809 before the filing due date.
What information does IRS Form 8809 require?
Part I collects the payer's/filer’s name, address, and TIN. Line 6 allows checking specific forms for which an extension is sought, such as Form 1095 or Form 3922.
When is IRS Form 8809 due?
Form 8809 must be filed by the due date of the returns it covers; filing should occur as soon as the need for an extension is known, but not before January 1 of the return's due year.
Where do I file IRS Form 8809?
The form can be e-filed or mailed to the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Center in Ogden, UT 84201-0209. If filing Form 8027 on paper, a copy of the timely filed Form 8809 must be attached.
How do I complete IRS Form 8809?
The filer must first complete Payer's/filer’s information (Part I), then check the applicable method of filing on Line 3. The filer signs, adds their Title, and enters the Date before submitting the request.
What happens if IRS Form 8809 is filed incorrectly?
An extension cannot be granted if Form 8809 is filed after the filing due date of the information returns; under penalties of perjury, the filer declares the form is true and correct.
Confusion — what should I check?
File as soon as you know an extension is needed, but no earlier than January 1 of the return year.
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