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IRSCredits & Incentives (8800/8900 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8855: 8855

Form 8855 is the IRS request to extend the filing deadline for certain estate, trust, and partnership returns. Use it when you need more time beyond the standard due date for Form 1041, 1065, or related filings.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8855 - 8855

Form 8855 is the IRS request to extend the filing deadline for certain estate, trust, and partnership returns. Use it when you need more time beyond the standard due date for Form 1041, 1065, or related filings.

It captures the taxpayer’s name, EIN, type of return, original due date, and the length of the extension requested.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A missed or mis‑routed Form 8855 can trigger immediate penalties.
  • 2Mailing after the original due date
  • 3Incorrect EIN or name causing misrouting
  • 4Requesting an extension longer than allowed (generally 6 months)
  • 5Missing signature or date

Plain English

If an estate, trust, or partnership can’t finish its tax return by the normal deadline, this short form asks the IRS for extra weeks. It’s a simple written request, not a new tax return.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2020-12-11 22:10:26
  • 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

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Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need extra time to file Form 1041, 1065, or similar returns.
  • Do not use for individuals filing Form 1040 extensions.
  • If the return is already filed late, consider filing Form 1127 instead.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Estate return filed late

Provides relief for late filing penalties

✓ Verify that the return is already overdue

Form 1127

Individual extension needed

Not applicable to estates/trusts

✓ Use only for personal income tax

Form 4868

Deadline or filing window

The extension request must be received by the IRS on or before the original due date of the return you are extending. If the request arrives after that date, the IRS will not grant the extension and penalties may apply. The IRS does not provide a specific deadline for mailing; use certified mail or a delivery service with tracking to prove timely receipt.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name & EIN

Official tax identification documents · Prior year return or EIN assignment letter

⚠ Typos in EIN✕ High
2

Original due date

Notice of filing deadline or IRS calendar · Prior year filing calendar

⚠ Wrong year selected✕ Medium
3

Requested extension period

Statement of need (e.g., pending assets) · Correspondence with accountant

⚠ Exceeds 6 months✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest edition of Form 8855
  2. 2Enter correct legal name and EIN
  3. 3Check the original return’s due date
  4. 4Specify a valid extension period (max 6 months)
  5. 5Sign and date the form
  6. 6Attach any required explanatory statement
  7. 7Print clearly on US Letter paper
  8. 8Mail to the correct IRS address for the return type
  9. 9Use a traceable mailing method
  10. 10Retain a copy of the signed form and mailing receipt

How to file this form

  1. 1Download Form 8855 from IRS.gov
  2. 2Complete all required fields on the PDF
  3. 3Write a brief justification if the instructions require it
  4. 4Sign and date the form
  5. 5Print the form on US Letter paper
  6. 6Place the form in an envelope with the correct IRS address
  7. 7Send via certified mail or a courier with tracking

Known limitations

  1. 1Form 8855 cannot extend filing beyond six months from the original due date
  2. 2No electronic filing option; paper submission only
  3. 3The IRS may reject the request if the form is incomplete or illegible
  4. 4Extensions are not automatic; the IRS must receive the request before the deadline

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

Entity Info

1 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Name and taxpayer ID of the entity claiming the credit.

Requiredtext

Credit Info

1 items

Credit Type

Type of credit or incentive being claimed.

Requiredselect

Calculation

2 items

Qualifying Amount

The base amount used to calculate the credit.

Requiredamount
Credit Amount

Calculated credit amount after applying formulas and limitations.

Requiredamount

Certification

1 items

Supporting Information

Detailed breakdown supporting the credit calculation.

text

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date the form.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 8855 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 shows the current tax year
  • Fee – no filing fee for Form 8855
  • Mailing address – use the address specific to estate, trust, or partnership returns
  • Signature line – ensure a valid signature and date
  • Paper size – print on US Letter (8.5" x 11")

Form Preview

Form 8855 page 1

Page 1

Form 8855 page 2

Page 2

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Quick Facts

The fiduciary, executor, or partner who is responsible for filing the original return files Form 8855.
It captures the taxpayer’s name, EIN, type of return, original due date, and the length of the extension requested.
File before the original due date of the return you’re extending; the form must be received by the IRS on or before that date.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions for the specific return type (estate, trust, or partnership). No electronic filing option is provided.
Late filing without an approved extension can trigger penalties and interest, and may delay distribution of assets or partnership allocations.
1. Download the latest Form 8855 PDF from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in the required fields, sign, and date it. 3. Attach a brief statement explaining why the extension is needed, if required. 4. Mail it to the address in the instructions before the original filing deadline.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep the mailed copy and tracking receipt in your records
  2. 2Monitor IRS correspondence for approval notice
  3. 3If approved, note the new due date on your calendar
  4. 4If denied, prepare to file the original return promptly to limit penalties
  5. 5Update your accounting software with the extended deadline
  6. 6Retain the approval notice with the original return filing package

Sources

  • SRCIRS Form 8855 PDF title and purposeIRS.gov
  • SRCInstructions for filing addressIRS Form 8855 instructions
  • SRCMaximum extension periodIRS guidance on Form 8855
  • SRCNo filing feeIRS fee schedule for paper forms
  • SRCSignature requirementForm 8855 instructions
  • SRCEdition date locationtop of Form 8855 PDF
  • SRCMailing method recommendationIRS guidance on traceable delivery

Common confusion points

Estate vs. trust vs. partnership – each has a different IRS address

Verify the return type before mailing

→ Check the instructions table

Extension length – some think they can ask for a year

The maximum is six months

→ Review the form’s limits

Electronic filing – users assume e‑file is possible

Form 8855 is paper‑only

→ Use certified mail

Signature requirement – unsigned forms are rejected

Ensure a valid signature and date

→ Double‑check before printing

Using an old edition – IRS updates annually

Look for the edition date on the form

→ Download the newest PDF

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 1041 (Estate/Trust Income Tax Return)

Current

8855

After

Form 1127 (Application for Extension of Time for Late Filed Return) if the deadline is missed

Often used with

Form 1065 (Partnership Return) when an extension is needed

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 941‑X (Adjusted Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return) for correction of payroll filings

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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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