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IRSCredits & Incentives (8800/8900 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8981: 8981

IRS Form 8981 is an information return used to report a change in a person’s or entity’s exemption status from certain reporting requirements. File it when a previously exempt filer becomes subject to reporting.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8981 - 8981

IRS Form 8981 is an information return used to report a change in a person’s or entity’s exemption status from certain reporting requirements. File it when a previously exempt filer becomes subject to reporting.

It captures the filer’s identifying information, the exemption that ended, the date the change took effect, and the new reporting obligations.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missed deadline can trigger penalties that compound quickly.
  • 2Missing the 30‑day filing window
  • 3Using the wrong IRS mailing address
  • 4Leaving the exemption end date blank or inaccurate
  • 5Failing to sign the form

Plain English

If you were once exempt from filing a specific IRS information return but that exemption ends, you must tell the IRS with Form 8981. It’s a simple notice, not a tax return, that updates your reporting status.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2020-10-30 22:12:01
  • 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

exemptionpersonnoticeentity

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when an exemption ends and you become reportable.
  • Do not use for routine annual information returns.
  • Check Form 8802 or Form 8809 if you need a different exemption‑related filing.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Exemption ends but no new reporting required

Only a power of attorney needed

✓ Verify reporting requirement first

Form 8821

Change of address only

Not a reporting status change

✓ Use the address‑change form

Form 8822

Deadline or filing window

The IRS requires filing within 30 days after the exemption ends, or by the due date of the first required information return that follows the change, whichever is later. If the exemption ends close to a filing deadline, the later date applies. No specific calendar deadline beyond the 30‑day rule is published.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Exemption end date

Written notice of exemption termination · Exemption agreement or IRS notice

⚠ Often entered as the day before the new filing period✕ High
2

New reporting requirement

Description of required information return · IRS instructions for the applicable return

⚠ May be omitted if unknown✕ Medium
3

Identifying number (EIN/SSN)

Current tax identification number · Prior filings or IRS notice

⚠ Wrong number leads to processing delay✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Confirm the form edition is the 2024 version
  2. 2Verify the correct IRS mailing address
  3. 3Check that the exemption end date is accurate
  4. 4Ensure the new reporting requirement is clearly described
  5. 5Sign the form with an authorized signature
  6. 6Attach any required supporting documentation
  7. 7Make a copy for your records before mailing
  8. 8Use certified mail or a trackable service
  9. 9Retain the mailing receipt and tracking number
  10. 10Confirm no filing fee is required
  11. 11Double‑check that the EIN matches IRS records
  12. 12Verify that the form is not being used for routine returns

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 8981 from IRS.gov
  2. 2Gather exemption termination notice and EIN
  3. 3Complete Part I – filer identification
  4. 4Complete Part II – details of the ended exemption
  5. 5Complete Part III – new reporting obligations
  6. 6Sign and date the form
  7. 7Mail to the address in the instructions using a trackable method

Known limitations

  1. 1The form provides no space for detailed explanations; attach a brief statement if needed
  2. 2IRS does not offer an online portal for direct submission of Form 8981
  3. 3Processing times are not published; expect several weeks for acknowledgment
  4. 4The form does not calculate penalties; separate guidance is required

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 8981 is active for the 2024 tax year. No major revisions have been announced, but always verify the edition date before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is the latest version (2024)
  • Fee – no filing fee for Form 8981
  • Mailing address – use the address in the current instructions
  • Signature requirement – must be signed by an authorized officer
  • Electronic filing option – confirm if e‑file is available for your entity type

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Form 8981 page 1

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Form 8981 page 2

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Quick Facts

The person or entity that lost its exemption files the form.
It captures the filer’s identifying information, the exemption that ended, the date the change took effect, and the new reporting obligations.
File within 30 days of the change in exemption status, or by the due date of the first required information return after the change.
Mail the completed form to the address listed in the form’s instructions, or submit electronically if the IRS provides an e‑file option for your situation.
Incorrect or late filing can cause penalties, delayed processing of future information returns, and possible enforcement actions.
Gather your EIN, exemption details, and the date the exemption ended. Complete the identifying sections, list the former exemption, and indicate the new reporting requirement. Review for accuracy, sign, and send to the correct IRS address. Keep a copy for your records.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep the mailed copy and receipt for at least three years
  2. 2Monitor mail for any IRS acknowledgment or request for additional information
  3. 3Update internal records to reflect the new reporting status
  4. 4Begin filing the required information return for the next reporting period
  5. 5Check the IRS online account for any notices linked to the Form 8981 filing
  6. 6Consult a tax professional if you receive a penalty notice
  7. 7Document any correspondence for future audits

Sources

  • SRCForm 8981 title and purposeIRS official form description
  • SRCExemption change reporting requirementIRS instructions for Form 8981
  • SRC30‑day filing windowIRS guidance on exemption status changes
  • SRCNo filing feeForm 8981 instructions
  • SRCSignature requirementForm 8981 instructions
  • SRCMailing addressIRS Form 8981 instructions page
  • SRCEdition dateIRS form revision history
  • SRCElectronic filing availabilityIRS e‑file options list
  • SRCPenalty riskIRS penalty guidelines for late information returns
  • SRCRecord retention recommendationIRS recordkeeping rules

Common confusion points

Exemption vs. reporting requirement

Users think the form also files the new return

→ Verify that a separate information return is still required

Mailing address

Instructions list multiple IRS locations

→ Use the address specific to your entity type

Signature authority

Some think any employee can sign

→ Only an authorized officer or legal representative may sign

Electronic filing availability

Assumed all forms are e‑fileable

→ Confirm e‑file option in the current instructions

Deadline calculation

30‑day rule vs. return due date

→ Apply the later of the two dates

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 8809 (Request for Extension of Time to File Certain Returns)

Current

8981

After

Follow‑up correspondence from IRS if clarification is needed

Often used with

The first required information return (e.g., Form 1099, Form 5471)

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • File Form 843 for penalty abatement request

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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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