How to Prepare and File IRS Form 8809
Businesses, just like individuals, must file their taxes on time. It's imperative that all of the appropriate information documents accompany the tax returns. If not, the Internal Revenue Service penalizes the business financially. The costs of penalties quickly mount as the IRS applies fines to each information document not filed on time. Therefore, businesses must know how to prepare and file Form 8809.
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Things You'll Need
- IRS Form 8809
- Black Pen in good working order
- Adobe Acrobat Software to open the PDF form
Instructions
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Determine if your business needs to file form 8809. Form 8809 is the Application for Extension of Time To File Information Returns to the Federal government. If your business cannot submit the appropriate information forms such as W-2s, 1099 and other forms as required by tax law in time to meet the April 15th deadline, then you need to prepare and file Form 8809.
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Visit the IRS website and download the Form 8809
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Complete Form 8809. The instructions, which are a part of form 8809, are self-explanatory. The first part of the form requires you to fill our your name and address, your method of filing information returns (whether it be electronic or by paper). You must include your taxpayer identification number in this section. Next you must determine whether you have already received an automatic 30-day extension and you now need an additional extension. If this is the case, you must state in detail why you need more time. You must give a reason or your request might be denied. If you have any questions or difficulty in completing the form, speak with your accountant. Or, you can visit the IRS website for additional assistance. The form also has specific directions listed on page 2.
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Submit the form prior to the April 15th tax deadline. The form itself lists the due dates for filing either magnetically, paper or electronically. If the form is submitted after April 15th, the IRS ignores it. The government proceeds as if you did not file the extension.
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Tips & Warnings
When filing Form 8809, send all correspondence via certified mail with return receipt requested.
No signature is required for the automatic 30-day extension, however this form must be signed by you or a person who is authorized to sign a return, statement or other document
You must provide a good reason for why you need the extension. The IRS doesn't automatically approve extensions.
Don't use Form 8809 to request an extension to provide statements to recipients; file form 1042 or file form 1040 instead. Form 8809 is used to file an extension of time to file your W-2s, or forms 5498, 8027, 1098, 1099, 5498-ESA, 15498-SA 042-S, 1099-INT or 1099OID.
