IRS · Official form

Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return

Form 8868 gives an exempt organization an automatic extension of time to file its annual return. Fill in the official IRS PDF below and download it.

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What is 8868?

Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return or Excise Taxes Related to Employee Benefit Plans, is the extension request for tax-exempt organizations and governmental entities. Filing it by the return’s original due date generally gives an automatic 6-month extension for returns such as Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, and 990-T, and for trusts filing Form 1041-A or Form 5227.

The form is also used by filers of Form 5330 to request an extension for certain excise tax returns related to employee benefit plans. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay: any tax the organization owes is still due by the original deadline, and the form includes lines for estimating and paying that amount.

Who files 8868?

Exempt organizations that need more time to file Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-T
Trustees of trusts required to file Form 1041-A or Form 5227
Governmental entities with an exempt organization return due
Form 5330 filers requesting an extension for employee benefit plan excise taxes

How to fill out 8868

Enter the organization’s name, address, and employer identification number exactly as they appear on its return.
Enter the return code for the form you are extending, such as Form 990 or 990-T, from the table on the form.
Enter the tax year involved and the extended due date you are requesting.
If the return will show tax due, estimate the liability and enter any payment being made with the extension.
Download the finished PDF and file it by the return’s original due date. Most filers can also submit Form 8868 electronically, and e-filing is required in some cases, so check the current instructions.

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Page 1 30 fields

Name of exempt organization, employer, or other filer, see instructions.

Taxpayer identification number (TIN)

Number, street, and room or suite no. If a P.O. box, see instructions.

City, town or post office, state, and ZIP code. For a foreign address, see instructions.

Enter the Return code for the return that this application is for (file a separate application for each return).

Plan Name

Plan Number

Plan Year Ending (MM/DD/YYYY)

The books are in the care of

Telephone No.

Fax No.

• If the organization does not have an office or place of business in the United States, check this box

• If this is for a Group Return, enter the organization’s four-digit Group Exemption Number (GEN)

If this is for the whole group, check this box.

If it is for part of the group, check this box and attach a list with the names and T I Ns of all members the extension is for.

I request an automatic 6-month extension of time until

,20. 2 digit year. to file the exempt organization return for the organization named above. , 20

The extension is for the organization's return for: calendar year 20. 2 digit year.

calendar year 20

or tax year beginning. Month and Day.

tax year beginning

, 20. 2 digit year. , 20

, and ending

, 20. 2 digit year. , 20

Initial return

Final return

Change in accounting period

3a. If this application is for Forms 990-P F, 990-T, 4720, or 6069, enter the tentative tax, less any nonrefundable credits. See

3b. If this application is for Forms 990-P F, 990-T, 4720, or 6069, enter any refundable credits and estimated tax payments made. Include

3c. Balance Due. Subtract line 3b from line 3a. Include your payment with this form, if required, by using E F T P S (Electronic Federal

Page 2 17 fields

I request an extension of time until

You may be approved for up to a 6-month extension to file Form 5330, after the normal due date of Form 5330. , 20

1a. Enter the Code section(s) imposing the tax.

1b. Enter the payment amount attached

1c. For excise taxes under section 4980 or 4980F of the Code, enter the reversion/amendment date (M M/D D/Y Y Y Y).

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 1 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 2 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 3 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 4 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 5 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 6 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 7 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 8 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 9 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 10 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 11 of 12.

2. State in detail why you need the extension: 12 of 12.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Form 8868 extension automatic?

Yes. A properly completed Form 8868 filed by the original due date gives an automatic 6-month extension for the covered returns. No signature or explanation is required for the automatic extension.

Does the extension delay any tax payment?

No. Organizations that owe tax, such as unrelated business income tax on Form 990-T, must still pay by the original due date to avoid interest and penalties. The extension only covers the filing.

Can Form 8868 extend a Form 990-N filing?

No. The Form 990-N e-Postcard has no extension process, but there is no penalty for filing it late as long as the organization does not miss filings for consecutive years. Check the IRS site for how the automatic revocation rules work.

Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return

What is 8868?

Who files 8868?

How to fill out 8868

Quick fill 8868 on this page

Frequently asked questions

Related forms

Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Form 990-EZ, Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return