Video: Quick Tips of Filling Out IRS Form 8809

We've put together another IRS Forms video, this one for IRS Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns. This is a pretty simple form, but figuring out whether to file it online or through the mail can be a pain. We make it easy for you in the video below: 

Transcript

Hi welcome to an IRS Forms quick-tips video. Today we’re covering IRS form 8809, Application for Extension of Time To File Information Returns. As the name suggests, this form is used to request a 30 day extension for filing information returns such as Form W-2, Form 1099, and Form 5498. Let’s take a look a quick tip that will make filling out the 8809 even easier.

Should you fill out IRS Form 8809 online or on paper?

The 8809 is one of the few forms the IRS lets you submit electronically through their FIRE system, so why do they still sometimes require that you submit a paper version?

There are only three cases when you are required to submit a paper version of the 8809.

• If you’re requesting an extension for form W-2
• If you’re requesting an extension for form 1099-Misc with non-employee compensation
• Or if you’ve already requested an automatic 30 day extension and are requesting an additional 30 day extension.

For all other information returns, the IRS encourages you to request an automatic 30 day extension through the FIRE system (link in the description below). Filing IRS Form 8809 electronically allows for fast and efficient processing for both you and the IRS. For any clients with more than 250 information returns to submit, the IRS requires that you submit all forms through the FIRE system.

Thanks for watching this IRS quick tips video. If you have any topics you’d like to see us cover in one of our quick tips videos, let us know in the comments below. And, as always, be sure to like and subscribe. We’ll see you next time.