Extensions (IRS Form 8809 and 15397)
In certain cases, businesses or tax professionals may need additional time to complete the year-end information forms such as 1099 series, W-2, 1095, 5498, 3921, etc. The IRS provides two types of extensions for this purpose: 8809 and 15397.
| Aspect | Form 8809 – Extension to File with IRS | Form 15397 – Extension to Furnish Recipient Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Extend the IRS filing deadline for information returns by 30 days | Extend the recipient copy deadline for information returns 30 days |
| Explanation Required | Not required for most forms. Required for W-2 & 1099-NEC. Learn more | A valid reason must be provided for all forms. |
| Filing Method | E-filed via API for most forms. However, for 1099-NEC & W-2, paper submission is required. | Fax submission only (handled by TaxBandits) |
| Deadline to File | On or before the IRS filing deadline of the corresponding information return. View Deadlines | On or before the IRS recipient copy deadline of the corresponding information return. View Deadlines |
Extension Filing Workflow in TaxBandits API
Whether you're filing Form 8809 or Form 15397, the process follows a simple flow:
1. Create Business
You can either add the business first using Create/Business endpoint or provide the business details while creating the extension form.
2. Create the Extension Form
Use the Create endpoint of the respective extension form to generate the form.
3. Update if Needed
If you need to modify details or add more forms in the extension request before submission, use the Update endpoint.
4. Transmit the Request
Once ready, use the Transmit endpoint to submit the extension request to the IRS.
5. Check the Status
Track the request using the Status endpoint or configure a Webhook for the event type E-file Status Change.