Wondering how to file Form 8868? You have come to the right place. This guide will help ensure you’re not among the 16% of nonprofits nationwide that lose their tax-exempt status each year. By correctly completing Form 8868, you’ll secure an extension for your filing deadline, giving you more time to submit Form 990 and helping maintain your tax-exempt status. Follow these five steps to learn how to file Form 8868 and secure your extension before the deadline.
How to File Form 8868
Step 1: Submit Form 8868 to Get Your Extension
To receive an extension for filing Form 990, you must submit Form 8868 by the deadline. For most organizations, the deadline to file Form 990 is the 15th day of the 5th month after the close of your fiscal year.
For example, if your organization’s fiscal year ends on December 31, the deadline for filing Form 990 is May 15 of the following year. Make sure to submit Form 8868 by this date to get the extension.
Step 2: Gather Information
To complete Form 8868, you’ll need some basic information, including:
- Organization’s legal name and address
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- The type of return you’re requesting an extension for (Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, etc.)
Additionally, if your organization has already filed for one extension and needs another, you’ll need to provide additional details in the form.
Step 3: Fill Out Form 8868
Part I: Automatic Extension Request
- Box 1: This is where you check the box if you’re requesting the automatic 3-month extension.
- Box 2: You’ll need to provide the Tax Year for which the extension applies.
- Box 3: The total number of days your organization is requesting an extension, up to the maximum allowed.
Part II: Additional Extension Request (if needed)
If you need more than the 3-month extension, you’ll fill out Part II. For example, if your organization needs a second extension of up to 6 months, you’ll need to provide an explanation.
Step 4: Submit Form 8868
You can submit Form 8868 either electronically or by mail:
- Electronically: The IRS encourages electronic filing for faster processing. You can file Form 8868 electronically through the IRS e-file system or using an IRS-authorized e-file provider.
- By Mail: If you choose to submit the form by mail, you’ll need to send it to the correct IRS address. The mailing address depends on your organization’s location. You can find this information on the IRS website or in the form’s instructions.
Step 5: Keep Records and Follow Up
Once Form 8868 is filed, the IRS will typically grant an automatic extension. However, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of the form and any confirmation you receive from the IRS (whether electronic or by mail).
If you do not receive confirmation, follow up to ensure your extension was processed. Failure to file your form on time—even with an extension—could result in penalties.
How Crowded Can Help
With Crowded’s AI-generated 990 forms, you will never miss your deadlines or need to fill form 8868 to begin with. We provide full visibility into your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status, ensuring you stay on top of compliance without the stress. Crowded’s AI generated annual 990 forms is a great tool to file 990s, assisting with minimizing tax liabilities and improving your nonprofit’s financial practices for future filings.
