The official name of the form is “Form 8868 : Application for Extension of time to file an Exempt Organization Return“.
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Form 8868 is used by an exempt organization to request an automatic 3-month extension of time (6 months for a corporation required to file Form 990-T) to file its return and also to apply for an additional (not automatic) 3-month extension if the original 3-month extension was not enough. Also, the trustee of a trust required to file Form 1041-A or Form 5227 must use Form 8868 to request an extension of time to file those returns.
You cannot apply for both the automatic 3-month extension and the additional (not automatic) 3-month extension at the same time.
Use Form 8868 to apply for an automatic 3-month extension of time to file an organization’s return, and submit the original form to the IRS (no copies are needed). Or for applying for an additional (not automatic) 3-month extension.
The automatic 3-month extension (6 months for a corporation required to file Form 990-T) will be granted if this form is properly completed, filed, and any balance due on line 3c is paid by the due date for the return for which the extension applies.
File Form 8868 by the due date of the return for the form you are requesting an extension, or, in the case of an additional 3-month extension, by the extended due date of the return. When requesting an additional extension of time to file, file Form 8868 early so that if your request is denied you can still file your return on time.
An organization will only be allowed a total extension of 6 months for a return for a tax year.
Automatic 3- month (6 month in Case Corporation required to file form 990-T) can be electronically filed. However, you cannot file Form 8868 electronically if you want the additional (not automatic) 3-month extension or you are filing extension request for Forms 990-BL, 6069, or 8870, group returns, or a composite or consolidated Form 990-T.
Due Dates for Filing Form 8868
| Form # | Due Date to File Extension | Description |
| Form 990 | By the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of organizations accounting period or from the date of dissolution or liquidation or termination | Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax |
| Form 990 BL | By the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of filers tax year | Information and Initial Excise Tax Return for Black Lung Benefit Trusts and Certain Related Persons |
| Form 990 EZ | By the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of organizations accounting period or from the date of dissolution or liquidation or termination | Short Form Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax |
| Form 990 PF | By the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of foundation’s accounting period or from the date of complete dissolution or liquidation or termination | Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation |
| Form 990 T(corporation)6 months extension | By the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of tax year | Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (and proxy tax under section 6033(e)) |
| Form 990-T (sec. 401(a) or 408(a) trust) | By the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of tax year | Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (and proxy tax under section 6033(e)) |
| Form 990-T (sec. 401(a) or 408(a) trust) | By the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of tax year | Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (and proxy tax under section 6033(e)) |
| Form 990-T (trust other than above) | By the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of tax year | Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (and proxy tax under section 6033(e)) |
| Form 1041 A | By 15th April after the calendar year (2011) | U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable Amounts |
| Form 4720 | By the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of entity’s accounting period | Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code |
| Form 5227 | By 15th April after the calendar year (2011) | Split-Interest Trust Information Return |
| Form 6069 | By the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of tax year | Return of Excise Tax on Excess Contributions to Black Lung Benefit Trust Under Section 4953 and Computation of Section 192 Deduction |
| Form 8870 | A charitable remainder trust described in section 664(d) file by 15th April 2011. All others by the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of tax year | Information Return for Transfers Associated With Certain Personal Benefit Contracts |
Form 8868 can be filed electronically to the IRS through an approved E-file provider. One such Form 8868 e-file provider is www.extensiontax.com.
You can e-file an extension request using www.ExtensionTax.com software with your own computer. The IRS acknowledge receipt of the extension request if you file through ExtensionTax.com.
Remember the inbuilt provisions in e-filing service enable data maintenance efficiently. Thus your data is safe and retrievable at any point of time.
ExtensionTax.com can help you access the forms you need to e-file your extension in time. It’s Simple, Safe and Secured.
To know more about Filing your Form 8868 electronically visit www.tax8868.com/www.ExtensionTax.com.
For any further support o filing Extension for Tax Forms call our Help Desk 1-866-245-3918 or simply email your queries to support@ExtensionTax.com.
Important: All Paid Preparers must register with the IRS and obtain a PTIN.