TaxBandits Knowledge Base

Will My Form 8809 Extension Be Postmarked On Time?

When filing Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns, understanding electronic and paper postmarks is crucial to ensure your request is considered timely by the IRS.

Electronic Postmarks for E-filed Form 8809

An electronic postmark is a timestamp generated by the transmitter (the provider facilitating your e-file submission). The time recorded is based on the transmitter’s time zone, not necessarily your local time zone.

TaxBandits assigns an electronic postmark based on Eastern Time (ET). If you are in a different time zone, you must adjust accordingly to ensure your filing is on time. If you submit Form 8809 at 11:59 PM in your local time zone on January 31, it will still be considered timely as long as the electronic postmark reflects a date of January 31.

• Pacific Time (PT): Subtract three hours (EX. 11:59 PM ET postmark is 8:59 PM PT).
• Mountain Time (MT): Subtract two hours (EX. 11:59 PM ET postmark is 9:59 PM MT).
• Central Time (CT): Subtract one hour (EX. 11:59 PM ET postmark is 10:59 PM CT).

If an electronic postmark is created on or before the filing deadline but the return reaches the IRS after the deadline, it will still be considered timely as long as it is received within two days and meets all submission requirements.

Paper Postmarks for Mailed Form 8809 (1099-NEC & W-2 Extensions)

For 1099-NEC and W-2 extension requests, the IRS requires paper filing, which means the USPS postmark determines whether the request is timely.

• TaxBandits prints and mails Form 8809 on your behalf.
• Forms completed before 3:00 PM ET on January 31, 2025, will be postmarked within the IRS deadline.
   

Final Tips for Timely Filing

• For electronic filing: Be mindful of time zone differences. Ensure your extension request is postmarked by 11:59 PM (Your Local Time) on the deadline day.
• For paper filing (1099-NEC & W-2 extensions): Complete your Form 8809 with TaxBandits before 3:00 PM ET on January 31 to ensure a timely USPS postmark.
• For all filings: Avoid last-minute submissions to account for potential processing or technical delays.