Information-Return Extensions: What Goes Online, What Gets Faxed
The extension to file 1099s and W-2s with the IRS (Form 8809) is submitted online or on paper. The extension to furnish statements to recipients is the one you fax. Here is how to do each correctly.
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What Is Form 8809?
IRS Form 8809 (Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns) lets businesses request a 30-day extension for filing information returns with the IRS. Covered returns include: 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-R, 1099-S, W-2, and W-2G.
Two things trip filers up. First, Form 8809 itself is submitted online (through the IRS FIRE system) or on paper — the IRS fax line above is for a different request (see the next section). Second, the 30-day extension is automatic for most 1099 series, but NOT for Forms W-2 and 1099-NEC: those requests must meet one of the hardship criteria on line 7, be signed, and are granted only in limited circumstances, per the IRS instructions for Form 8809.
What the Fax Line Is Actually For: Recipient-Statement Extensions
Filing Form 8809 does not extend the deadline to furnish copies to payees. That separate request — an extension of time to furnish recipient statements — is the one the IRS accepts by fax: (877) 477-0572 (toll-free, domestic) or (304) 579-4105 (international), per the IRS's published faxing instructions.
Both lines accept faxes 24/7. The IRS does not send confirmation of receipt — your fax delivery confirmation is your evidence of timely submission.
Deadlines
An extension request must be submitted on or before the original due date of the information return:
- 1099-NEC and W-2: January 31
- Most other 1099 types filed electronically: March 31
Because the IRS does not acknowledge faxed extension requests, your fax delivery confirmation is your only proof the request arrived on time — see Is a Fax Confirmation Proof of IRS Filing? for the legal analysis.
Filing Form 8809 Itself: The IRS FIRE System or Paper
Submit Form 8809 electronically through the IRS FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically) system at fire.irs.gov — it gives immediate confirmation of receipt — or mail the paper form to the address in the instructions. For most 1099 series, the FIRE fill-in form grants the 30-day extension automatically; W-2 and 1099-NEC requests cannot use the automatic fill-in path and must be submitted with the line-7 criteria documented.
How to Fax a Recipient-Statement Extension with FaxTerra
Write your extension request per the IRS instructions (filer name, TIN, address, statement type, and the reason more time is needed), or use the IRS's current form for the request. Save it as a PDF.
Upload to FaxTerra, enter (877) 477-0572, and send. Download your delivery confirmation immediately — this is your evidence of timely submission. Free for up to 10 pages per month. For accepted files, page limits, and what happens after you send, see how to send a fax.
Related IRS Compliance Forms
If you handle information returns, you may also encounter other deadline-sensitive IRS faxing requirements. Form 8806 (Acquisition of Control) is fax-only (the IRS no longer accepts it by mail) and carries a $500/day penalty for late filing — many of the same tax practitioners filing 8809s also handle 8806s when their corporate clients undergo M&A activity. For the full picture of what the IRS accepts by fax, see the How to Fax the IRS guide and the Complete IRS Fax Numbers Directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fax Form 8809 to the IRS?
No — Form 8809 (the extension to file with the IRS) is submitted through the FIRE system or on paper. What the IRS accepts by fax is the related extension of time to furnish recipient statements: (877) 477-0572 (toll-free, domestic) or (304) 579-4105 (international), 24/7.
When is Form 8809 due?
On or before the original filing deadline for the information return. For 1099-NEC and W-2: January 31. For most other 1099 types filed electronically: March 31. The extension request must reach the IRS by the original due date.
Which information returns does Form 8809 cover?
Form 8809 covers 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-R, 1099-S, 1099-B, W-2, W-2G, and several others. It extends the IRS filing deadline only — not the deadline to furnish copies to payees.
Does the IRS confirm receipt of Form 8809?
No. The FIRE system gives instant confirmation for Form 8809 filings, but the IRS does not acknowledge faxed recipient-statement extension requests. Your FaxTerra delivery confirmation is your evidence of timely submission. Download and save it immediately.
Is the 30-day extension automatic?
For most 1099 series, yes — the first 30-day extension is granted automatically. For Forms W-2 and 1099-NEC it is NOT automatic: the request must meet one of the line-7 hardship criteria, be signed, and is granted only in limited circumstances. A second 30-day extension (any form type) also requires the line-7 criteria and is rarely granted.
Does extending the filing deadline extend the payment deadline?
No. Form 8809 only extends the deadline to file the information return with the IRS. It does not extend payment deadlines or the deadline to furnish copies to payees.
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