What is Form 7004?

Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax Information, and Other Returns, is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax form that some types of businesses need to file to request an automatic extension of time to file certain business income tax, information, and other returns.

In general, businesses such as partnerships, multiple-member LLCs filing as partnerships, corporations, and S corporations use Form 7004. It grants businesses additional six months to file tax documents to the federal tax agency.

Take note that while filing Form 7004 grants your business additional months to file returns, it does not extend payment deadlines. In addition, the IRS must receive the form on or before the due date of the applicable tax return.

You may use Form 7004 to request a six-month automatic extension of time to file any of the following forms:

Form 706-GS(D), Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Distributions
Form 706-GS(T), Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Terminations
Form 1041 (bankruptcy estate only), U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts
Form 1041 (estate other than a bankruptcy estate), U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts
Form 1041 (trust), U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts
Form 1041-N, U.S. Income Tax Return for Electing Alaska Native Settlement Trusts
Form 1041-QFT, U.S. Income Tax Return for Qualified Funeral Trusts
Form 1042, Annual Withholding Tax Return for U.S. Source Income of Foreign Persons
Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income
Form 1066, U.S. Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (REMIC) Income Tax Return
Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
Form 1120-C, U.S. Income Tax Return for Cooperative Associations
Form 1120-F, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Corporation
Form 1120-FSC, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Sales Corporation
Form 1120-H, U.S. Income Tax Return for Homeowners Associations
Form 1120-L, U.S. Life Insurance Company Income tax Return
Form 1120-ND, Return for Nuclear Decommissioning Funds and Certain Related Persons
Form 1120-ND (section 4951 taxes), Return for Nuclear Decommissioning Funds and Certain Related Persons
Form 1120-PC, U.S. Property and Casualty Insurance Company Income Tax Return
Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations
Form 1120-REIT, U.S. Income Tax Return for Real Estate Investment Trusts
Form 1120-RIC, U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies
Form 1120S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation
Form 1120-SF, U.S. Income Tax Return for Settlement Funds (Under Section 468B)
Form 3520-A, Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust With a U.S. Owner
Form 8612, Return of Excise Tax on Undistributed Income of Real Estate Investment Trusts
Form 8613, Return of Excise Tax on Undistributed Income of Regulated Investment Companies
Form 8725, Excise Tax on Greenmail
Form 8804, Annual Return for Partnership Withholding Tax (Section 1446)
Form 8831, Excise Taxes on Excess Inclusions of REMIC Residual Interests
Form 8876, Excise Tax on Structured Settlement Factoring Transactions
Form 8924, Excise Tax on Certain Transfers of Qualifying Geothermal or Mineral Interests
Form 8928, Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapter 43 of the Internal Revenue Code

How to fill out Form 7004?

Form 7004 is a single-page form that requires specific information. Make sure to answer all the items accurately and truthfully to avoid any problems with your application for an automatic extension of time to file your return.

Name

Enter the name of your business. The business name you will enter in this item should match your name in the IRS database; otherwise, you will not have a valid extension.

Identifying number

Enter the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of your business or your Social Security Number (SSN).

Address

Provide the full address of your business. Include the number, street, room or suite number, city, town, state, and ZIP code. If a foreign address, enter the city, province or state, and country.

Part I

Item 1

Enter the appropriate form code in the boxes to determine the type of return for which you are applying for an extension.

The following are the form codes:

Form 706-GS(D) — 01
Form 706-GS(T) — 02
Form 1041 (bankruptcy estate only) — 03
Form 1041 (estate other than a bankruptcy estate) — 04
Form 1041 (trust) — 05
Form 1041-N — 06
Form 1041-QFT — 07
Form 1042 — 08
Form 1065 — 09
Form 1066 — 11
Form 1120 — 12
Form 1120-C — 34
Form 1120-F — 15
Form 1120-FSC — 16
Form 1120-H — 17
Form 1120-L — 18
Form 1120-ND — 19
Form 1120-ND (section 4951 taxes) — 20
Form 1120-PC — 21
Form 1120-POL — 22
Form 1120-REIT — 23
Form 1120-RIC — 24
Form 1120S — 25
Form 1120-SF — 26
Form 3520-A — 27
Form 8612 — 28
Form 8613 — 29
Form 8725 — 30
Form 8804 — 31
Form 8831 — 32
Form 8876 — 33
Form 8924 — 35
Form 8928 — 36

Part II

Item 2

Mark the box if the organization is a foreign corporation that does not have an office or place of business in the United States.

Item 3

Mark the box if the organization is a corporation and is the common parent of a group that intends to file a consolidated return.

Item 4

Mark the box if the organization is a corporation or partnership that qualifies under Regulations section 1.6081-5.

Item 5a

Enter the applicable dates. If you do not use a calendar year, complete the lines showing the

beginning and ending dates for the tax year.

Item 5b

If the tax year is less than 12 months, select the reason by marking the appropriate box. You may select “Initial return,” “Final return,” “Change in accounting period,” “Consolidated return to be filed,” “other.” For “other,” review the Instructions section of Form 7004 and attach your explanation.

Item 6

Enter the tentative total tax. If you expect this amount to be zero, enter “0.”

Item 7

Enter the total payments and refundable credits.

Item 8

Enter the balance due. To compute for it, subtract Item 7 from Item 6.

Where to file Form 7004?

You can file Form 7004 electronically for most returns; however, it cannot be filed for Forms 8612, 8613, 8725, 8831, 8876, and 706-GS(D) by visiting IRS.gov/efile7004.

If you are not filing electronically, you may refer to the Where to File section of the Instructions of Form 7004 to know where to file, depending on the form and your location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Form 7004

Can I electronically file Form 7004?

Yes, Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax Information, and Other Returns, can be filed electronically using the Modernized e-File (MeF) platform of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

However, according to the IRS, you cannot use the MeF to or electronically file Form 7004 for:

Name change applications
Reasonable cause for failing to pay timely or file application timely
Requests for refunds
Election to make installment payments for a portion of balance due amount
Applications requesting extension due to change in accounting period unless prior approval has been applied for from IRS or certain conditions have been met
Applications with Net Operating Loss Carryback
Applications attaching a Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (POA)
Early filed returns or returns filed before the end of the tax period
Filing short period extension due to termination of Form 1120-S status
Extensions for the following forms:
Form 706-GS(D), Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Distributions
Form 8612, Return of Excise Tax on Undistributed Income of Real Estate Investment Trusts
Form 8613, Return of Excise Tax on Undistributed Income of Regulated Investment Companies
Form 8725, Excise Tax on Greenmail
Form 8831, Excise Taxes on Excess Inclusions of REMIC Residual Interests
Form 8876, Excise Tax on Structured Settlement Factoring Transactions

What is Modernized e-File (MeF)?

In order to simplify filing tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service created a completely paperless filing system called the Modernized e-File (MeF), which allows approved electronic return originators (EROs) to transmit large numbers of individual and business tax returns over the internet.

Electronic filing is much more secure than paper filing and allows filers to receive acknowledgment of receipt or reason for rejection within 48 hours of filing.

When is Form 7004 due?

The due date to file Form 7004 depends on the return you are filing. Nonetheless, you need to file Form 7004 on or before the due date of your return.

Find the due date of your return in the applicable instructions provided by the Internal Revenue Service.

Where do I send my payment in filing Form 7004?

You can make payments using three methods — Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW), Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), and check or money order.

If you electronically file Form 7004, you may pay through the Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW). Your payment must be equal to the amount shown as the balance due. You will need the following information:

Routing Transit Number
Bank Account Number
Account Type
Payment Amount
Requested Payment Date
Daytime Phone Number

Note that the EFW payment option is not available for making federal tax deposits. If you want to make federal tax deposits, use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

You can pay business or individual taxes and federal tax deposits using the EFTPS. To access the EFTPS, you need to register online at the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System website or contact 1-800-555- 4477.

You can pay using checks or money order if you are a foreign corporation without a place of business and does not bank in the United States. Make your check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury" and provide the following:

Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Type of tax return
Tax year to which the payment applies

Can a foreign corporation pay using EFW or EFTPS?

No, a foreign corporation without a place of business or does not bank in the United States cannot pay using the EFW or EFTPS.

What is the Electronic Funds Withdrawal?

The Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW) is a payment option for individuals and businesses to transfer funds electronically from their checking or savings accounts to a designated financial institution in order to make a federal tax payment.

Taxpayers or payees cannot use the EFW to make federal tax deposits.

What is the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System?

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is a free service provided by the United States Department of Treasury that enables individuals and businesses to make all kinds of federal tax payments electronically.

What happens if you file Form 7004 late?

If you file Form 7004 after the due date of your applicable return, you will be penalized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Even if you do not owe taxes, you cannot avoid having to file your return on time by applying for an extension of time to file with Form 7004. Penalties are imposed even if there is no tax liability. However, if you have a reasonable cause for filing Form 7004 late, you may not have to pay the penalty.

Why did I receive a notice after filing Form 7004?

The Internal Revenue Service will automatically send you a notice if your submitted Form 7004 is rejected due to incomplete or incorrect information.

Other reasons for receiving a notice are late payment, filing a late Form 7004, or invalid information related to a payee and routing numbers.

If you do not receive a notice from the Internal Revenue Service, your Form 7004 was approved.

What happens if I fail to pay my taxes on time?

If you fail to make tax payments by the due date, the Internal Revenue Service may impose interest and penalty charges on your outstanding balance.

Interest is charged at a rate determined by the federal short-term rate, which is adjusted monthly. It accrues daily and can be compounded.

The late payment penalty for any month you fail to pay the required estimated tax is 0.5% up to 25%. This penalty applies if at least 90% of your actual tax liability for the tax year was not paid by the due date and you did not file Form 7004.

You will not be charged a late payment penalty if you can show reasonable cause for failing to make the required estimated tax payments. Send a letter or a signed statement explaining your reason to the Internal Revenue Service.

Does Form 7004 need to be attached to Form 1120?

No, do not attach Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, to Form 7004.

Does Form 7004 need to be attached to Form 1065?

No, you do not have to attach Form 7004 to Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income. If you have an already approved Form 7004, you may file Form 1065 alone.

How long is a business tax extension good for?

Generally, the automatic time extension to file a return is six months. However, the automatic time extension period has changed. A five-and-a-half, six, or seven months automatic time extension is granted depending on the type of return you are filing.

If you file Form 7004 for the following, you will get five-and-a-half months of time extension:

Form 1041, U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts (estate other than bankruptcy)
Form 1041 (trust)

If you file Form 7004 for the following, you will get six months of time extension:

Form 1041 (bankruptcy estate only)
Form 1041-N, Income Tax Return for Electing Alaska Native Settlement Trusts
Form 1041-QFT, U.S. Income Tax Return for Qualified Funeral Trusts
Form 1042, Annual Withholding Tax Return for U.S. Source Income of Foreign Persons
Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income
Form 1066, U.S. Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (REMIC) Income Tax Return
Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
Form 1120-C, U.S. Income Tax Return for Cooperative Associations
Form 1120-F, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Corporation
Form 1120-FSC, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Sales Corporation
Form 1120-H, U.S. Income Tax Return for Homeowners Associations
Form 1120-L, U.S. Life Insurance Company Income Tax Return
Form 1120-ND, Return for Nuclear Decommissioning Funds and Certain Related Persons
Form 1120-ND (section 4951taxes)
Form 1120-PC, U.S. Property and Casualty Insurance Company Income Tax Return
Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations
Form 1120-REIT, U.S. Income Tax Return for Real Estate Investment Trusts
Form 1120-RIC, U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies
Form 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation
Form 1120-SF, U.S. Income Tax Return for Settlement Funds (Under Section 468B)
Form 3520-A, Annual Information Return of Foreign Trust With a U.S. Owner
Form 8804, Annual Return for Partnership Withholding Tax (Section 1446)
Form 706-GS(T), Generation Skipping Transfer Tax Return for Terminations

If you file Form 7004 for the following, you will get seven months of time extension:

Form 1120
Form 1120-C, U.S. Income Tax Return for Cooperative Associations
Form 1120-F, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Corporation
Form 1120-FSC, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Sales Corporation
Form 1120-H
Form 1120-L
Form 1120-ND
Form 1120-ND (section 4951 taxes)
Form 1120-PC
Form 1120-REIT
Form 1120-RIC
Form 1120-SF

Are there exemptions to file Form 7004?

Yes. According to the Internal Revenue Service, certain foreign and domestic corporations and certain partnerships are entitled to an automatic extension of time to file even if they do not file Form 7004. They need to file and pay any balance due by the 15th day of the sixth month following the close of the tax year.

Exempted businesses are:

Partnerships that keep their books and records outside the United States and Puerto Rico
A foreign corporation that maintains an office or place of business in the United States
A domestic corporation that transacts its business and keeps its books and records of account outside the United States and Puerto Rico
A domestic corporation whose principal income is from sources within the possessions of the United States

Can you supersede Form 7004?

If you filed an incorrect or rejected Form 7004, you may resubmit a new Form 7004 to the Internal Revenue Service five days after the filing deadline.

What is the practitioner PIN method?

If you are filing Form 7004 electronically, this method requires the use of a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN is used to authenticate tax preparers and e-file providers. It acts like an electronic signature.

A practitioner PIN is only valid for one calendar year unless there is a change in business entity type, name, or address.

How do I file an extension for a trust?

If you are filing an extension of time to file Form 1041, you will need to enter "05" on Part I of your Form 7004.

Form 1041 is a return filed by a fiduciary and is used for reporting and paying income tax on the income of decedents' estates and certain trusts.

Can the IRS deny an extension of time to file tax returns?

Yes, the Internal Revenue Service may deny an extension to file a return if:

you did not complete Form 7004 properly;
you did not make a proper estimate of the tax;
you did not file Form 7004 by the due date of the return for which the extension is requested; or
you did not pay any tax that is due.

Can I mail multiple Form 7004 in one envelope?

No. Do not mail multiple Form 7004 in one envelope. All tax extension requests must be filed separately.

What if I'm filing multiple Form 7004?

If you want to file multiple Form 7004 to request extensions for your returns, you must file Form 7004 electronically.

You need to complete one Form 7004 for each type of return. For example, you want to file an extension to file Form 706-GS(D), Form 706-GS(T), and Form 1041, you must complete three Form 7004 as well.

The Internal Revenue Service rejects duplicate Form 7004. It happens if you submit two or more Form 7004 for the same type of return.

Does Form 7004 have to be notarized?

No. You do not need a notary public when filing Form 7004 with the Internal Revenue Service.

Can you file an extension for Form 1120-S?

Yes, you can file an extension to file Form 1120-S. To do so, file Form 7004 and enter the form code "25" on Part I.

Form 1120-S is a U.S. tax return filed by an S corporation. It is used to report taxable income for a corporation and certain shareholders, as well as other corporate taxes.

What is an S Corporation?

An S corporation is a domestic corporation that has made an election with the Internal Revenue Service to be treated as an S corporation. The shareholders of an S corporation pay self-employment tax on their shares of the corporation's earnings.

How do I file an extension of time to file tax returns for a partnership?

You need to complete Form 7004 if you are filing an extension of time to file Form 1065. In your Form 7004, Part I, enter the code "09."

Form 1065 is a U.S. tax return filed by a partnership, an entity not subject to income tax itself but whose owners are taxed on their distributive shares of the entity's taxable income, whether or not they receive distributions from the entity.

Does Form 7004 need to be filed every year?

No, you only file Form 7004 if your business has a filing requirement or you need more time to file your returns.

Does the IRS require a signature on Form 7004?

No, the Internal Revenue Service does not require you to sign Form 7004.

Is it bad to file an extension of time to file tax returns?

No, it is not bad to file an extension to file your tax returns. Extensions give you more time to file your returns, gather needed information, and make necessary calculations.

Yet, take note that filing an extension using Form 7004 does not provide you with additional time to pay your taxes. You will still have to pay your tax liabilities by the original deadline.

Does filing a tax return extension increase audit risk?

No, filing a tax return extension does not increase audit risk. Whether or not you file an extension, the Internal Revenue Service will continue to review your return once it is filed.

What does filing a tax return extension mean?

Filing a tax return extension means that you have requested more time to file your returns. It gives you up to six months more time to file your returns after their original due date. It also gives you the automatic six-month extension of time to file your return covered by Form 7004 if you need more time.

What happens if I do not file Form 7004?

If you do not file an extension request with the Internal Revenue Service, you will need to timely file your return.

Do you need to file Form 7004 if you don't owe taxes?

No, you do not need to file an extension if you do not owe any federal taxes. Basically, you do not have to file returns if you do not owe federal taxes.

Unlike other Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms, like Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, there are no benefits from filing Form 7004 if you do not owe taxes.

Form 1040 is an individual income tax return used to report an individual's gross income and apply for tax deductions and credits. If you do not owe taxes or have no income, you may get benefits or tax refunds from filing Form 1040 with the IRS.

What does an automatic extension of time to file tax returns mean?

An automatic extension means that if you are eligible for the six-month extension of time to file your returns covered by Form 7004, then your return will be automatically extended for six months.

Fillable Form 7004 (2018)