If you struggle to get your payroll and employer tax information organized and reported in a timely fashion, you may need to e-file extensions or corrections to get your business square with the IRS. Whether you’re up against a deadline and running out of time or you’ve filed the wrong information or form due to an accounting error, the exact steps you want to take are slightly different depending on whether you’re e-filing or submitting a paper form. In some cases, paper forms must be used. Moreover, some of the rules have been changed recently.
There are numerous situations that can require an extension or correction, and one of the reasons can be inadequate software support. With Advanced Micro Solutions (AMS), you can get standalone form filing software or a comprehensive payroll suite. This includes support for Form 8809 (application for extension) and 941-X for corrections to payroll reporting and payments. With this in mind, we wanted to give our business customers and accounting professionals an easy way to understand the rules for e-file corrections and extensions.
How to E-File Extensions
More than a dozen changes were made to the IRS rules for the “Electronic Filing of Forms.” Several of these changes pertained to new restrictions on e-file extensions:
- Requests for an Extension of Time for Form W-2 must be submitted on paper Form 8809.
- Requests for an Additional Extension of Time must be submitted on paper Form 8809.
- Extension of Time for Recipient Copies of Information Returns must be requested on paper.
It’s also worth noting that the new filing deadline (Jan. 31st) for non-employee compensation on Form 1099-MISC also applies to filing for an extension for non-employee compensation. Otherwise, it’s still the case that the basic steps and forms when applying for an Extension of Time to File are the same, whether e-filing or using paper forms. You can find all the common forms for getting an extension, including Form 8809.
How to E-File Corrections
Here, the story is even easier: You can typically follow the same guidelines for making corrections whether using paper forms or electronically filing. Most people simply follow the same process as the original copies. The instructions for filing corrections with the IRS are designed this way. Likewise, as with other forms, if you’re filing more than 250 corrections, the IRS requires you to file electronically. You can find the rules for e-file corrections in Part F of the General Instructions for Certain Information Returns. You can also find a more complete explanation in IRS Pub 1220.
E-File Software from AMS
So, while there are a few turns in the road you need to watch out for, the biggest piece of the puzzle is having the kind of versatile software solution that allows you to e-file extensions and corrections with the IRS. Even the most powerful software can’t prepare and file payroll forms for you—at least not until you’ve set up the system and import/input all the relevant data. Whether it’s W-2, 1099, 941, or other form filing information, our business customers can need to complete extensions and corrections just like any other. From our Sales and Information team, tech support line, email communications, Live Chat feature, and online filing information, you’ll always have easy access to customer support with AMS. Don’t wait any longer to check out our E-File Software.