E-File Extension Form 15397 Online for Tax Year 2025
Easily request a one-time extension of 30 days to furnish recipient copies of information returns such as W-2, 1099, 1098, & more, for the 2025 tax year.
Running out of time to send recipient copies?
Request your 30-day extension instantly with our simple online filing. Get your extension approved with confidence.
E-File for just
$9.99
What is IRS Form 15397?
IRS Form 15397 is the IRS Application for Extension of Time to Furnish Recipient Statements. It allows issuers or transmitters to request a one-time 30-day extension to provide recipient copies of information returns. It includes Forms W-2, W-2G, 1042-S, 1095, 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, and 5498.
Who must file Form 15397?
Issuers or transmitters who need additional time to furnish recipient copies of certain information returns must file 15397 Form. This includes employers, payers, and financial institutions that cannot meet the original due date for providing W-2, 1099, 5498, or other covered statements. The form must be submitted by the deadline for furnishing those statements.
Forms You Can Extend Using Form 15397
A 30-day extension is available for furnishing recipient copies of the following information returns:
| List of Forms | |
|---|---|
| Form 1042-S | Form W-2 |
| Form 1095-B, Form 1095-C | Form 5498 |
| Form 1097, Form 1098, Form 1099, Form 3921, Form 3922, Form W-2G | Form 5498-ESA |
| Form 1099-NEC | Form 5498-QA |
| Form 1099-QA | 5498-SA |
How to File Form 15397 in 3 simple steps with TaxZerone?
Follow these steps to secure your 30-day extension in just a few clicks.
Enter Your Information
Provide the issuer’s/transmitter’s name, TIN, address, and contact details.
Select Forms for Extension
Choose the forms (W-2, 1099, 1098, 1095, 1097, etc.) and explain the reason for filing an extension.
Review & Submit
Verify the entered details and submit your form. You will receive confirmation once it is successfully transmitted.
Why choose TaxZerone?
Explore the powerful features of TaxZerone today!
Lightning Fast E-Filing
File your extension online in just a few minutes by following our form 15397 instructions. No printing. No paperwork.
Affordable Pricing
TaxZerone offers clear, transparent pricing with zero hidden charges. You can file without breaking the bank.
Smart Error Detection
TaxZerone's built-in error check will review your data to ensure your form doesn’t have any error and filed accurately.
ZeroneVault
You can easily share the recipient copies through ZeroneVault. It will allow you to send files securely.
Free Retransmission
If your extension request is ever rejected, you can retransmit it at no additional cost until the Internal Revenue Service accepts it.
Dedicated Customer Support
Our support team is always there to help you with any questions or filing issues or guidance throughout the process.
Common Mistakes on Form 15397
Don't let these errors delay your extension approval
❌ Incorrect or missing TIN
Providing wrong or incomplete Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) of issuers or transmitters.
❌ Not attaching the required list
When requesting an extension for multiple issuers or transmitters, not attaching a typed list of all names and TINs
❌ Missing signature
The IRS will not accept the request if the form is unsigned by an authorized person.
❌ Filing Form 15397 for each issuer
If you submit a separate Form 15397 for each request, you should not enter the total number of issuers.
❌ Requesting extensions for forms not covered
Form 15397 does not apply to certain information forms. So, filing an extension for these forms is a common error.
❌ Filing Too Early
Do not file Form 15397 before January 1st of the tax year, even if you know you'll need an extension.
Download Official IRS Form 15397 and Instructions
Access the IRS forms directly:
Ready to extend your information return recipient copy deadline?
E-file Form 15397 with TaxZerone today for easy filing and faster processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I am filing form 15397 for multiple issuers or transmitters?
2. Can I file Form 8809 instead of Form 15397?
No, you cannot file Form 8809 instead of Form 15397.
- Form 8809 (Extension of Time to File Information Returns) gives you additional time to submit information return forms to the IRS.
- Form 15397 (Extension of Time to Furnish Recipient Statements) gives you additional time to send copies of the forms to employees or recipients.
3. Difference between Form 15397 vs Form 8809?
| Category | Form 15397 | Form 8809 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | It extends the deadline to furnish recipient statements | It extends the deadline to file information returns with the IRS or SSA |
| Who Files | Issuers/transmitters who need more time to send copies to recipients | Filers need more time to submit returns to the IRS |
| Extension Length | One-time extension of up to 30 days | First extension: 30 days, Second extension: 30 days (available for all forms except Forms W-2 or 1099-NEC) |
| Method of Filing | E-File or Fax Only | E-File or Paper filing |
| What it does not cover | It does not extend IRS filing deadlines | It does not extend recipient furnishing deadlines |
| Applies To | Forms W-2, W-2G, 1042-S, 1095 series, 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, etc. (recipient copies) | Same as Form 15397 and includes Form 8027 |
4. What is the fax number for Form 15397?
The fax number of Form 15397 is;
Internal Revenue Service Technical Services Operation
Attn: Extension of Time Coordinator
877-477-0572 (International: 304-579-4105)
5. When should I file Form 15397?
You should file Form 15397 as soon as you know an extension is needed, but not before January 1st of the tax year. The form must be submitted by the original due date for furnishing the recipient's statements.
