The IRS recently published Form 15397, Application for Extension of Time to Furnish Recipient Statements. This is the first iteration of the form and is meant to replace the previous procedure for requesting an extension of time to furnish recipient statements. That process is detailed in the General Instructions for Certain Information Returns and involves faxing a letter to the IRS Technical Services Operations office with information about the payer, form type, and the reason for the delay warranting an extension. Form 15397 stands in the place of that letter, with one notable exception: the filer must select from one of five predetermined reasons for requesting an extension which are similar in severity to the reasons for delay when requesting an extension using Form 8809. The process detailed in the previously mentioned General Instructions did not outline specific reasons for requesting an extension of time to furnish recipient copies.
Notably, this form and related change in process is not presently detailed in the General Instructions for Certain Information Returns publication from the IRS. While an update to this publication is likely forthcoming, taxpayers seeking an extension of time to furnish recipient statements should use Form 15397 going forward.
To review this form in its entirety, click here to visit the IRS online.
