Information Return Extension Requests Can No Longer Be Filed on Paper if Filing on Behalf of Multiple Taxpayers

The IRS has issued a May 2011 version of Form 8809, Application for Extension of Time To File Information Returns. The form is used to request an extension of time to file any of the following forms: W-2, W-2G, 1042-S, 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498, and 8027. The form can now only be filed on paper if the request is for one filer. Previously, the form could be filed on paper by payers/transmitters requesting extensions of time to file information returns for 10 or fewer payers. Form 8809 can also be filed: (1) by completing a fill-in Form 8809 online through the FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically) system; or (2) electronically through the FIRE system in a file formatted according to the specifications in IRS Publication 1220.