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What is the Form 843?

What is the Form 843?

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Pilot Team
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Published: 
May 5, 2023
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What is the Form 843?

Form 843 is a tax document issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that allows taxpayers to claim a refund for certain assessed taxes or request abatement of interest or penalties applied in error.Form 843 is a tax document issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that allows taxpayers to claim a refund for certain assessed taxes or request abatement of interest or penalties applied in error. In this article, we'll provide you with the exact steps for filling out Form 843 and other important information.

Here's a summary of the type of information included in Form 843:

  • Personal information, such as name, address, and SSN or EIN
  • Tax period and type of tax or fee involved
  • Amount of the claim or request
  • Information about assessed penalties, interest, or additions to tax
  • Detailed explanation of the reasons for filing the claim or request
  • Computation of the credit, refund, or abatement
  • Supporting documentation, if required

Who needs to file the Form 843?

Form 843 is typically filed by taxpayers who believe they have been incorrectly charged penalties, interest, or additional taxes by the IRS. This can include individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. However, there are certain exceptions where Form 843 cannot be used to request a refund or abatement. These exceptions include:

  • Requests for refund of income, estate, or gift taxes
  • Requests for refund of taxes withheld on wages (Form 843 should not be used for this purpose; instead, use Form 1040X)
  • Requests for refund of taxes paid on partnership items (Form 843 should not be used for this purpose; instead, use Form 1065X)
  • Requests for refund of taxes paid on S corporation items (Form 843 should not be used for this purpose; instead, use Form 1120S)
  • Requests for refund of taxes paid on certain excise taxes (Form 843 should not be used for this purpose; instead, use Form 8849)

Essential updates to the Form 843

In recent updates to Form 843, taxpayers should be aware of the following changes:

  • The IRS has revised the form and its instructions to clarify the types of claims that can be made using Form 843. This includes specifying the exceptions where Form 843 cannot be used, as mentioned in the previous section.
  • Form 843 now requires taxpayers to provide a more detailed explanation of the reasons for filing the claim or request, including any relevant facts and legal arguments supporting their position.
  • The IRS has updated the form to include a new section for taxpayers to provide a computation of the credit, refund, or abatement they are requesting. This helps ensure that the taxpayer has calculated the correct amount and provides the IRS with the necessary information to process the claim.
  • Form 843 now includes a checkbox for taxpayers to indicate if they are requesting a refund or abatement of penalties due to reasonable cause. This simplifies the process for taxpayers who are seeking relief from penalties based on a reasonable cause argument.

It's important for taxpayers to stay informed about any updates to tax forms, including Form 843, to ensure they are filing the correct forms and providing the necessary information to the IRS.

2024 Form 843 filing deadlines

When filing Form 843, taxpayers must adhere to specific deadlines. Generally, a claim for a credit or refund must be filed within three years from the date the original return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. It's important to note that a separate Form 843 must be filed for each type of tax or fee, and for each tax year. If a claim is not filed within the specified time frame, the taxpayer may no longer be entitled to a credit or refund.

Exact deadline dates for 2024

When filing Form 843, taxpayers must adhere to specific deadlines based on their individual situation and the type of tax or fee involved. The due dates for Form 843 are as follows:

  • Generally, a claim for a credit or refund must be filed within three years from the date the original return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later.
  • There are exceptions for certain claims, such as requesting an abatement or refund of a penalty or addition to tax as a result of written advice.

It's important to note that these deadlines may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each taxpayer.

Form 843 late payment penalty

Failure to file Form 843 on time or underreporting your tax liability can result in IRS penalties. It's crucial to ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and file Form 843 within the required deadlines. If you discover an error on a previously filed tax return or need to amend it, you must use the tax form that corresponds to the tax return previously filed to make an adjustment or claim a refund or abatement of FICA tax, RRTA tax, or income tax withholding.

Step-by-Step Instructions for IRS Form 843

Part I: Identification

  • Line 1: Prepare a separate Form 843 for each tax period or fee year.
  • Line 2: Enter the amount you are claiming for refund or abatement.
  • Line 3: Indicate the type of tax or fee for which you are filing this claim.
  • Line 4: If your claim involves a penalty, enter the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section that applies.

Part II: Interest, Penalties, Additions to Tax

  • Line 5a: Check the appropriate box for your reason for requesting a refund or abatement.
    • Interest was assessed as a result of IRS errors or delays.
    • A penalty or addition to tax was the result of erroneous written advice from the IRS.
    • Reasonable cause or another reason under the law for not assessing a penalty or addition to tax.
  • Line 5b: Enter the date(s) of payment(s) for which you are requesting a refund or abatement.

Part III: Type of Return, Notice, or Agreement

  • Line 6: Indicate the type of return, notice, or agreement related to the tax, interest, penalty, or addition to tax.

Part IV: Explanation

  • Line 7: Provide a detailed explanation of why the claim or request should be allowed. Include computations if necessary. Attach additional sheets if more space is needed.

Signing and Completing the Form

  • Ensure that the form is signed by the taxpayer. If it is related to a joint return, both spouses must sign.
  • If the form is filed by a corporation, it must be signed by an authorized corporate officer.

Additional Instructions

  • Attachments: Attach any other necessary documentation or schedules that support your claim.
  • Filing Location: Mail the completed form to the IRS address specified for Form 843 claims in the instructions.
  • Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice: Review these details to understand your rights and obligations with regard to the provided information.

How to file Form 843

Form 843 must be filed by mail, as there is no online filing option available. The mailing address for Form 843 depends on the specific situation and reason for filing the form.

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