Form 3921 PDF Download, Fillable, USPS Filing Options, Step-by-Step Example

Form 3921 PDF Download – In the world of tax reporting, staying compliant with IRS requirements is crucial for corporations handling employee stock options. If your company issues incentive stock options (ISOs), IRS Form 3921 plays a key role in documenting exercises of these options. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about downloading the fillable Form 3921 PDF, understanding filing options (including mailing via USPS), deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step example. Whether you’re a business owner, HR professional, or tax preparer, this article will help you navigate the process efficiently.

What is IRS Form 3921?

IRS Form 3921, titled “Exercise of an Incentive Stock Option Under Section 422(b),” is an information return used by corporations to report the transfer of stock to an employee or other person upon the exercise of an incentive stock option. This form ensures transparency in stock option transactions and helps the IRS track potential tax implications for recipients, such as alternative minimum tax (AMT) calculations.

The form is required for each transfer of stock resulting from an ISO exercise in a calendar year. It’s not a tax payment form but an informational document that corporations must file with the IRS and furnish to the transferee. Note that Form 3921 is distinct from Form 3922, which deals with employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs).

Who Needs to File Form 3921?

Corporations must file Form 3921 if they transfer stock to any person exercising an ISO under section 422(b) during the calendar year. The definition of “corporation” is broad and includes:

  • The issuing corporation.
  • Related corporations.
  • Agents or brokerage firms distributing shares.
  • Any party controlling employee remuneration payments.

An exception applies: No Form 3921 is needed for ISO exercises by nonresident aliens who don’t receive a Form W-2 from the corporation during the relevant period.

If you’re unsure whether your transaction qualifies, consult the IRS instructions or a tax advisor to avoid penalties.

How to Download the Fillable Form 3921 PDF?

Downloading the official Form 3921 PDF is straightforward from the IRS website. The latest revision is April 2025, applicable for tax year 2025 and beyond until superseded.

  1. Visit the IRS Forms and Publications page at irs.gov/forms-pubs.
  2. Search for “Form 3921” or directly access it at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f3921.pdf.

The IRS provides online fillable versions of Copies B and C for easier statement furnishing to recipients. These can be completed digitally using PDF software like Adobe Acrobat, then printed or emailed as needed. For Copy A (filed with the IRS), use the official form or approved substitutes.

Tip: Always download from irs.gov to ensure you’re using the most current version and avoid third-party sites that may charge fees or provide outdated forms.

Form 3921 Filing Options: Electronic vs. Paper (Including USPS Mailing)

You have two primary options for filing Form 3921: electronic or paper. The choice depends on the number of returns you’re filing and your preferences.

Electronic Filing

Electronic filing is mandatory if you file 10 or more information returns (aggregated across all types, like 1099s and 3921s) in a year. This threshold was lowered in 2023 and applies to returns due after January 1, 2024.

Use the IRS’s Information Reporting Intake System (IRIS), an online portal for e-filing. IRIS is free for eligible filers and supports bulk uploads. For more details, visit irs.gov/IRIS.

Paper Filing via USPS or Other Mail Services

If you file fewer than 10 returns, you can submit paper forms. Prepare Copy A of Form 3921 and transmit it with Form 1096 (Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns).

Mail to the appropriate IRS Submission Processing Center based on your principal business location:

Location (States/Territories) Mailing Address
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Vermont, Virginia Internal Revenue Service
Austin Submission Processing Center
P.O. Box 149213
Austin, TX 78714
Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming Department of the Treasury
IRS Submission Processing Center
P.O. Box 219256
Kansas City, MO 64121-9256
California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia Department of the Treasury
IRS Submission Processing Center
1973 North Rulon White Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84201
Outside the United States Internal Revenue Service
Austin Submission Processing Center
P.O. Box 149213
Austin, TX 78714

Use USPS certified mail or a designated private delivery service for proof of timely filing. Postmark dates count as filing dates if mailed on or before the deadline.

Key Deadlines for Form 3921

  • Furnish statements to recipients (Copies B and C): By February 2, 2026.
  • File with IRS (paper): March 2, 2026.
  • File with IRS (electronic): March 31, 2026.

If deadlines fall on weekends or holidays, they shift to the next business day. Extensions may be available via Form 8809, but they’re not automatic.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form 3921

Filling Form 3921 requires accurate details from the stock option exercise. Here’s how to complete each section:

  1. Transferor Information: Enter the corporation’s name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) in the top-left boxes.
  2. Transferee (Employee) Information: Provide the recipient’s name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN, usually SSN).
  3. Account Number: Include if the recipient has multiple accounts; otherwise, optional but recommended.
  4. Box 1 – Date Option Granted: Enter the grant date (MM/DD/YYYY).
  5. Box 2 – Date Option Exercised: Enter the exercise date (MM/DD/YYYY).
  6. Box 3 – Exercise Price Per Share: Enter the price per share paid (e.g., $50.00).
  7. Box 4 – Fair Market Value Per Share on Exercise Date: Enter the FMV on the exercise date (e.g., $100.00).
  8. Box 5 – Number of Shares Transferred: Enter the whole number of shares (e.g., 100).
  9. Box 6 – If Other Than Transferor: If the stock belongs to a different corporation, enter its name, address, and EIN.

Truncate the recipient’s TIN on statements (e.g., XXX-XX-1234) but not on IRS copies.

Step-by-Step Example: Filling Out Form 3921

Let’s use a hypothetical scenario based on IRS guidelines:

  • Scenario: TechCorp (EIN: 12-3456789, Address: 123 Main St, Anytown, USA) grants an ISO to employee Jane Smith (SSN: 987-65-4321, Address: 789 Oak Ln, Anytown, USA) on March 15, 2025. She exercises it on September 30, 2025, for 200 shares at $40 per share exercise price. FMV on exercise date: $80 per share.
  • Enter TechCorp’s details as transferor.
  • Enter Jane Smith’s name, address, and SSN.
  • Account Number: “ISO-2025-001”.
  • Box 1: 03/15/2025.
  • Box 2: 09/30/2025.
  • Box 3: 40.00.
  • Box 4: 80.00.
  • Box 5: 200.
  • Box 6: Leave blank (same corporation).

Print or save the filled form, furnish copies to Jane by February 2, 2026, and file with the IRS accordingly.

Potential Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to file or furnish Form 3921 can result in penalties ranging from $60 to $630 per form, depending on how late it is and whether it’s intentional. Additional fines apply for missing or incorrect TINs. Always verify information to avoid issues.

FAQs About Form 3921

  • Is Form 3921 taxable? No, it’s informational; recipients may owe AMT.
  • Can I e-file fewer than 10 forms? Yes, but paper is also an option.
  • What if I make a mistake? File corrected forms promptly.

For personalized advice, consult a tax professional.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure smooth compliance with IRS rules for Form 3921. Download the form today and stay ahead of your filing obligations.