IRS Form 8752 – Required Payment or Refund Under Section 7519 – For partnerships and S corporations opting for a fiscal tax year, balancing operational needs with IRS compliance is crucial—especially when it comes to deferring income without triggering undue penalties. IRS Form 8752, “Required Payment or Refund Under Section 7519,” is the key tool for calculating and reporting these required payments, which approximate the deferred tax benefit from using a non-required tax year. As of 2025, with stable tax rates and no major legislative shifts under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act extensions, this form ensures equitable treatment while allowing flexibility for seasonal businesses like farming or retail partnerships.
This SEO-optimized guide, informed by the latest IRS updates, demystifies Form 8752 for tax year 2025. From eligibility to filing deadlines (May 15, 2026, for applicable election years starting in 2025), we’ll cover step-by-step instructions, common pitfalls, and strategies to minimize payments. Whether you’re a new elector or seeking a refund, proper use can prevent interest charges and support cash flow. Access the 2025 draft form and instructions at IRS.gov/Form8752.

What Is IRS Form 8752?
IRS Form 8752 enables partnerships and S corporations with a Section 444 election to compute the “required payment” under IRC Section 7519. This payment offsets the tax deferral advantage gained by using a fiscal year-end other than the required calendar year, preventing owners from indefinitely postponing personal income tax on deferred earnings. It’s essentially an interest-free deposit with the IRS, refundable upon termination of the election or applied against future obligations.
Core aspects include:
- Required Payment Calculation: Based on net income from the prior “base year” (the tax year immediately preceding the applicable election year), taxed at the highest individual marginal rate (37% for 2025).
- Net Prior Year Balance: Tracks cumulative payments minus refunds, reducing future liabilities.
- Refunds: Available after April 15 or 90 days post-filing, whichever is later, for overpayments or terminating events like entity dissolution.
For 2025, the form remains unchanged from 2024, with the draft revision dated December 2025 emphasizing timely filing even for zero payments. File separately from Form 1065 or 1120-S—do not attach.
Who Must File IRS Form 8752 in 2025?
Partnerships and S corporations must file Form 8752 if they:
- Have a Section 444 election in effect for an “applicable election year” (the fiscal year starting in 2025).
- Elected a fiscal tax year via Form 8716 (e.g., September 30 or June 30 end) that defers income by more than three months from the calendar year.
- Seek a refund of net prior year payments or report a zero required payment.
Exemptions:
- Personal service corporations (PSCs)—use Schedule H (Form 1120) instead.
- Entities without a Section 444 election (i.e., using the required calendar year).
- Short base years (<12 months) still require filing but note the condition on the form.
Even with no payment due, file by May 15, 2026, for election years beginning in 2025. Failure incurs penalties under Section 6651 (up to 25% of unpaid amount). New electors: Your first Form 8752 is due May 15 following the election year’s start.
Understanding Section 7519: The Deferral Penalty Mechanism
Section 7519, enacted under the Revenue Act of 1987, levels the playing field by approximating deferred tax on income allocable to the deferral period (typically the first three months of the fiscal year). For 2025:
- Applicable Rate: 37% (highest individual bracket) applied to deferral ratio × base year net income.
- Deferral Period: Difference between fiscal and calendar year-ends (max three months for eligible elections).
- Base Year: Prior tax year (e.g., for election year Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026, base is Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025).
- No Deductibility: Payments aren’t business expenses but are creditable against future taxes.
This provision supports fiscal alignment for industries with seasonal cycles but requires annual reconciliation to avoid IRS notices.
How to Complete IRS Form 8752: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Prepare by reviewing base year financials from Form 1065/1120-S, including Schedule K adjustments. Use the draft 2025 form for accuracy; tax software like Lacerte or ProSeries automates ratios.
Header and Basic Information
- Name/Address/EIN: Enter partnership/S corp details; check Box A for entity type.
- Tax Year Ending: Specify base year end (e.g., “09/30/2025”).
- Short Base Year Box: Check if <12 months.
Part I: Required Payment (Lines 1–9b)
- Line 1: Base year net income (from Form 1065 line 8 or 1120-S line 3; attach computation if needed).
- Line 2: Multiply line 1 by deferral ratio (e.g., 0.25 for three-month deferral).
- Line 3: Multiply line 2 by 37% (2025 rate).
- Line 4: Maximum payment cap (line 2 × 37%, but limited by section rules).
- Line 5: Subtract net prior year payments (from prior Form 8752 line 10).
- Line 6: Required payment for year (line 4 – 5, if positive).
- Lines 7–9a: Adjustments for short years or prior overpayments.
- Line 9b: Total required payment (attach to return if >$0).
Example: Base year income $400,000, three-month deferral (ratio 0.25), net prior balance $5,000. Deferral income: $100,000; tentative payment: $37,000; required: $32,000 ($37,000 – $5,000).
Part II: Net Prior Year Payments (Lines 10–12)
- Line 10: Cumulative prior payments.
- Line 11: Cumulative prior refunds.
- Line 12: Net balance (line 10 – 11); if refund due, enter negative.
Part III: Refund for Terminating Events
- Check box and skip to lines 10–12 if dissolving or revoking election; full refund of net balance.
Include payment via check (payable to “United States Treasury”) or EFTPS. Mail to IRS Ogden, UT, or e-file if eligible.
Key Changes to IRS Form 8752 for 2025
The 2025 form (Rev. December 2025) introduces no structural changes, aligning with 2024 revisions. Stable elements:
- 37% Rate: Unchanged from TCJA; no inflation adjustments.
- Filing Deadline: May 15, 2026, for 2025-starting years.
- Refund Timing: Post-April 15, 2026, or 90 days after filing.
Monitor IRS.gov for late notices, as IRM updates (e.g., July 2025) refine processing but don’t alter taxpayer requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form 8752
- Incorrect Deferral Ratio: Use exact months (e.g., Sept. 30 year-end = 3/12 = 0.25); errors inflate payments.
- Forgetting Zero Filings: Mandatory even if no payment—omission triggers CP286 notices.
- Base Year Miscalculation: Include all K-1 adjustments; short years require pro-rating.
- Late Submission: May 15 deadline is firm; extensions via Form 7004 don’t apply.
- Non-Deductible Oversight: Don’t claim as expense on returns.
Consult IRS Publication 538 for year-end rules.
Tips for Partnerships and S Corporations Filing Form 8752 in 2025
- Elect Strategically: File Form 8716 by election year start for fiscal alignment; retroactive relief limited.
- Track Cumulative Balances: Maintain records of prior Forms 8752 to minimize current payments.
- Terminate for Refunds: Revoke via statement with final 1065/1120-S for full net balance recovery.
- Use Software Integration: Link to partnership returns for auto-populated income data.
- Plan for Mergers: Structural changes (e.g., acquisitions) may trigger refunds—document per Section 7519(d).
- Seek CPA Guidance: For complex deferrals or multi-entity groups.
These steps can turn compliance into a deferral advantage.
Final Thoughts: Streamline Section 7519 Compliance with IRS Form 8752 in 2025
IRS Form 8752 isn’t just a formality—it’s a safeguard for fiscal year flexibility, ensuring partnerships and S corporations pay their deferral “dues” without derailing operations. By filing accurately by May 15, 2026, you’ll avoid penalties and potentially unlock refunds, keeping more capital in your business.
For the official 2025 Form 8752 and instructions, visit IRS.gov/Form8752. Navigating elections or terminations? A tax professional can optimize your strategy. Review your Section 444 status today—2025 fiscal planning starts now.
IRS Form 8752 Download and Printable
Download and Print: IRS Form 8752








