PCORI Fee Late Filing: Penalties If You Miss the July 31 Deadline
When the PCORI fee is actually due
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee — IRS No. 133 — is reported once a year on the second-quarter Form 720, due July 31 of the year following the end of the plan year. For plan years ending in 2025, that means July 31, 2026. If July 31 lands on a weekend or holiday, the deadline rolls to the next business day.
The two penalties (and interest)
| Charge | Typical rate |
|---|---|
| Failure to file (late return) | 5% of unpaid tax / month, up to 25% |
| Failure to pay (late payment) | 0.5% of unpaid tax / month |
| Interest | Accrues on the balance until paid |
When both the failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties apply in the same month, the failure-to-file penalty is generally reduced by the failure-to-pay amount for that month. Because the PCORI fee is often small relative to a full Form 720 liability, the dollar penalties may be modest — but the return is still required, and interest keeps running.
If you already missed July 31
- File now. Prepare and e-file the past-due Q2 Form 720 — the failure-to-file penalty stops accruing once the return is filed.
- Pay the fee. Pay the PCORI amount with the return to stop the failure-to-pay penalty and limit interest.
- Request abatement if you qualify. If you had reasonable cause, or you're otherwise compliant and eligible for First-Time Abate, ask the IRS to remove the penalty.
Getting the penalty removed
The IRS can abate penalties for reasonable cause (circumstances beyond your control, with documentation) and, separately, under the First-Time Abate program for filers with a clean recent compliance history. Abatement is requested — it isn't automatic — and interest generally is not abated even when a penalty is. To avoid the whole issue next year, see our 2026 Form 720 due-date calendar.
FAQ
What is the penalty for filing the PCORI fee late?▼
Two penalties can apply. The failure-to-file penalty is generally 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. The failure-to-pay penalty is generally 0.5% of the unpaid tax per month, also building toward a cap. Interest accrues on the unpaid balance from the due date until paid.
I missed July 31. What should I do now?▼
File the second-quarter Form 720 and pay the PCORI fee as soon as possible — penalties and interest keep accruing until you do, so filing late is far better than waiting. EasyFile720 still lets you prepare and e-file a past-due Q2 return.
Can the PCORI fee penalty be removed?▼
Possibly. If you have reasonable cause for filing late, you can request penalty abatement. First-time filers with a clean compliance history may also qualify for the IRS First-Time Abate program. Abatement is requested from the IRS — it is not automatic.
Are EFTPS deposits required for the PCORI fee?▼
No. The PCORI fee (IRS No. 133) is a Part II tax paid with the second-quarter Form 720 by July 31 — semimonthly EFTPS deposits are not required, unlike most Part I excise taxes.
File a past-due PCORI fee now
EasyFile720 prepares and e-files the Q2 Form 720 for IRS No. 133 — current or past due — and applies the correct $3.84 / $3.47 rate automatically.
Penalty rates reflect the general IRC §6651 failure-to-file and failure-to-pay rules and the Instructions for Form 720 (Rev. June 2026). General information, not tax advice. Confirm your specific penalty exposure and any abatement request with a qualified advisor or the IRS.
