[Networkmaine Logo]
E-Rate Home | Keeping on Track
Keeping on Track
| FY2024  | FY2025  | FY2026  |
Notices and Tasks for the Previous Funding Year:
FY2024 (7/1/24 - 6/30/25)
 
E-Rate Step 6: Filing for a Refund
  • FY2024File a Form 498 in EPC in preparation for receiving reimbursements via direct deposit
     Note: a new form is not required if you previously filed one and have an approved 498 ID
    •  
    Resource: [PDF]Form 498 How to Guide
    Constraints: you cannot file a BEAR form for FY2024 until you have an approved 498ID
    Deadline: before first FY2024 BEAR
  • FY2024File BEARs for reimbursements for products and services
    •  
    Resource: [PDF]Form 472 BEAR How to Guide
    Constraints: cannot be filed until a Form 486 is filed and you have an approved 498 ID
    Deadline: October 28, 2025

Notices and Tasks for the Current Funding Year:
FY2025 (7/1/25 - 6/30/26)
 
E-Rate Step 4: Funding Approval
E-Rate Step 5: Bill Payment
  • FY2025File a Form 486 in EPC to indicate the start of services
    •  
    Resource: UPDATED [PDF]FY2025 Form 486 How to Guide
    Constraints: cannot be filed until an FCDL has been issued
    Deadline: October 29, 2025 if FCDL is dated July 1, 2025 or earlier
    or
    120 days from date of FCDL if dated after July 1, 2025
E-Rate Step 6: Filing for a Refund
  • FY2025File a Form 498 in EPC in preparation for receiving reimbursements via direct deposit
     Note: a new form is not required if you previously filed one and have an approved 498 ID
    •  
    Resource: [PDF]Form 498 How to Guide
    Constraints: you cannot file a BEAR form for FY2025 until you have an approved 498ID
    Deadline: before first FY2025 BEAR
  • FY2025File BEARs for reimbursements for products and services
    •  
    Resource: [PDF]Form 472 BEAR How to Guide
    Constraints: cannot be filed until a Form 486 is filed and you have an approved 498 ID
    Deadline: October 28, 2026

Notices and Tasks for the Next Funding Year:
FY2026 (7/1/26 - 6/30/27)
 
E-Rate Step 1: Making a Plan
  • FY2026Make a plan and choose products and services for which you will seek E-Rate funding for the next
     funding year
  • FY2026File a Form 470 in EPC to identify desired products and services
    •  
    Resource: UPDATED [PDF]FY2026 Form 470 How to Guide
    Deadline: TBD until dates of FY2026 Form 471 Filing Window are announced
  • FY2026Next steps after filing the Form 470
  • FY2026Form 470 Wrap-Up Step 1: Selecting Vendors
    •  
    Constraints: before selecting a vendor, you must wait at least 28 days after the date the Form 470 is filed and the date the RFP is issued, whichever is later
  • FY2026Form 470 Wrap-Up Step 2: Signing Contracts
    •  
    Constraints: before signing a contract, you must wait at least 28 days after the date the Form 470 is filed and the date the RFP is issued, whichever is later

LEARN MORE For more information about the E-Rate process, see the E-Rate Application Process section or download the [PDF]E-Rate Overview resource.