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Keeping on Track
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