edgar.tools / SEC forms

SEC form types, explained

The SEC receives hundreds of form types, but a handful carry almost all of the signal. Each guide below explains one form in plain language — what it is, who files it, the deadline, and what to read first — and pairs the explanation with the live stream of real filings of that form, as they are accepted by EDGAR. Live data, free, no login.

FormWhat it isDeadline
Form 8-K8-K4 business days after the event
Form 10-K10-K60–90 days after fiscal year-end, by filer size
Form 10-Q10-Q40–45 days after quarter end, by filer size
Form 4Form 42 business days after the transaction

Looking for a form that isn't here yet? The live filing stream covers every type, and the 8-K item codes reference decodes the most event-driven one.