Choosing the right tax form
Form 1040EZ (the shortest tax form)
You can use Form 1040EZ, the shortest and easiest federal tax form, if:- Your total income is under $100,000
- Your interest income is under $1,500
- You have income only from wages, interest, unemployment compensation, and Alaska Permanent Fund dividends
- You and your spouse are under 65 years old
- Your filing status is single or married filing jointly.
- You do not have any adjustments to income
- You are claiming only the standard deduction
- You may claim the Earned Income Credit
- You are not claiming any other tax credits
Form 1040A (the short form)
Most taxpayers qualify to use Form 1040A, often called the "short form." This form allows you to claim the most common adjustments to income.- Your total income is under $100,000
- Any age, any filing status
- You have income from wages, interest, dividends, capital gain distributions, IRA or pension distributions, unemployment compensation, or Social Security benefits
- You can claim the following adjustments to income: penalty for early withdrawal of savings, IRA contributions, student loan interest, and jury duty pay given to your employer
- You can claim the following tax credits: Child and dependent care credit, Credit for the elderly and disabled, Education credits, Retirement savings contributions credit, Child tax credit, and Earned income credit.
More Form 1040A resources:
Form 1040 (the long form)
Any taxpayer can use Form 1040. Even though it takes longer to fill out, Form 1040 can handle any tax situation no matter how complex. You must use Form 1040 if:- You have income of $100,000 or more
- You are itemizing your deductions (such as mortgage interest or charity)
- You have income from a rental, business, farm, S-corporation, partnership, or trust
- You have foreign wages, paid foreign taxes, or are claiming tax treaty benefits
- You sold stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or property
- You are claiming adjustments to income for educator expenses, tuition and fees, moving expenses, or health savings accounts.
More Form 1040 resources:
Other IRS Forms You Might Need
In addition to filing your annual tax form, you also may need to file other documents with the IRS or Treasury Department.Gift Tax
You'll need to file Form 709, United States Gift Tax Return, if you gave more than $12,000 during the year to individual. Links to Form 709 (PDF), IRS Instructions, and an overview of Gift Taxes. The gift tax return is due on the same day as your Form 1040. Usually this is April 15, or October 15 if you request an automatic 6-month extension.
Foreign Bank Accounts
You must file TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts, if you have more than $10,000 in foreign banks, brokerage accounts, or other financial institutions. Links to
TD F 90-22.1 (PDF Form and Instructions) and overview of Reporting Foreign Bank Accounts. The foreign bank account report is filed directly with the US Treasury Department, and is due June 30.
Additional Help in Preparing Tax Forms
Find IRS Tax Forms and InstructionsShould You E-File or Paper File?
Need to Correct a Mistake? Use Form 1040X
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