Tax Forms for Individuals
The United States Internal Revenue Service requires that individuals file tax forms for various different types of economic activity. These forms can be printed out and filed as paper forms or filed online, using the IRS e-File option and FreeFile software. Below are listed some of the most important tax forms for individuals.
U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Form 1040 series):
If you are a United States citizen or have earned income in the United States, you need to file Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. Form 1040, depending on your individual circumstances, must be accompanied by various “schedules” (A through SE) detailing specific types of tax deduction. Non-resident aliens earning United States income file 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ.
Form 1040: Use if you have a taxable income of over $100,00 per year or will be itemizing deductions.
IRS Web Address: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf
Form 1040A (“short form”): Use if your income is under $100,000 and you are taking a standard deduction rather than itemizing
IRS Web Address: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040a.pdf
Form 1040EZ (“easy form”): Use if you no dependents and taxable income under $100,000 and are taking the standard deduction rather than itemizing
IRS Web Address: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040ez.pdf
Other Forms:
Form W-2: Employers send employees and the IRS W-2s.
Form 1099 Series: Payers send you and the IRS 1099s to report non-wage income.
Form 1098 Series: Institutions to which you paid mortgage or student loan interest or tuition or made certain types of charitable contribution send you the 1098.
Form 5498 Series: Institutions with whom you have an IRA, ESA, HSA or MSA (Individual Retirement, Health Savings, or Medical Savings Account) send you and the IRS 5498s.
Other Useful Internal Revenue Service Web Pages:
Free File:
http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html
Tax Information for Individuals:
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/
