What Are 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ Forms? U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns

When it’s time to pay taxes in the United States, you’ll likely use a form called the 1040. It’s the main form used by individuals to file their income tax returns with the IRS. There are different versions of this form, including the 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ. Let’s break down what each one is for and how they are used.

Form 1040

The Form 1040 is the standard Federal Income Tax Form that individuals use to report their gross income—the total income they’ve earned over the year. It’s where you report things like your salary, dividends, and capital gains. Anyone can use this form, regardless of the complexity of their taxes.

Form 1040A

This is a simplified version of the 1040. It’s shorter than the standard 1040 and was designed for people with fewer types of income to report. However, it’s important to note that as of the 2018 tax year, the IRS has discontinued the 1040A, so it’s no longer an option. This change was made to help simplify the tax filing process, incorporating the simpler needs into the revised 1040 form.

Form 1040EZ

The 1040EZ was the easiest version of the 1040, and filers with very straightforward tax situations used it. Like the 1040A, the IRS discontinued the 1040EZ after the 2018 tax year.

Who Needs to File These Forms?

Anyone earning income over a certain threshold will need to file a Form 1040 with the IRS. This includes wages from a job, earnings from self-employment, and even some types of government benefits.

How Do These Forms Work?

Filing your taxes involves filling out the 1040 form with your financial information for the year. This includes your income, possible deductions, and credits. Once filled out, the form tells you how much tax you owe or how much of a refund you can expect to receive.

How to File Your 1040 Form

You can file your 1040 form in several ways:

Electronically: Using tax software, you can fill out your 1040 and submit it directly to the IRS online. This is the fastest way to get your refund.

By Mail: You can also fill out your form manually and mail it to the IRS. This process is slower.

With Professional Help: If your taxes are complex or you’re unsure how to file them, you might want to seek help from a tax professional.

How Local Tax Can Help

At Local Tax, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses with their tax needs, including sorting out any 1099 forms you might have. If you’re self-employed or have other non-wage income, you’ll likely deal with a 1099 form. Our team is here to help you understand and manage this.

Visit us at:

Local Tax

Address:
9429 Somerset Blvd.
Bellflower, CA 90706

Contact:
Office: (562) 925-2203

Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Weekends

Whether you need help filing your taxes, understanding your tax forms, or managing 1040s, Local Tax is ready to assist. Drop by our office or give us a call during our business hours. We’re here to make tax season as easy as possible for you!