There are a lot of different types of tax forms out there and sometimes this can seem overwhelming.  The following is a description of some of the different kinds of tax forms you might use when filing your taxes.  You can read through this checklist to determine which forms are right for you.

(You can click on the forms on this page and print them out if you are using a computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader software.  This software is free and is fairly easy to download--click on the form you want and downloading instructions will appear.  If you are using a public computer, however, downloading this software may not be an option and you should go to your local federal building for the necessary tax forms.)

To file your tax return, you must use one of three forms - Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A, or Form 1040.
 

FORM 1040EZ - Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents

As its name suggests, Form 1040EZ is the easiest form to use.  You can use Form 1040EZ if all of the following apply:

You must meet all of these requirements to use Form 1040EZ.  If you do not, you must use Form 1040A or Form 1040.
 

FORM 1040A - U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

If you do not qualify to use Form 1040EZ, you may be able to use Form 1040A.  You can use Form 1040A if:

If you do not meet all of the above requirements, you cannot use Form 1040A.
 

If you cannot use Form 1040EZ or Form 1040A, you must use Form 1040.  You can use Form 1040 to report all types of income, deductions, and credits, including those you cannot put on either Form 1040EZ or Form 1040A.

Some other tax forms you may need to use are described below:

Schedule EIC - Earned Income Credit

Use the Schedule EIC when you are claiming the Earned Income Credit and have qualifying children.  The Schedule EIC is a short form which asks for information about your qualifying child/children.  You will need your child/ren's social security number and year of birth to complete this form.  The Schedule EIC must accompany Form 1040A or 1040 if you wish to claim your children for EIC purposes.
 

Form 4868 - Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

If you cannot file your tax return by April 15, you may be able to get an automatic 4-month extension of time to file.  You can apply for this extension of time by filing Form 4868 with the IRS by April 15.
 

Form 1040X - Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

You can use this form to correct the Form 1040, Form 1040A, or Form 1040EZ you have already filed.  Use Form 1040X if you...

Form W-7 - Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

If your dependent is a resident or nonresident alien who does not have and is not eligible to get a Social Security Number, the IRS will issue your dependent an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).  You can use Form W-7 to apply for an ITIN.  An ITIN can be used for general tax purposes only.  It cannot be used to claim the Earned Income Credit, nor can it be used for social security benefits.  An ITIN does not change employment or immigration status.  It usually takes about 30 days to get an ITIN.
 

Form 9465 - Installment Agreement Request

If you cannot pay the full amount due with your return, you can ask to make monthly installment payments.  However, you will be charged interest and may be charged a late payment penalty on the tax not paid by April 15, even if your request to pay in installments is granted.  If your request is granted, you must also pay a fee.  To limit the interest and penalty charges, pay as much of the tax as possible with your return.  The IRS suggests checking out other, less costly agreements (such as bank loans) before requesting an installment agreement.

It IS possible to have some or all of the interest and penalties attached to your return removed if you can prove reasonable cause (poverty, prison, drug or alcohol addiction, etc.).  It is advisable to contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if you feel this applies to you and you would like further information.
 

Form 656 - Offer in Compromise

The IRS may compromise a tax liability if there is doubt as to whether or not the assessed tax is correct or if there is doubt that you can ever pay the full amount of the tax owed.  While the IRS considers your offer, collection activities will be put on hold.  This does not apply if there is indication that you submitted your offer to delay collection or if a delay will jeopardize the IRS's ability to collect the tax.  If you currently have an installment agreement when you submit your offer, you must continue to make the agreed upon monthly payments while the IRS considers your offer.
 

Form 4506 - Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form

Use Form 4506 if you need information reported on your W-2 forms.  You can also get verification of non filing by using Form 4506.  You can also use Form 4506 to ask for a transcript of your return filed this year or during the 3 preceding years.  It will show most lines from your original return, including forms and schedules.  This information is available to you free of charge.

If you need a copy of a prior year tax return, you can get it by filing Form 4506.  There is a $23 charge for each copy of a return, which you must pay when you file Form 4506.
 

The forms listed above are some of the more common tax forms used.  There are many other tax forms available, however.  If you feel none of these forms applies to your situation, please go to a VITA site or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for help.

Do you have any additional questions?  Any comments?  Suggestions?  We're eager to hear your feedback!  Email us at mfinn@sfbar.org.