internal revenue service tax forms Archives

In discussing which of the free tax forms you should use, we mentioned that the IRS has stopped mailing out paper tax packages. Because of this, tracking down Internal Revenue Service tax forms can be a bit of a chore.

Thankfully, the Internal Revenue Service tax forms and publications can be found in a number of places for your convenience. So when it comes time for you to file an income tax return, you’ll be ready.

The IRS recently released a bulletin outlining four easy ways to track down these free tax forms:

How To Find Internal Revenue Service Tax Forms

On the Internet – You can access forms and publications on the IRS website 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Taxpayer Assistance Centers – There are 401 TACs across the country where IRS offers face-to-face assistance to taxpayers, and where taxpayers can pick up many IRS forms and publications. Visit the IRS website and go to Contact My Local Office on the Individuals page to find a list of TAC locations by state. On the Contact My Local Office page, you can also select TAC Site Search and enter your zip code to find the IRS walk-in office nearest you as well as a list of the services available at specific offices.

At Convenient Locations in Your Community – During the tax filing season, many libraries and post offices offer free tax forms to taxpayers. Some libraries also have copies of commonly requested publications. Many large grocery stores, copy centers and office supply stores have forms you can photocopy or print from a CD.

By Mail – You can call 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm local time – except Alaska and Hawaii which follow Pacific time – to order current year forms, instructions and publications as well as prior year forms and instructions by mail. You will receive your order by mail, usually within 10 days.

Of course, if you come to KNS Financial for tax preparation, then you won’t have to worry about finding free tax forms!

Be sure you are aware of the tax filing delay, as well as the fact that the tax filing deadline has been extended this year. Also, you should know the IRA Contribution Limits, 401k Contribution Limits, and the Income Tax Rates for 2011!

photo by Arvind Balaraman

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Choose The Simplest Free Tax Forms For Your Situation

In order to file a tax return, you will have to determine which form to use (unless you decide to e-file). Since the IRS is no longer mailing out paper tax packages to taxpayers, the choice will become that much more difficult!

Because of this, the IRS has released the following guidelines to follow in order to determine which option is best for your tax situation when looking at the free tax forms:

What To Look For When Choosing Your Free Tax Forms

Use the 1040EZ if:

Your taxable income is below $100,000
Your filing status is Single or Married Filing Jointly
You and your spouse – if married — are under age 65 and not blind
You are not claiming any dependents
Your interest income is $1,500 or less

Use the 1040A if:

Your taxable income is below $100,000
You have capital gain distributions
You claim certain tax credits
You claim adjustments to income for IRA contributions and student loan interest

If you cannot use the 1040EZ or the 1040A, you’ll probably need to file using the 1040. Among the reasons you must use the 1040 are:

Your taxable income is $100,000 or more
You claim itemized deductions
You are reporting self-employment income
You are reporting income from sale of property

Now that you know what to look for, here is a link to get the Internal Revenue Service Tax Forms that you need. If you don’t want to deal with the headache of checking these figures, then be sure to contact us for tax preparation!

If you are brave enough to prepare your own income tax return, then I would recommend using TurboTax – this software will actually choose the correct paperwork for you!