Tax Guides
A Guide to Commonly Used IRS Tax Forms
Filing your taxes can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with complex IRS forms and confusing instructions. In the United States, it requires working with various Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax forms, most of which are now available as PDF documents. Whether you are an individual taxpayer, freelancer, student, or retiree, understanding which IRS forms you need and how to fill, sign, or edit them correctly is essential for a smooth annual tax return process.
This guide provides a clear overview of the commonly used IRS tax forms, including forms you file and forms you receive, along with tips on managing them efficiently using PDF tools. PDF Editify can make the entire process much easier and more efficient.
What Are IRS Tax Forms?
IRS tax forms are official documents issued by the Internal Revenue Service that taxpayers use to report their income, calculate their tax liability, and claim deductions or credits. These forms serve as the foundation of the U.S. tax system and are required by law for individuals, businesses, and organizations to file annually.
Having access to editable and fillable IRS tax forms PDF files allows taxpayers to complete, sign, and submit their information without printing paperwork.
Forms You File (Tax Returns and Attachments)
For reporting different types of income, expenses, and other financial information, there are thousand IRS tax forms. These are some of the forms you actively complete and submit to the IRS as part of your annual tax return.
Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return)
This is the primary US Individual Tax Return that most individual taxpayers use to file their annual tax returns. Form 1040 allows you to report your income, deductions, calculate your tax liability, and determine whether you owe additional taxes or are entitled to a refund.
Common uses:
- Reporting wages, self-employment income, and investments
- Claiming tax credits and deductions
- Calculating tax owed or refund
Form 1040-SR (Senior Tax Return)
1040 and 1040-SR serve the same purpose, but Form 1040-SR is designed specifically for taxpayers aged 65 and older. It features larger text and a simplified layout while allowing reporting of retirement income, such as Social Security benefits.
Form 1040EZ (Discontinued)
IRS Form 1040EZ was discontinued after the 2017 tax year and is no longer used for current tax filings. Previously used for simple tax returns, Form 1040EZ has been phased out. Taxpayers who once used it now file a standard Form 1040.
Form 1040A (Discontinued)
Like 1040EZ, Form 1040A is no longer in use. All taxpayers now rely on Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) or, if age 65 or older, Form 1040-SR.
Form 1040 Schedules
Schedules are attachments that provide detailed information supporting Form 1040. According to the IRS, the following attachments are the most common:
- Schedule 1 (Form 1040) - Additional Income and Adjustments
Schedule 1 (Form 1040) is used to report types of income and adjustments that are not included directly on Form 1040 or 1040-SR. If you earned income beyond wages or need to adjust your gross income, this schedule must be completed and attached to your US Individual Tax Return. This supplemental form helps you report additional income sources and claim various adjustments to your income, such as educator expenses and student loan interest deductions. Access the Schedule 1 template on PDF Editify.
- Schedule 2 (Form 1040) - Additional Taxes
Use Schedule 2 (Form 1040) to report additional taxes like self-employment tax or alternative minimum tax.
- Schedule 3 (Form 1040) - Additional Credits and Payments
Schedule 3 helps you claim additional tax credits and payments not covered on the main Form 1040.
Schedule 1, Schedule 2, and Schedule 3 (Form 1040) are essential attachments for many taxpayers filing an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax return. Using editable IRS tax forms PDF documents ensures efficiency, accuracy, and compliance, especially when filing your annual tax return online.
Forms You Receive (Information Returns) in your mailbox
These forms are sent to you by employers, banks, educational institutions, or government agencies. They provide income or payment information needed to complete your tax return. The most common of these forms are:
Form W-2: Wage and Tax Statement
The W-2 form comes from the employer at the end of the year. Employers issue Form W-2 to report wages earned and taxes withheld during the year. This form is essential when filing your US Individual Tax Return. Use PDF Editify to complete and sign your W-9 electronically, making it easy to send.
Form W-4: Employee's Withholding Certificate
Although Form W-4 is completed by employees, it determines how much tax is withheld from paychecks. Keeping it updated helps avoid underpayment or overpayment of taxes.
Form 1099 Series
The Form 1099 Series is used to report various types of income other than regular wages, salaries, or tips. These forms are commonly issued to freelancers, independent contractors, investors, retirees, and individuals receiving government or miscellaneous payments. The 1099 series reports non-salary income, and it includes
- Form 1099-INT: Form 1099-INT reports interest earned from bank accounts, savings accounts, or other interest-bearing investments during the tax year.
- Form 1099-DIV: Form 1099-DIV is issued to report dividend income and capital gain distributions received from investments such as stocks or mutual funds.
- Form 1099-NEC: Form 1099-NEC reports payments made to independent contractors or freelancers for services performed during the year.
- Form 1099-G: Form 1099-G reports government-issued payments such as unemployment compensation, state tax refunds, or other government benefits.
- Form 1099-R: Form 1099-R is used to report distributions from pensions, annuities, retirement plans, IRAs, or insurance contracts.
- 1099-OID: Form 1099-OID reports interest income earned on bonds or debt instruments purchased at a discount before maturity.
- 1099-MISC: This form reports various types of income, including freelance work, rental income, prizes, and payments to independent contractors. If you're self-employed or have side income, you'll likely receive Form 1099-MISC.
Form 1098 Series:
These forms report expenses that may qualify for tax deductions or credits.
- Form 1098: Mortgage interest
- Form 1098-T: Tuition payments
- Form 1098-E: Student loan interest
Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement):
Form 1095-A reports health insurance coverage purchased through the marketplace and is required to reconcile premium tax credits.
How PDF Editify Fill IRS Tax Form:
Forget the complicated multi-step process of traditional tax form filling. With PDF Editify, completing your IRS tax forms process is as simple as following these straightforward steps:
- Visit PDF Editify: Go to pdfeditify.com
- Browse Templates: Check our IRS tax forms collection
- Fill Out Digitally: Use our PDF filling tool to complete your form
- Edit as Needed: Make changes with our PDF editor
- Add Signatures: Sign your PDF document digitally for record-keeping
- Save and Download: Save your completed form and download it for submission
Conclusion:
Understanding commonly used IRS tax forms makes filing your annual tax return easier and more accurate. From Form 1040 and its schedules to information returns like W-2 and 1099, managing these documents in PDF format saves time and reduces errors. With PDF Editify, you can easily fill, edit, and sign IRS tax forms PDF files online, helping you complete your tax filing process with confidence.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my taxes directly through PDF Editify?
No. PDF Editify is a PDF editing tool that helps you fill out and organize tax forms. You must submit your completed forms through IRS-approved e-filing providers or mail them to the IRS.
Are digital signatures legally valid for IRS forms?
Most IRS forms require either e-filing through approved channels or original handwritten signatures on mailed forms. Digital signatures in PDF Editify are best for record-keeping and sharing with tax preparers.
Does PDF Editify calculate my taxes?
No, PDF Editify does not perform tax calculations. You are responsible for all calculations, or you should use tax preparation software/professionals for this purpose.
How long should I keep tax records?
The IRS recommends keeping tax records for at least three years from the date you filed your return. Keep them longer (up to seven years) if you claimed certain deductions or credits.
What other forms are available on PDF Editify?
Besides IRS forms, we offer US government forms and real estate forms.