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The IRS 1040 form serves as the cornerstone of individual income tax reporting in the United States, playing a crucial role in the annual financial responsibilities of millions of taxpayers. This comprehensive document enables individuals to report their income, claim deductions, and calculate their tax liability. A variety of income sources, such as wages, dividends, and self-employment earnings, must be accurately reported. Taxpayers can also take advantage of various credits and deductions, which may significantly reduce their overall tax burden. The form is structured to accommodate different filing statuses, including single, married filing jointly, and head of household, each impacting the tax calculation in unique ways. Additionally, the 1040 form has undergone several revisions over the years, reflecting changes in tax law and policy, making it essential for taxpayers to stay informed about the latest updates. Understanding the nuances of the 1040 form can empower individuals to make informed decisions, potentially leading to greater tax savings and compliance with federal regulations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS 1040 form, it's important to be thorough and accurate. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid:

  • Do: Double-check all personal information, including your name and Social Security number.
  • Do: Use the correct filing status that reflects your situation.
  • Do: Report all sources of income, including wages, interest, and dividends.
  • Do: Keep documentation for deductions and credits you plan to claim.
  • Don't: Forget to sign and date your return before submitting.
  • Don't: Leave any fields blank; if something doesn’t apply, write “N/A.”

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smoother filing process and reduce the chances of errors. Stay organized and proactive!

IRS 1040 Sample

Form

1040

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

(99)

U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

2021

OMB No. 1545-0074

IRS Use Only—Do not write or staple in this space.

Filing Status

Check only one box.

 

Single

 

Married filing jointly

 

Married filing separately (MFS)

 

Head of household (HOH)

 

Qualifying widow(er) (QW)

 

 

 

 

 

If you checked the MFS box, enter the name of your spouse. If you checked the HOH or QW box, enter the child’s name if the qualifying person is a child but not your dependent

 

Your first name and middle initial

 

 

 

 

Last name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If joint return, spouse’s first name and middle initial

Last name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spouse’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home address (number and street). If you have a P.O. box, see instructions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apt. no.

Presidential Election Campaign

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check here if you, or your

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

spouse if filing jointly, want $3

 

City, town, or post office. If you have a foreign address, also complete spaces below.

 

State

 

 

 

 

ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

to go to this fund. Checking a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

box below will not change

 

Foreign country name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign province/state/county

 

 

 

 

Foreign postal code

your tax or refund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You

 

 

Spouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At any time during 2021, did you receive, sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any financial interest in any virtual currency?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

Someone can claim:

 

 

 

You as a dependent

 

 

Your spouse as a dependent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deduction

 

 

 

 

 

Spouse itemizes on a separate return or you were a dual-status alien

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Age/Blindness You:

 

 

Were born before January 2, 1957

 

 

Are blind

Spouse:

 

 

Was born before January 2, 1957

 

 

 

 

Is blind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dependents (see instructions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2) Social security

 

(3) Relationship

(4) if qualifies for (see instructions):

 

If more

 

 

(1) First name

Last name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

number

 

 

 

 

 

to you

Child tax credit

 

 

Credit for other dependents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

than four

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dependents,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

see instructions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and check

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attach

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

Wages, salaries, tips, etc. Attach Form(s) W-2

.

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

a

 

 

Tax-exempt interest . . .

2a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Taxable interest

. . . .

 

 

.

 

 

2b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sch. B if

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

a

 

 

Qualified dividends . . .

3a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Ordinary dividends . . . .

.

 

 

3b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4a

IRA distributions . . . .

4a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Taxable amount

.

 

 

4b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5a

Pensions and annuities . .

5a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Taxable amount

.

 

 

5b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

 

6a

Social security benefits . .

6a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Taxable amount

.

 

 

6b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deduction for—

7

 

 

 

 

Capital gain or (loss). Attach Schedule D if required. If not required, check here .

. . .

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Single or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

Other income from Schedule 1, line 10

.

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Married filing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

separately,

9

 

 

 

 

Add lines 1, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7, and 8. This is your total income

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$12,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Married filing

10

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to income from Schedule 1, line 26

.

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jointly or

11

 

 

 

 

Subtract line 10 from line 9. This is your adjusted gross income

. . . . . . . . .

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qualifying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

widow(er),

 

 

 

12

a

 

 

Standard deduction or itemized deductions (from Schedule A)

. .

12a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$25,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Charitable contributions if you take the standard deduction (see instructions)

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Head of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

household,

 

 

 

c

Add lines 12a and 12b

.

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$18,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• If you checked

13

 

 

 

 

Qualified business income deduction from Form 8995 or Form 8995-A

.

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

any box under

14

 

 

 

 

Add lines 12c and 13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

 

.

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deduction,

15

 

 

 

 

Taxable income. Subtract line 14 from line 11. If zero or less, enter -0-

.

 

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

see instructions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Disclosure, Privacy Act, and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see separate instructions.

 

 

 

 

Cat. No. 11320B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 1040 (2021)

 

 

Form 1040 (2021)

Page 2

 

16

Tax (see instructions). Check if any from Form(s): 1

8814

2

4972

 

3

 

 

. .

16

 

 

17

Amount from Schedule 2, line 3

. . . . . . . .

17

 

 

18

Add lines 16 and 17

. . . . . . . .

18

 

 

19

Nonrefundable child tax credit or credit for other dependents from Schedule 8812

19

 

 

20

Amount from Schedule 3, line 8

. . . . . . . .

20

 

 

21

Add lines 19 and 20

. . . . . . . .

21

 

 

22

Subtract line 21 from line 18. If zero or less, enter -0-

. . . . . . . .

22

 

 

23

Other taxes, including self-employment tax, from Schedule 2, line 21 .

. . . . . . . .

23

 

 

24

Add lines 22 and 23. This is your total tax

. . . . .

. .

24

 

 

25

Federal income tax withheld from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a

Form(s) W-2

 

25a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Form(s) 1099

 

25b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c

Other forms (see instructions)

 

25c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

Add lines 25a through 25c

. . . . . . . .

25d

 

If you have a

26

2021 estimated tax payments and amount applied from 2020 return . .

. . . . . . . .

26

 

27a

Earned income credit (EIC)

 

27a

 

 

 

 

 

 

qualifying child,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

attach Sch. EIC.

 

Check here if you were born after January 1, 1998, and before

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2, 2004, and you satisfy all the other requirements for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

taxpayers who are at least age 18, to claim the EIC. See instructions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Nontaxable combat pay election . . . .

27b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c

Prior year (2019) earned income . . . .

27c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28

Refundable child tax credit or additional child tax credit from Schedule 8812

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29

American opportunity credit from Form 8863, line 8

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30

Recovery rebate credit. See instructions

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31

Amount from Schedule 3, line 15

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

Add lines 27a and 28 through 31. These are your total other payments and refundable credits

32

 

 

33

Add lines 25d, 26, and 32. These are your total payments . . . .

. . . . .

. .

33

 

Refund

34

If line 33 is more than line 24, subtract line 24 from line 33. This is the amount you overpaid

 

. .

34

 

35a

Amount of line 34 you want refunded to you. If Form 8888 is attached, check here . .

.

 

35a

 

 

 

 

Direct deposit?

b

Routing number

 

c Type:

 

 

Checking

 

Savings

 

 

See instructions.

d

Account number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36

Amount of line 34 you want applied to your 2022 estimated tax .

.

 

36

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

37

Amount you owe. Subtract line 33 from line 24. For details on how to pay, see instructions

 

.

37

 

You Owe

38

Estimated tax penalty (see instructions) . . .

. . . . .

.

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Party

Do

you want to allow another person to discuss this return with the IRS? See

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designee

instructions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

Yes. Complete below.

No

 

Designee’s

 

Phone

 

 

 

 

 

Personal identification

 

 

name

 

no.

 

 

 

 

 

number (PIN)

 

 

Sign

Here

Joint return? See instructions. Keep a copy for your records.

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.

Your signature

Date

Your occupation

If the IRS sent you an Identity

 

 

 

Protection PIN, enter it here

 

 

 

(see inst.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spouse’s signature. If a joint return, both must sign.

Date

Spouse’s occupation

If the IRS sent your spouse an

 

 

Identity Protection PIN, enter it here

 

 

 

(see inst.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone no.

Email address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid

Preparer’s name

Preparer’s signature

Date

PTIN

 

Check if:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Self-employed

 

 

 

Preparer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firm’s name

 

 

 

Phone no.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use Only

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firm’s address

 

 

 

Firm’s EIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to www.irs.gov/Form1040 for instructions and the latest information.

 

 

 

 

 

Form 1040 (2021)

Listed Questions and Answers

  1. What is the IRS 1040 form?

    The IRS 1040 form is the standard individual income tax return form used by U.S. taxpayers. It allows individuals to report their income, claim deductions, and calculate their tax liability for the year. This form is essential for anyone who earns income and is required to file a federal tax return.

  2. Who needs to file a 1040 form?

    Most U.S. citizens and residents who earn income must file a 1040 form. This includes individuals who are self-employed, receive wages, or earn interest and dividends. There are specific income thresholds that determine whether you are required to file, which may vary based on your filing status, age, and type of income.

  3. What are the different versions of the 1040 form?

    There are several versions of the 1040 form:

    • Form 1040: The standard form for most taxpayers.
    • Form 1040-SR: Designed for seniors aged 65 and older, featuring larger text and a simpler layout.
    • Form 1040-NR: For non-resident aliens who need to report U.S. income.
  4. What information do I need to complete the 1040 form?

    To complete the 1040 form, gather the following information:

    • Your Social Security number.
    • Your income statements, such as W-2s or 1099s.
    • Records of any deductions or credits you plan to claim.
    • Bank account information if you choose to receive your refund via direct deposit.
  5. How do I file my 1040 form?

    You can file your 1040 form in several ways:

    • Electronically using tax software or through a tax professional.
    • By mail, sending a paper form to the appropriate IRS address based on your location.

    Filing electronically is generally faster and can help reduce errors.

  6. What is the deadline for filing the 1040 form?

    The deadline for filing your 1040 form is typically April 15th of each year. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline may be extended. Taxpayers can also request an extension, giving them until October 15th to file, but any taxes owed must still be paid by the original deadline to avoid penalties.

  7. What if I owe taxes or expect a refund?

    If you owe taxes, it's important to pay by the deadline to avoid penalties and interest. You can make payments electronically or by mail. If you expect a refund, you can check the status of your refund through the IRS website after filing your return. Most refunds are issued within 21 days if you filed electronically.

  8. Where can I find help with my 1040 form?

    For assistance with the 1040 form, consider the following resources:

    • The IRS website, which offers detailed instructions and resources.
    • Free tax assistance programs such as VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
    • Tax professionals who can provide personalized guidance.

Form Overview

Fact Name Description
Purpose The IRS 1040 form is used by individuals to file their annual income tax returns.
Filing Status Taxpayers can choose from several filing statuses, including single, married filing jointly, and head of household.
Income Reporting All sources of income, such as wages, dividends, and self-employment income, must be reported on the form.
Deductions Taxpayers can either take the standard deduction or itemize deductions, depending on which option is more beneficial.
Tax Credits Various tax credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
Filing Deadline The typical deadline for filing the 1040 form is April 15th of each year, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
State-Specific Forms In addition to the federal 1040, many states have their own forms, governed by state tax laws.
Electronic Filing Taxpayers have the option to file electronically, which can speed up processing and refunds.