The U.S. tax code is complicated and is filled with forms you need to complete. To better understand the forms you may be working with this year, here is a complete list of tax forms for individual taxpayers — and what each of them mean.
For Filing:
Form 1040 (US Individual Income Tax Return): Annual income tax return.
Form 1040A (US Individual income Tax Return): You can file this form if you have varied incomes and would like to take various deductions.
Form 1040-EZ (Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents): If you don’t have any dependents and you have a straightforward return, Use Form 1040-EZ to file your tax returns. Remember, only certain citizens or residents of the United States can qualify to use this form.
[Bonus: File for free with H&R Block online with a Form 1040, 1040-EZ, or 1040-A.]
Form 1040-ES (Estimated Tax for Individuals): Determine the amount you owe in estimated tax with this tax form.
For Identification:
Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Certification for non-employee compensation): Used to request your TIN, for reporting on an information return the amount paid as a contracted employee.
Form W-4 (An Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate): This form proves your employer can withhold the correct federal income tax from your pay to the IRS.
Form W-7 (Application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN): Get or renew a ITIN for federal tax purposes if you are not able to obtain a Social Security number.
For Notifications/ Post-Filing:
Form 8822 (Change of Address): Moved this year? Tell the IRS with this form. It works for individual, gift, estate, or transfer tax returns.
Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request): Can’t pay the taxes owed right away? Use this IRS form to request a monthly installment plan.
Form 4506-T (Tax Return Transcript Request): Need to get a tax transcript or other return information? You can even have a third party receive the information!)
For Additional Information:
Publication 17 (Your Federal Income Tax): This form Explains the general rules for filing a federal income tax return.