The tax year starts on January 1 and ends on December 31 every year. If you are going to file your tax returns for 2024, you need to file them by October 17. This will let you get your returns in the early months of the new year.
On the other hand, if you owe taxes and fail to file your 1040 Form, you may be charged with penalties and, of course, interest.
1040 Form Filling Instructions
Filling out the 1040 Form is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is follow the instructions provided on the form. Depending on the type of the form, you may have to provide different information.
However, the common fields in all 1040s Form include your name and address; social security number; dependents (if any); income; total income and adjusted gross income; tax and credits; payments; and refund with the amount of tax you owe.
Just make sure you calculate the taxes and credits correctly and fill out the form by following the order provided on it. Of course, before filing, you should not forget to sign it too.
Fill Out Form 1040 Online
If you would like to save time while filling out your 1040 Form, then you can consider using filing software authorized by the IRS. Any of this software can help you fill out your form automatically and let you file it online!
This will help you to save time and let your form be processed more quickly. If you owe taxes, you can make the payment with any method you like, including the online payment option. It is also okay if you just want to fill out the 1040 Form online but file it using traditional methods.
You can look for online tools to fill out Form 1040 online without the need to download any software or tools.
Where Can I File My 2024 Tax Return?
You cannot file your 2024 tax return yet since, as of these days, the IRS is accepting the 2024 tax returns and processing them. The due date of the 2023 tax return will be April 15, 2024. This gives you a pretty long time to take care of your returns and fill out the form.
However, it is worth noting that the IRS will give another deadline after April 15, 2024, to file your tax returns. If you miss the deadline in April, you will not be charged with any penalty or interest. Of course, the sooner you file your tax return, the sooner you will receive it.
Where Do I Get a 1040 Form?
You can find plenty of websites and platforms to download the 1040 form. However, we recommend getting the forms directly from the IRS. For this reason, you can visit the official page of the IRS and click on the forms link.
Here, you are going to find all the updated versions of the forms. Keep in mind that on some forms, such as the 1040s, you always need to file the new version. Otherwise, your filing may be rejected, and you may miss the deadline. This will end up with penalties and interest.
1040 Form: 2024 vs. 2023
Let’s compare some key changes in the 1040 Form for the year 2024 with the previous year, 2023.
| Feature | 2024 1040 Form | 2023 1040 Form |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deduction | $12,550 (Single) | $12,250 (Single) |
| Tax Rate Changes | Updated tax brackets | Previous year’s tax brackets |
| Health Insurance | Reporting health coverage required | Reporting health coverage required |
| Additional Schedules | Potential additional schedules | Similar additional schedules |
Comparing 1040 with Other Tax Forms
1040 vs 1099
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form 1099 – Miscellaneous Income |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form 1099 is used by employers to report various types of income. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form 1099 is issued to independent contractors, freelancers, and various income recipients. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form 1099 is used by employers and other payers to report income paid to individuals. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | It is a series of forms (e.g., 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC) used for reporting various types of income to the IRS. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form 1099 includes important details about the income, such as the type of income, amount, and recipient’s information. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 may require additional schedules for specific income sources or deductions. | Employers are required to issue Form 1099 to individuals who receive $600 or more in non-employee compensation during the tax year. |
1040 vs W-2
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form W-2 – Wage and Tax Statement |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form W-2 is a statement provided by employers to report wages and tax withholding. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form W-2 is issued by employers to their employees. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form W-2 is used to report wage income, taxes withheld, and other compensation-related information to both employees and the IRS. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | It is a statement that provides details about an employee’s wages and tax withholdings. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form W-2 includes information such as total wages, federal and state tax withholding, and other compensation details. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 may require additional schedules for specific income sources or deductions. | Employers must provide Form W-2 to their employees by January 31st each year. |
1040 vs 1041
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form 1041 – U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form 1041 is used by estates and trusts to report income, deductions, and taxes. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form 1041 is for estate owners and trustees of irrevocable trusts. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form 1041 is used to calculate and report the income, deductions, and taxes for estates and trusts. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | Form 1041 is a federal tax return specifically for estates and trusts. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form 1041 includes details about the estate or trust’s income, deductions, and distribution to beneficiaries. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 may require additional schedules for specific income sources or deductions. | Form 1041 may involve complex tax planning for estate and trust beneficiaries. |
1040 vs 1040X
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form 1040X – Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form 1040X is used to amend or correct a previously filed Form 1040. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form 1040X is for individuals who need to make corrections to their original Form 1040. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form 1040X is used when there are errors or omissions on the original Form 1040 that need to be rectified. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | Form 1040X is a supplemental form used exclusively for making corrections. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form 1040X requires taxpayers to explain the changes they are making to their original return and provide corrected figures. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 must be filed by the regular tax deadline, usually April 15th. | Form 1040X can only be filed after the original Form 1040 has been submitted. There is a time limit for filing amendments. |
1040 vs 1040NR
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form 1040NR – U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form 1040NR is used by nonresident aliens with U.S. income to report and pay taxes. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form 1040NR is for nonresident aliens who earned income in the U.S. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form 1040NR is used to report and calculate taxes on income sourced in the U.S. by nonresident aliens. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | Form 1040NR is a federal tax return specifically for nonresident aliens. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form 1040NR requires nonresident aliens to report their U.S.-sourced income, deductions, and applicable tax treaty benefits. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 is for U.S. residents and citizens, while Form 1040NR is for nonresident aliens with U.S. income. | Nonresident aliens must meet certain criteria, such as a substantial presence test, to determine their tax status. |
1040 vs 1040EZ
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form 1040EZ – Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers with No Dependents |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form 1040EZ is a simplified version of Form 1040 for taxpayers with basic tax situations. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form 1040EZ is designed for individuals with uncomplicated financial circumstances. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form 1040EZ is used by individuals who meet specific criteria for a simplified tax return. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | Form 1040EZ is a streamlined version of Form 1040 for those who qualify. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form 1040EZ requires basic information about income, filing status, and tax payments. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 is more versatile and suitable for various tax situations. | Form 1040EZ is only available to taxpayers who have straightforward income, no dependents, and meet specific criteria. |
1040 vs 1040A
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form 1040A – U.S. Individual Income Tax Return |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form 1040A is a simplified version of Form 1040 for taxpayers with relatively simple tax situations. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form 1040A is designed for individuals with straightforward financial circumstances. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form 1040A is used by individuals who have a more limited set of income sources and deductions. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | Form 1040A is an alternative to Form 1040 for those who meet its eligibility criteria. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form 1040A allows taxpayers to report income, deductions, and tax payments using a simplified format. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 provides more flexibility and is suitable for various tax situations. | Form 1040A is available to taxpayers with relatively uncomplicated tax affairs and limited income sources. |
1040 vs W-4
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form W-4 – Employee’s Withholding Certificate |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form W-4 is completed by employees to determine their federal income tax withholding. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form W-4 is for employees of U.S. companies. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form W-4 is used to provide employers with information to withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from employees’ paychecks. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | Form W-4 is an IRS form used by employers to calculate withholding. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form W-4 includes personal information, allowances, and additional withholding instructions. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 must be filed annually to report income and settle tax liability. | Form W-4 should be updated whenever an employee’s personal or financial situation changes to ensure accurate withholding. |
1040 vs 1120
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form 1120 – U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form 1120 is used by corporations to report income, deductions, and taxes. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form 1120 is for corporations operating in the United States. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form 1120 is used by corporations to calculate and report their taxable income, deductions, and taxes. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | Form 1120 is the federal tax return specifically for corporations. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form 1120 includes details about a corporation’s income, expenses, and tax liability. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 is for individual taxpayers, while Form 1120 is for corporate entities. | Corporations may be subject to various tax rules and regulations, including federal and state taxes. |
1040 vs 1065
| Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Return | Form 1065 – U.S. Return of Partnership Income |
|---|---|
| Description | Description |
| Form 1040 is the official tax return form used by individual taxpayers. | Form 1065 is used by partnerships to report income, deductions, and taxes. |
| For Whom | For Whom |
| Form 1040 is designed for use by individual American taxpayers. | Form 1065 is for partnerships conducting business in the United States. |
| Use Case | Use Case |
| Form 1040 is used to report individual income and calculate tax liability. | Form 1065 is used by partnerships to report their financial activities, income, deductions, and taxes. |
| Reference | Reference |
| It serves as the federal income tax return for U.S. citizens and residents. | Form 1065 is the federal tax return specifically for partnerships. |
| Key Information | Key Information |
| Individuals use Form 1040 to report their income, deductions, and tax credits. | Form 1065 provides details about the partnership’s income, expenses, and allocation of profits and losses among partners. |
| Important Notes | Important Notes |
| Form 1040 is for individual taxpayers, while Form 1065 is for partnerships. | Partnerships are pass-through entities, meaning income and deductions are passed through to individual partners for tax reporting. |