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The IRS 1040 form is a crucial document for individuals filing their annual income tax returns in the United States. It serves as the primary form for reporting personal income, claiming deductions, and calculating tax liabilities. This form accommodates various income sources, including wages, dividends, and self-employment earnings. Taxpayers can also utilize it to claim tax credits and report other financial information that may affect their tax situation. Different schedules may accompany the 1040 to address specific situations, such as itemizing deductions or reporting capital gains. Understanding the nuances of the 1040 form is essential, as it can significantly impact the amount of tax owed or the refund received. With the right information and preparation, filing the 1040 can be a straightforward process, helping individuals meet their tax obligations efficiently.

Similar forms

The IRS 1040 form, widely recognized as the individual income tax return, bears similarities to several other documents that play crucial roles in personal and business finance. Each of these forms serves to report income, calculate tax obligations, or claim deductions and credits, much like the 1040. Understanding these documents can provide clarity on their respective functions and how they relate to the overall tax landscape.

The W-2 form is one of the most common documents associated with the 1040. Employers issue this form to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld from those earnings throughout the year. When filling out the 1040, taxpayers use information from their W-2 forms to accurately report their income and calculate their tax liability. The W-2 ensures that the income reported on the 1040 aligns with what the IRS has on record, creating a clear link between employment earnings and tax obligations.

Another document that resembles the 1040 is the 1099 form. This form comes in various types, such as the 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC, and is utilized to report income received from sources other than traditional employment, such as freelance work or contract jobs. Like the W-2, the 1099 provides essential information that taxpayers need to accurately report their income on the 1040. The 1099 helps ensure that all income is accounted for, regardless of its source, thus supporting the integrity of the tax reporting process.

To streamline your lending process, consider utilizing the simple Loan Agreement template that outlines crucial terms and conditions between lenders and borrowers. This essential document ensures clarity in loan repayments and responsibilities, facilitating a secure financial transaction.

The Schedule C form is specifically designed for self-employed individuals and sole proprietors. It allows them to report income and expenses related to their business activities. When completing the 1040, self-employed individuals attach their Schedule C to provide a comprehensive view of their earnings and deductions. This document is crucial for calculating net profit or loss, which directly impacts the overall tax liability reported on the 1040.

For those who own rental properties, the Schedule E form is essential. It is used to report income or loss from rental real estate, partnerships, and S corporations. Just like the Schedule C, the information from Schedule E feeds into the 1040, allowing property owners to reflect their rental income accurately. This form helps ensure that all sources of income are considered when determining tax obligations.

The 1098 form is another document closely related to the 1040, particularly for homeowners. This form reports mortgage interest paid to lenders, which may be deductible on the taxpayer's return. When preparing the 1040, homeowners can use the information from the 1098 to claim this deduction, potentially lowering their taxable income. This connection highlights how various financial documents can influence tax outcomes.

The Form 8889 is relevant for individuals with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). It allows taxpayers to report contributions to and distributions from their HSAs. When completing the 1040, taxpayers use the information from Form 8889 to determine any tax deductions or penalties related to their HSA. This form ensures that taxpayers accurately reflect their health-related financial activities in their overall tax filings.

The Form 8862 is crucial for individuals who wish to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after having their eligibility denied in previous years. This form must be filed with the 1040 to demonstrate eligibility for the credit. The 8862 serves as a means of re-establishing a taxpayer's right to claim this beneficial credit, which can significantly impact the final tax refund or liability.

The Schedule A form is used by taxpayers who choose to itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. This form allows individuals to report various deductible expenses, such as medical costs, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. When filling out the 1040, taxpayers who opt for itemization will include their Schedule A to provide a detailed account of their deductible expenses, potentially leading to a lower tax bill.

Lastly, the Form 1040-X is the amended return form that allows taxpayers to correct errors or make changes to a previously filed 1040. If an individual discovers an omission or needs to adjust their income or deductions, they would use the 1040-X to ensure that their tax records are accurate. This form reflects the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date information in the tax system, much like the original 1040.

Form Specifications

Fact Name Description
Purpose The IRS Form 1040 is used by individuals to file their annual income tax returns.
Filing Deadline The standard deadline for filing Form 1040 is April 15th of each year.
Filing Options Taxpayers can file Form 1040 electronically or by mail, depending on their preference.
Income Reporting All sources of income, including wages, dividends, and capital gains, must be reported on this form.
State-Specific Forms Many states have their own income tax forms that align with IRS regulations, such as California's Form 540.
Governing Laws IRS Form 1040 is governed by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and state-specific tax laws.

Sample - IRS 1040 Form

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)