Which Form to File

What Are the Tax Forms I Need to File My Taxes? 

When you file your taxes online with 1040.com, our tax-filing walkthrough guides you through your information instead of compiling various tax forms to fill out. We use the information you provide in the walkthrough to complete the official forms behind the scenes, and you can view your completed tax return for free before you officially file. 

Here are the tax forms that make up the backbone of your tax return. 

• Form 1040 is the foundation of your tax return. Most of your information is included there, and anything extra is reported on one of three other forms called schedules and attached to your Form 1040. 

Taxpayers over age 65 who want to file on paper can opt for Form 1040-SR. The most obvious differences are that this version uses slightly larger text and provides a standard deduction chart to show how the deduction is increased for taxpayers over age 65 or blind. 

Note: If you file with 1040.com, our walkthrough is the same smart, simple process for seniors as all our other filers, so you won’t have to worry about whether you should file a Form 1040-SR or a regular Form 1040. 

How do schedules work when you file your taxes? 

Certain tax situations are handled by these additional schedules which serve as building blocks for the 1040: 

• Schedule 1 is for additional income (like business or farm income, unemployment benefits, prize or award money, gambling winnings) and adjustments to income (above-the-line deductions, like student loan interest, educator expenses or self-employment tax). 

• Schedule 2 is for additional taxes, namely if you owe alternative minimum tax or need to repay excess advance premium tax credit, self-employment taxes, or repayment of the first-time homebuyer credit.  

• Schedule 3 is for payments and credits. Handled here are estimated tax payments, such credits as the Child and Dependent Care Credit, education credits, the net premium tax credit, and the foreign tax credit. 

These schedules are mostly the lines that were removed from Form 1040 when it was redesigned.  

Ready to file? So are we. 

At 1040.com, we’ve taken the guesswork out of filing your taxes. Instead of piling up forms, you simply answer our interview-style walkthrough, and we’ll do the rest. All that for one flat rate—so be sure to sign up or sign in to get started.