Filling Out a 1040EZ

If you need to file an individual federal tax return, you’ll now use IRS Form 1040 or the new 1040-SR for seniors.

The previous other alternatives—Forms 1040EZ and 1040A ended starting in the 2018 tax year. (Not sure if you’re required to file? Take this quick IRS quiz.)

You are still able to use Forms 1040-A or 1040-EZ to file taxes for years previous to 2018. Therefore, here is some information comparing them.

Each form served the same purpose—to report your income and determine if you owe additional taxes or, better yet, get a refund—but the forms varied in complexity.

Form 1040-EZ is, not surprisingly, the easiest to fill out. 1040-A is longer and a bit more complex, and Form 1040 is the most detailed and challenging of the lot.

While anyone can file Form 1040, you must meet certain requirements to use the shorter 1040-EZ or 1040-A forms. Here’s a quick rundown to help you choose the correct form for your situation.

The 1040EZ tax form pretty much lives up to its “EZ” name. It’s only one page!

The top of the page is the easiest part. It’s where you put your personal information, including your name, Social Security number and address.

Reporting Your Income

The next section is where you report your income. On Line 1, include the income reported on your Form W-2 and attach your W-2 to the 1040EZ. On Line 2 you should report taxable interest you earned. Remember that if this is more than $1,500 you cannot use Form 1040EZ. Checkout: form 1040a

On Line 3, report any unemployment benefits or Alaska Permanent Fund dividend payment you received. On Line 4, add lines 1, 2 and 3 to get your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

On Line 5, indicate whether someone can claim you (or your spouse if you’re filing a joint return) as a dependent. If so, check the applicable box(es) and enter the amount from the worksheet on the back of Form 1040EZ.

If no one can claim you (or your spouse if you’re filing a joint return), enter the dollar amount indicated on the form, which will be different depending on whether you’re filing singly or jointly. On Line 6, subtract Line 5 from Line 4. If line 5 is larger than line 4, enter 0. The number you enter on Line 6 is your taxable income.