Fill in a Valid Irs 1040A Template

The IRS 1040A form is a simplified U.S. Individual Income Tax Return used for filing federal taxes. This form allows eligible taxpayers to report income and claim various credits and deductions. To ensure accurate filing, please start filling out the form by clicking the button below.

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The IRS Form 1040A serves as a streamlined version of individual income tax returns, designed for taxpayers with relatively straightforward financial situations. This form is particularly beneficial for those who are filing their taxes without itemizing deductions, as it allows them to utilize the standard deduction instead, simplifying the process. Taxpayers can report their wages, taxable interest, dividends, capital gain distributions, and various other income sources right on the form. The 1040A also accommodates certain adjustments to income, such as educator expenses or student loan interest, which can lower a taxpayer’s overall income and ultimately affect the tax owed. Furthermore, credits such as the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit are claimable on this form, offering potential reductions in tax liability. The 1040A is a popular choice for those who qualify, as it strikes a balance between ease of use and the ability to take advantage of important tax benefits. Understanding its components and requirements is essential for effective tax filing and maximizing potential refunds or minimizing tax payments.

Irs 1040A Example

Form

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

1040A

U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (99)

2017

IRS Use Only—Do not write or staple in this space.

Your first name and initial

Last name

OMB No. 1545-0074

Your social security number

If a joint return, spouse’s first name and initial

Last name

Spouse’s social security number

Home address (number and street). If you have a P.O. box, see instructions.

Apt. no.

▲ Make sure the SSN(s) above

and on line 6c are correct.

City, town or post office, state, and ZIP code. If you have a foreign address, also complete spaces below (see instructions).

Presidential Election Campaign

Check here if you, or your spouse if filing

jointly, want $3 to go to this fund. Checking

Foreign country name

Foreign province/state/county

Foreign postal code

a box below will not change your tax or

refund.

You

Spouse

Filing

Single

Head of household (with qualifying person). (See instructions.)

status

Married filing jointly (even if only one had income)

If the qualifying person is a child but not your dependent,

Married filing separately. Enter spouse’s SSN above and

enter this child’s name here. ▶

Check only

one box.

full name here. ▶

Qualifying widow(er) (see instructions)

Exemptions

Yourself.

If someone can claim you as a dependent, do not check

}

Boxes

box 6a.

checked on

6a and 6b

Spouse

No. of children

on 6c who:

Dependents:

(4) ✓ if child under

(2) Dependent’s social

(3) Dependent’s

• lived with

age 17 qualifying for

If more than six

you

security number

relationship to you

child tax credit (see

(1) First name

Last name

dependents, see

instructions)

• did not live

instructions.

with you due to

divorce or

separation (see

instructions)

Dependents

on 6c not

entered above

Add numbers

on lines

d Total number of exemptions claimed.

above ▶

Income

Attach Form(s) W-2 here. Also attach Form(s)

1099-R if tax was withheld.

If you did not get a W-2, see instructions.

7	Wages, salaries, tips, etc. Attach Form(s) W-2.	7
8a	Taxable interest. Attach Schedule B if required.	8a

bTax-exempt interest. Do not include on line 8a. 8b

9a	Ordinary dividends. Attach Schedule B if required.				9a
b Qualified dividends (see instructions).				9b
10	Capital gain distributions (see instructions).				10
11a	IRA		11b	Taxable amount
	distributions.	11a		(see instructions).	11b
12a	Pensions and		12b	Taxable amount
	annuities.	12a		(see instructions).	12b
13	Unemployment compensation and Alaska Permanent Fund dividends.				13
14a	Social security		14b	Taxable amount
	benefits.	14a		(see instructions).	14b

15 Add lines 7 through 14b (far right column). This is your total income. ▶ 15

Adjusted	16	Educator expenses (see instructions).	16
gross	16	Educator expenses (see instructions).	16
gross	17	IRA deduction (see instructions).	17
income	17	IRA deduction (see instructions).	17
income	18	Student loan interest deduction (see instructions).	18
	18	Student loan interest deduction (see instructions).	18
	19	Reserved for future use.	19
	19	Reserved for future use.	19
	20	Add lines 16 through 19. These are your total adjustments.		20

	21	Subtract line 20 from line 15. This is your adjusted gross income.			▶ 21
For Disclosure, Privacy Act, and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see separate instructions.				Cat. No. 11327A Form 1040A (2017)

Form 1040A (2017)

Page 2

Tax, credits,

Enter the amount from line 21 (adjusted gross income).

Check

You were born before January 2, 1953,

Blind

23a

Total boxes

and

if:

{

Spouse was born before January 2, 1953,

Blind }checked ▶ 23a

payments

If you are married filing separately and your spouse itemizes

deductions, check here

▶ 23b

Standard

Deduction

Enter your standard deduction.

for—

• People who

Subtract line 24 from line 22. If line 24 is more than line 22, enter -0-.

check any

Exemptions. Multiply $4,050 by the number on line 6d.

box on line

23a or 23b or

Subtract line 26 from line 25. If line 26 is more than line 25, enter -0-.

who can be

This is your taxable income.

claimed as a

▶

dependent,

see

Tax, including any alternative minimum tax (see instructions).

instructions.

Excess advance premium tax credit repayment. Attach

• All others:

Form 8962.

Single or

Married filing

Add lines 28 and 29.

separately,

$6,350

Credit for child and dependent care expenses. Attach

Married filing

Form 2441.

jointly or

Credit for the elderly or the disabled. Attach

Qualifying

widow(er),

Schedule R.

$12,700

Head of

Education credits from Form 8863, line 19.

household,

Retirement savings contributions credit. Attach Form 8880.

$9,350

Child tax credit. Attach Schedule 8812, if required.

Add lines 31 through 35. These are your total credits.

Subtract line 36 from line 30. If line 36 is more than line 30, enter -0-.

Health care: individual responsibility (see instructions). Full-year coverage

Add line 37 and line 38. This is your total tax.

Federal income tax withheld from Forms W-2 and 1099.

2017 estimated tax payments and amount applied

If you have

from 2016 return.

a qualifying

child, attach

42a

Earned income credit (EIC).

42a

Schedule

EIC.

Nontaxable combat pay election. 42b

Additional child tax credit. Attach Schedule 8812.

American opportunity credit from Form 8863, line 8.

Net premium tax credit. Attach Form 8962.

Add lines 40, 41, 42a, 43, 44, and 45. These are your total payments.

▶

Refund

If line 46 is more than line 39, subtract line 39 from line 46.

This is the amount you overpaid.

Direct

48a

Amount of line 47 you want refunded to you. If Form 8888 is attached, check here ▶

48a

deposit?

▶ b

Routing

▶ c Type:

Checking

Savings

See

instructions

number

and fill in

▶ d

Account

48b, 48c,

and 48d or

number

Form 8888.

Amount of line 47 you want applied to your

2018 estimated tax.

Amount

Amount you owe. Subtract line 46 from line 39. For details on how to pay,

see instructions.

▶

you owe

Estimated tax penalty (see instructions).

Third party designee

Do you want to allow another person to discuss this return with the IRS (see instructions)?

Yes. Complete the following.

Designee’s

Phone

Personal identification

name

▶

no.

▶

number (PIN)

▶

Sign

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 accurately list all amounts and sources of income I received during the tax year. Declaration of preparer (other

here

than the taxpayer) is based on all information of which the preparer has any knowledge.

▲

Your signature

Date

Your occupation

Daytime phone number

Joint return?

See instructions.

Keep a copy

Spouse’s signature. If a joint return, both must sign.

Date

Spouse’s occupation

If the IRS sent you an Identity Protection

PIN, enter it

for your records.

here (see inst.)

Paid

Print/Type preparer’s name

Preparer’s signature

Date

Check ▶

PTIN

preparer

self-employed

Firm’s name ▶

Firm’s EIN ▶

use only

Firm’s address ▶

Phone no.

Go to WWW.IRS.GOV/FORM1040A for instructions and the latest information.

Form 1040A (2017)

Click for Irs 1040A File

File Breakdown

Fact Name	Description
Form Purpose	The IRS 1040A form is a simplified version of the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, used for filing personal income taxes.
Earnings Limits	Taxpayers with a total income of $100,000 or less can use the 1040A form.
Filing Status Options	Form 1040A supports several filing statuses: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Qualifying Widow(er).
Exemptions	Taxpayers can claim personal exemptions for themselves, their spouse, and qualifying dependents on the 1040A form.
Standard Deduction	The form allows the use of a standard deduction, which varies based on filing status. For instance, in 2017, it was $6,350 for singles.
Tax Credits	Taxpayers can claim various credits, including the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Credit, when using Form 1040A.
Joint Filing	If filing jointly, both spouses must sign the 1040A form regardless of who earned the income.
Form Accessibility	The 1040A form is available online on the IRS website, making it easy for taxpayers to access and fill out their returns.

Guide to Using Irs 1040A

Filling out the IRS Form 1040A is an important step in preparing your income tax return. This form is suitable for many taxpayers who qualify under certain income thresholds and situations. After completing the form, you will either determine your tax liability or refund amount, and you'll be ready to submit it to the IRS.

Start with your personal information. Fill in your first name, middle initial, and last name at the top of the form, along with your social security number.
If you're filing jointly, enter your spouse's first name, middle initial, last name, and their social security number.
Complete your home address, including the street number and name. If you have an apartment number, include that as well. Provide your city, state, and ZIP code. If applicable, fill out the foreign address fields.
If you want to contribute $3 to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, check the appropriate box.
Select your filing status. Choose from Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er).
Claim your exemptions. Indicate if you can claim yourself and your spouse. List your dependents, including their names, social security numbers, and their relationship to you.
Enter your total income. Start by attaching Form W-2 and any relevant Form 1099s. Fill in your wages, taxable interest, ordinary dividends, and other income sources as outlined on the form.
Calculate your adjusted gross income (AGI). Enter any adjustments, such as educator expenses or IRA deductions, and subtract these from your total income.
Determine your standard deduction based on your filing status. Subtract this amount, along with your exemptions, from your AGI to find your taxable income.
Calculate your tax amount using the rates provided. Add your tax and any applicable repayments from excess advance premium tax credits.
List your total payments, including tax withheld, any credits, and estimated payments made.
Determine if you are owed a refund or if you owe additional tax. If you overpaid, enter the amount you want refunded and provide banking details for direct deposit.
Sign and date the form. If filing jointly, ensure your spouse also signs the return. Include any preparer's information, if applicable.

Get Answers on Irs 1040A

What is Form 1040A?

Form 1040A is a simplified version of the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return that is used by taxpayers to report their income and calculate their tax obligations. It is designed for individuals with straightforward tax situations, allowing them to fill out their tax return with fewer complications than the standard Form 1040.

Who is eligible to use Form 1040A?

You can use Form 1040A if you meet the following criteria:

Your taxable income is under $100,000.
You are claiming certain tax deductions and credits, including the child tax credit and education credits.
You have income from wages, salaries, tips, taxable interest, and some other specific sources.
You do not have income from self-employment or complex situations that require itemized deductions.

What information do I need to complete Form 1040A?

To fill out Form 1040A, gather the following information:

Your Social Security number and that of your spouse, if married filing jointly.
W-2 forms from your employer(s) showing your earnings.
Any 1099 forms for other income you received, such as interest or dividends.
Documentation for any tax credits you intend to claim, such as the child tax credit or education credits.

What is the standard deduction for 2017 on Form 1040A?

For the tax year 2017, the standard deduction amounts are as follows:

$6,350 for single filers
$12,700 for married couples filing jointly
$9,350 for heads of household

If you are eligible, you can subtract this amount from your income to reduce your taxable income.

Can I claim dependents on Form 1040A?

Yes, Form 1040A allows you to claim dependents. You can list your qualifying children and other dependents on the form. Claiming dependents may increase your exemptions and could also qualify you for additional tax credits.

How do I calculate my taxes using Form 1040A?

To calculate your taxes, follow these steps:

Determine your total income from all sources.
Subtract any adjustments to income to find your adjusted gross income.
Subtract the standard deduction and any personal exemptions from your adjusted gross income to determine your taxable income.
Apply the appropriate tax rates or tables to your taxable income to determine your total tax liability.

What should I do if I owe taxes?

If you find that you owe taxes, you must pay the amount due by the tax filing deadline to avoid penalties. You can make payments online, by mail, or through a payment plan if needed. Always keep payment records for your documentation.

Is Form 1040A still valid for current tax years?

No, Form 1040A has been discontinued starting in the 2018 tax year. Taxpayers now use a redesigned Form 1040, which simplifies reporting for many individuals. If you're filing for a prior year, however, you can still use Form 1040A for 2017 or earlier returns.

Where can I find more information about Form 1040A?

For additional details and instructions on completing Form 1040A, you can visit the IRS website or consult the IRS instructions for this specific form. Resources and guidance are updated regularly to assist taxpayers.

Common mistakes

When filling out the IRS 1040A form, individuals often make simple yet significant mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. One common error is incorrectly entering Social Security numbers (SSNs). This includes typos in one’s own SSN or that of a spouse or dependent. It’s imperative to double-check these numbers since inaccuracies may trigger a rejection of the return, leading to unnecessary hassle.

Another frequent mistake involves selecting the wrong filing status. Taxpayers might overlook the implications of each status—such as opting for “Married Filing Separately” instead of “Married Filing Jointly.” Understanding the differences can impact the deductions and credits available. Ensuring the correct status not only streamlines processing but also maximizes potential refunds or reduces taxes owed.

Many individuals also neglect to claim all eligible exemptions. For instance, if a taxpayer qualifies to claim dependents, failing to do so could result in higher taxable income. Accurately completing the exemptions section helps lower the tax burden. This section should be reviewed carefully, especially to confirm if someone else can claim you as a dependent, which affects your ability to claim exemptions for yourself.

People frequently skip over the income section, particularly when it comes to attaching all necessary forms, such as W-2s and 1099s. Omitting this crucial information can lead to inaccurate income reporting. It’s essential to list all sources of income, as the IRS cross-references this with reported income from employers and financial institutions.

Incorrect calculation of adjustments to income is another prevalent mistake. Many filers fail to account for deductions such as educator expenses or student loan interest. When taxpayers overlook these opportunities, they end up with a higher adjusted gross income than necessary, affecting their overall tax liability. Each line should be filled out with care, as even small errors can snowball into larger issues.

Additionally, misunderstanding the standard deduction can cause problems. Some filers may mistakenly enter amounts or confuse the standard deduction with itemized deductions. It’s crucial to know which deduction applies to your situation. For many individuals, a standard deduction simplifies the filing process and minimizes the risk of errors.

Lastly, a significant number of taxpayers forget to sign their return. Without a signature, the IRS cannot process the return, leading to delays or unintentional penalties. Ensure to verify whether both taxpayers have signed if filing jointly, as this compliance is non-negotiable for successful submission.

Documents used along the form

The IRS Form 1040A is a simplified version of the individual income tax return, suitable for taxpayers with straightforward tax situations. Along with this form, various additional documents help complete the tax return process. Here are four commonly associated forms and documents that often accompany the IRS Form 1040A.

Form W-2: Employers provide this form to their employees. It summarizes annual wages and the amount of federal, state, and other taxes withheld. Individuals use this information to report their income accurately on the 1040A.
Form 1099: This collection of forms is used to report various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. Common examples include 1099-MISC for freelance income and 1099-INT for interest income. Taxpayers must include any income reported on these forms when calculating their total income on the 1040A.
Schedule B: Taxpayers attach this schedule if they have certain types of interest or dividend income that exceed specified thresholds. It details the sources and amounts of that income, which is necessary for accurately reporting on the 1040A.
Form 8862: This form is essential for taxpayers who have previously been denied a tax credit, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If they wish to claim the credit again, they must file this form along with their 1040A to demonstrate eligibility.

Using these documents in conjunction with the IRS Form 1040A ensures a more comprehensive and accurate tax return. Properly organizing and submitting these forms can help avoid delays or complications during the filing process.

Similar forms

The IRS Form 1040A is an individual income tax return form that allows taxpayers to report income, claim deductions, and calculate their tax liabilities. Several other forms serve similar functions in different contexts or for different types of taxpayers. Here’s a comparative look at seven documents that share characteristics with the 1040A:

Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form that provides a more detailed option than the 1040A. While both forms are used for reporting income, the 1040 allows for additional deductions and credits not available on the 1040A.
Form 1040EZ: This simplified version is intended for single and joint filers with no dependents or complicated tax situations. The 1040EZ is easier to complete, much like the 1040A, but it has more limitations regarding income sources and deductions.
Form 4868: This form is used to apply for an automatic extension of time to file tax returns. While not a tax return form itself, it serves a similar purpose in tax administration by giving taxpayers additional time to prepare their returns, akin to the 1040A in terms of tax filing obligations.
Form W-2: Issued by employers, this form reports annual wages and taxes withheld from employee paychecks. Just as the 1040A collects information to calculate tax liability, the W-2 provides essential information about income earned.
Schedule C: Used by sole proprietors to report income or loss from a business, this schedule is similar to the 1040A in that it impacts taxable income, although it covers self-employment income specifically.
Form 1099: Various versions of this form report different types of income not reported on a W-2, such as interest or freelance work. Like the 1040A, these documents inform the IRS about a taxpayer’s income for the year.
Form 8880: This form is used to claim a credit for contributions to retirement savings accounts. Similar to the 1040A, which allows for certain tax credits, the 8880 directly impacts the taxpayer's final tax liability.

Understanding these forms can help taxpayers recognize their options and report their financial situations accurately. Each plays a unique role in the broader landscape of tax preparation and compliance.

Dos and Don'ts

Do verify that your Social Security Number (SSN) and your spouse's SSN are correct.
Do use the correct version of the form for the tax year you are filing.
Do check your filing status carefully and select only one box.
Do ensure you report all sources of income, including wages and interest.
Do add up your total income correctly before calculating deductions.
Don't leave any sections blank; provide the required information for every question.
Don't claim any exemptions or deductions you are not entitled to receive.
Don't forget to sign the form and include your spouse's signature if filing jointly.
Don't wait until the last minute to file; look out for any errors well in advance.

Misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions regarding the IRS Form 1040A. Understanding the facts can help taxpayers better navigate their tax returns.

Misconception 1: The 1040A form is only for low-income earners.

Many believe that only individuals with low incomes can use the 1040A. In reality, it is available to anyone whose taxable income is below a specific threshold and who meets certain eligibility criteria, not just low-income earners.

Misconception 2: All taxpayers can itemize deductions on Form 1040A.

This form does not allow for itemized deductions. Instead, you must take the standard deduction, which simplifies the filing process for many taxpayers.

Misconception 3: You can only file Form 1040A if you have a straightforward tax situation.

While 1040A is designed for simpler tax situations, it still accommodates various income sources and tax credits. Those with some complexity can often use this form effectively.

Misconception 4: The 1040A form is outdated and not used anymore.

This form remains a valid option for eligible taxpayers. However, check for the latest versions and updates each tax year to ensure compliance.

Misconception 5: Filing a 1040A guarantees a faster refund.

The speed of a tax refund typically depends on various factors, such as e-filing versus paper filing, the accuracy of your return, and processing times by the IRS. Using 1040A does not guarantee a faster refund.

Misconception 6: You cannot claim children as dependents if using the 1040A.

You can claim dependents while using form 1040A, as long as you meet the criteria set forth by the IRS for qualifying children or relatives.

Key takeaways

Understanding the IRS 1040A form is crucial for many taxpayers. Here are key takeaways to ensure you fill it out correctly and use it effectively:

Eligibility: Use the 1040A form if your taxable income is below $100,000, and you don't have complex situations like self-employment income.
Basic Information: Ensure that all personal information, including Social Security Numbers for yourself and your spouse, is accurate.
Filing Status: Select only one filing status on the form. Accurate status ensures proper calculations of your tax.
Exemptions: Count yourself, your spouse, and any dependents. Make sure to check if someone can claim you as a dependent.
Income Reporting: Aggregate all sources of income, including wages, interest, dividends, and retirement income. Missing any can lead to discrepancies.
Deductions: Familiarize yourself with deductions available for educators, IRA contributions, and student loans. They can lower your taxable income.
Credits: Look into available tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Credit. These can reduce your overall tax liability significantly.
Refund Options: Decide how you want to receive any tax refund. You can either have it directly deposited or receive a check by mail.
Review Before Sending: Double-check all entries for accuracy before submitting your form. Mistakes can delay your refund and complicate your tax situation.