Which Tax Form Should I Fill Out?

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The IRS publishes various tax return forms which vary in their level of detail. The type of form you should fill out depends on whether you have dependents (e.g. children), what kinds of income you have, and whether you "itemize" deductions. Most taxpayers choose to fill out the least complicated tax form that they are allowed to use.

For workers with no qualifying children

For workers with qualifying children

In summary

For workers with no qualifying children

• If you have no dependents/children and your income only includes the following: wages, salaries, tips, taxable interest, and unemployment compensation, you may be able to complete the simplest form, which is Form 1040EZ.

• Otherwise, most other people will likely want to complete Form 1040A.

• In some instances, such as if you itemize deductions, you may need to complete the more complicated Form 1040.

• There are several ways you can get these forms. See "Where can I obtain the necessary tax forms?"

  Note: It is not a mistake or a problem to complete Form 1040, even if you could have filled out Form 1040A. Form 1040 is more complicated to fill out. If you may complete Form 1040A, you will find the 1040A easier to fill out.

For workers with qualifying children

• Most people who are eligible for the EIC and who have qualifying children will probably want to complete Form 1040A.

• You may not use Form 1040EZ.

• In some instances, such as if you itemize deductions, you may need to complete the more complicated Form 1040.

  Note: It is not a mistake or a problem to complete Form 1040, even if you could have filled out Form 1040A. Form 1040 form is more complicated to fill out. If you may complete Form 1040A, you will find the 1040A easier to fill out.

• Workers with qualifying children will also need to complete Schedule EIC. This is a simple, one page form which ask questions to verify that you have a qualifying child. Schedule EIC asks for the child’s name, Social Security number, year of birth, relationship to you, number of months the child lived with you in the United States in the previous year, and several other questions.

  Note: For most people, Schedule EIC should be an easy form to complete. It is necessary to attach this form to your tax return if you have a qualifying child and are claiming the EIC.

• There are several ways you can get these forms. See "Where can I obtain the necessary tax forms?"

In summary: