1040 U.S. Individual Tax Return Form

Form 1040: U.S. Individual Tax Return

Form 1040 is the standard Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form individuals use to file their annual federal income tax return. It collects personal information, reports taxable income and deductions, and calculates whether the filer owes additional tax or is due a refund. The form uses a modular approach: taxpayers complete the main form and attach only the supplemental schedules that apply to their situation.

Key takeaways

• Form 1040 is the primary tax return for U.S. individual taxpayers.
• It reports wages, interest, dividends, capital gains, retirement and Social Security income, and other income.
• Filers provide personal details (name, address, Social Security number, filing status, dependents) and choose the standard or itemized deduction.
• Additional schedules may be required to report specific income types, adjustments, credits, or additional taxes.
• Deadline: generally due April 15 in most years (extensions available).

Who must file

You generally must file Form 1040 if your gross income exceeds thresholds that vary by age and filing status. Dependents may need to file if they meet certain earned or unearned income limits. Examples of situations that require filing regardless of total income include:
* Net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more.
Owing additional taxes such as the alternative minimum tax.
Receiving certain distributions (for example, health savings account distributions).
* Meeting wage thresholds for church employees.

Dependent filing thresholds (examples):
* 2024: unearned income greater than $1,300 (but under $13,000) or earned income greater than $14,600.
* 2025: unearned income greater than $1,350 (but under $13,500) or earned income greater than $15,000.
(Thresholds vary by dependency and marital status; consult IRS guidance for exact rules.)

How to file

• Obtain Form 1040 from the IRS website or use electronic filing through commercial tax software or IRS Free File.
• Complete the two-page Form 1040 and attach any required schedules.
• File electronically (e-file) or mail a paper return to the IRS.
• Include Form 1040-V when sending a payment for any balance due.

Variants of Form 1040

• Form 1040-NR — for certain nonresident aliens and related representatives.
• Form 1040-ES — used to calculate and pay estimated quarterly taxes (for income not subject to withholding).
• Form 1040-V — payment voucher to accompany mailed tax payments.
• Form 1040-X — to amend a previously filed 1040.
• Form 1040-SR — a version designed for taxpayers 65 and older (larger font, standard deduction chart).
• 1040-SS / 1040-PR — used for residents of certain U.S. territories and related self-employment reporting.

Standard deduction and additional amounts

Your filing status determines the standard deduction amount, which is adjusted annually for inflation. Taxpayers who are age 65 or older or blind may claim an additional standard deduction. Example additional amounts:
* Additional deduction for aged or blind: $1,550 in 2024 (increases to $1,600 in 2025).
* If also unmarried and not a surviving spouse, increases to $1,950 in 2024 (to $2,000 in 2025).
Note: Estates, certain nonresident aliens, and married taxpayers filing separately whose spouse itemizes cannot claim the standard deduction.

Common supplemental schedules

Form 1040 uses schedules to report particular types of income, adjustments, credits, and taxes. Frequently used schedules include:

• Schedule 1 — Additional income and adjustments (e.g., alimony, HSA contributions, unemployment).
• Schedule 2 — Additional taxes (e.g., alternative minimum tax, self-employment tax).
• Schedule 3 — Additional credits and payments (e.g., residential energy credits, excess Social Security tax withheld).
• Schedule A — Itemized deductions (medical expenses, certain taxes and interest, charitable contributions).
• Schedule B — Interest and ordinary dividends (required if over $1,500).
• Schedule C — Profit or loss from a business (sole proprietorship).
• Schedule D — Capital gains and losses from sales/exchanges of capital assets.
• Schedule E — Supplemental income and loss (rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, trusts).
• Schedule EIC — Documentation for qualifying children for the Earned Income Credit.

Other notable schedules:
Schedule F — Farming income/loss.
Schedule H — Household employment taxes.
Schedule J — Income averaging for farmers and fishermen.
Schedule R — Credit for the elderly or disabled.
Schedule SE — Self-employment tax.
Schedule 8812 — Credits for qualifying children and other dependents.

Frequently asked questions

Is Form 1040 the same as a W-2?
No. A W-2 is a wage and tax statement employers provide to employees and is used to fill in income information on Form 1040.

Is Form 1040 the same as a 1099?
No. Form 1099 series reports various types of income (commonly for independent contractors). Information from 1099s is entered on Form 1040.

Where can I get Form 1040?
Download it from the IRS website or use e-file platforms (including Free File). Paper copies may be available at some federal buildings or public locations.

Bottom line

Form 1040 is the central document for filing individual federal income taxes in the U.S. It collects personal and financial information, determines tax liability or refund, and acts as the hub for any supplemental schedules required to report specific types of income, credits, or taxes. Always consult current IRS instructions or a tax professional for year-specific thresholds, deduction amounts, and filing requirements.