Difference Between 1040 and 1040A Tax Forms

Although it's longer than Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A is shorter than the 1040 tax form, and it allows you to claim certain adjustments not available using Form 1040EZ. For example, Form 1040A can be used to file as head of household, which is more advantageous than a filing status of single.

1. What is the difference between 1040 and 1040A?
2. Which Form 1040 should I use?
3. Are 1040 forms different?
4. Who should use 1040A tax form?
5. Does the IRS still use 1040EZ?
6. Is there a 1040 EZ form for 2020?
7. Is the tax form 8879 the same as 1040?
8. What tax forms should I have?
9. Who can file 1040-EZ?
10. Can you fill out tax forms by hand?

What is the difference between 1040 and 1040A?

The simplest IRS form is the Form 1040EZ. The 1040A covers several additional items not addressed by the EZ. And finally, the IRS Form 1040 should be used when itemizing deductions and reporting more complex investments and other income. Here are a few general guidelines on which form to use.

Which Form 1040 should I use?

Forms 1040A and 1040EZ are just simplified, shorter versions of Form 1040. They are intended for people who have uncomplicated tax returns. The advantages of Form 1040A or 1040EZ is they are easy to fill out and easy to read. You can always use Form 1040, regardless of whether you qualify to use Form 1040A or 1040EZ.

Are 1040 forms different?

Form 1040 comes in four different varieties: Form 1040. Most taxpayers use the regular Form 1040. By itself, this form is just two pages long.

Who should use 1040A tax form?

All taxpayers can use Form 1040; however, to use Form 1040A you must satisfy a number of requirements, such as having taxable income of $100,000 or less and claiming the standard deduction rather than itemizing.

Does the IRS still use 1040EZ?

The Form 1040EZ no longer exists for use by taxpayers, but previous EZ filers may still qualify for a “simple return.” ... With the new system in place, the shorter Forms 1040EZ and 1040A became unnecessary, but the same type of filers may still qualify to file “simple returns.”

Is there a 1040 EZ form for 2020?

Form 1040EZ has been discontinued by the IRS beginning with the 2018 income tax year. If you filed Form 1040EZ in prior years, then you will use the redesigned IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR for the 2020 tax year.

Is the tax form 8879 the same as 1040?

Form 8879 is used to authorize the electronic filing (e-file) of original and amended returns. Use this Form 8879 (Rev. January 2021) to authorize e-file of your Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, 1040-SS, or 1040- X, for tax years beginning with 2019. ... The ERO must retain Form 8879.

What tax forms should I have?

Top 8 IRS Tax Forms You Need to Know

• Form 1040-EZ. ...
• Form 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Return. ...
• Schedule A to Form 1040, Itemized Deductions. ...
• Form 1099-INT, Interest Income. ...
• Schedule C to Form 1040, Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship) ...
• Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income. ...
• Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate.

Who can file 1040-EZ?

Before recent tax reforms, you could file with Form 1040EZ if: Your filing status was single or married filing jointly. You had taxable income of less than $100,000 with less than $1,500 of interest income. You claimed no dependents.

Can you fill out tax forms by hand?

The IRS says, “Although handwritten forms are acceptable, they must be completely legible and accurate to avoid processing errors. Handwritten forms often result in name/TIN mismatches.” ... Efiling is the most accurate and efficient way of filing 1099s, W2s, and other tax forms.