How to File a 1040EZ
The Form 1040EZ is the shortest of the three most common tax forms that are used to file individual federal income taxes. The other tax forms are the From 1040, which is the longest and the only option if you want to itemize your deductions, and the Form 1040A which allows for selected deductions and credits. Regardless of which form you use, your taxes are due on April 15 each year.
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Instructions
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Determine whether you meet the requirements to use Form 1040EZ. To be eligible, you must be either single or married filing jointly, be under 65, have no dependents, have less than $1,500 in interest or dividend income, have less than $100,000 in total taxable income, and not be claiming any deductions or credits except the earned income credit and recovery tax rebate.
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Complete the identifying information at the top of the form, including your name, address and Social Security number for you and, if you are married filing jointly, your spouse.
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Complete the income section. Add all of your income from your W-2 forms and write the total on line one. Record interest payments on line two and unemployment compensation on line three. Add these three together and record the total on line four.
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Record the standard deduction for you and, if applicable, your spouse in line five. Then subtract it from your total income and record the total on line six. This is your taxable income.
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Record any estimated payments and income tax withholding payments in line seven and any applicable credits on lines eight and nine. Total lines seven through nine and write the total on line 10. Subtract line 10 from line six and record the result on line 11. This is the amount of tax you owe. If the amount is negative you are due a refund.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are eligible for and tax deductions, such as contributions to a qualifying retirement plan or student loan interest, you may be better off filing a longer tax form because of the money it will save you.
