IRS 1040 EZ Instructions
If your income is limited to wages, unemployment compensation and a small amount of interest, you can use the one-page 1040EZ form to file your taxes. The 1040EZ is the simplest of all tax forms, and the majority of taxpayers will be able to complete this form on their own. But while the 1040EZ is a simple form, it is still important to complete it carefully to avoid a mistake that could delay the processing of your return.
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Instructions
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Download a 1040EZ form from the IRS website, or obtain one from your local public library or legislative office. If you received a 1040EZ in the mail, affix the address label that came with it to the top of the form. Otherwise, fill in your name and address where the label would go. Don't forget to include your Social Security number at the right of the form.
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Enter the wages from your W-2 on Line 1 of the 1040EZ. Add up all your income if you had more than one job and received more than one W-2.
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Write the total amount of interest you received on Line 2 of the form. Each bank should send you a 1099 form showing the amount of interest you received. If you received more than $1,500 in interest, you cannot use the 1040EZ form.
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Enter any unemployment compensation you received on Line 4 of the form, then add up the amounts on Lines 1 through 3 and enter the total on Line 4.
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Check the applicable box on Line 5 to indicate whether or not someone else can claim you on their return. Enter the appropriate deduction on Line 5.
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Subtract the amount on Line 5 from Line 4. This is your taxable income.
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Enter the total tax withheld from your paycheck on Line 7 of the 1040EZ. Enter any other credits and payments on Lines 7 and 8. Add up the amounts on Lines 7 through 9 and enter the total on Line 10.
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Look up the amount of taxes you owe based on your taxable income. This information is available on the tax table that comes with the 1040-EZ form. Enter that amount on Line 11.
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Compare the tax owed on Line 11 with the total taxes and credits on Line 10. If Line 10 is larger than Line 11, enter the amount of your refund and provide your bank account number and routing number to have the refund deposited directly in your bank account. If you owe money to the IRS, enter that amount on Line 13.
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Sign and date your return at the bottom, then mail it to the address shown in the instructions. Keep a copy of the tax form and backup documents for your records.
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References
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