Instructions for Filing a 1040EZ Form

Using form 1040EZ is one of the easiest ways to file your income taxes.

If you are a taxpayer who files as a single or married and you have no dependents you might qualify to file form 1040EZ, the short version of federal form 1040. You may not file Form 1040EZ if you are over age 65, blind or claim dependents. Your taxable income must be less than $100,000. If you do not meet all of these requirements you cannot file form 1040EZ.

Instructions

1. Obtain form 1040EZ. This form is found on the Internal Revenue Service's Web site or at many post offices or other public buildings.

2. Gather your income tax information for the tax year; provide your name, spouse's name if applicable, Social Security numbers and home address. Enter your income in section one on lines one, two and three. Add these amounts together and enter the total on line four.

3. Read the instructions on line five and check the correct box. If you checked "No" enter your standard deduction -- listed on line five based on your filing status -- on line five. Subtract the amount on line five from the total on line four and enter the difference on line six. If the total on line four is larger than the total on line five put a zero on line six.

4. Enter your tax payments, credits and tax on lines seven through nine, add them together and enter the total on line 10. Refer to the federal form 1040EZ instructions and locate the tax table. Using the amount listed on line six and your filing status, locate your federal income tax amount and enter it on line 11.

5. Subtract the larger of lines 10 and 11 from the smaller. If the amount on line 10 is the larger amount, the difference is your income tax refund, which is listed on line 12; vice versa is the amount of tax you owe the IRS, listed on line 13.

6. Enter your bank account number and routing number on line 12 if you are due a refund and would like it electronically deposited into your bank account. Leave this blank if you owe tax.

7. Compose a check payable to the Department of Treasury in the amount listed on line 13. Sign your income tax return and mail it to the Internal Revenue Service address listed in the instruction booklet for residents of your state. You are required to attach copies of any tax form that states federal income tax withheld to your income tax return. Mail your return on or before April 15 to avoid accruing late fees and penalties.

Tips & Warnings

• You can electronically file your income tax return using any of the IRS' approved e-file sites.

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Form 1040EZ Instructions

Resources

• Internal Revenue Service: Form 1040EZ
• Internal Revenue Service: E-File