{"id":1451,"date":"2014-02-28T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-11-23T17:44:44","guid":{"rendered":"\/individual-income-tax-return"},"modified":"2025-04-04T15:59:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T22:59:21","slug":"types-of-tax-returns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/types-of-tax-returns\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Different Types Of Tax Returns"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"width: 640px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-1451-1\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/types-tax-return.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/types-tax-return.mp4\">https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/types-tax-return.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<p>Understanding all different types of tax returns is no easy task. Did you know that there are over a thousand official IRS tax forms out there? Used to report income, expenses, deductions, ask for extensions and transcripts\u2014you name it, there\u2019s an IRS form for it.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s frankly overwhelming, but the bright side is that you can get by just fine by learning a few of the most important documents; we\u2019re talking about the ones that tell you everything you need to know about your tax return.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll go over some of the most basic tax forms out there and how each of them compliments your tax return. Think of it as a quick guide which will help you start really understanding the tax filing process, but don\u2019t hesitate to ask for assistance if you really need it.<\/p>\n<h2>Types Of Tax Returns<\/h2>\n<p>There are several different types of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/how-to-prepare-your-federal-income-tax-return\"> Federal individual income tax returns<\/a>. You must use the tax form that corresponds with your particular situation and allows you to claim the income,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/tax-deductions\"> tax deductions<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/tax-credits-2\"> tax credits<\/a>, etc. that apply to you. Federal income tax returns are generally due by April 15th, unless you are approved for a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/tips-for-getting-a-tax-extension\"> tax extension<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The most common <b>types of tax returns<\/b> include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) (a.k.a. \u201cthe long form\u201d)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Form 1040A (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) (a.k.a. \u201cthe short form\u201d)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Form 1040EZ (Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Form 1040NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Form 1040NR-EZ (U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens With No Dependents)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>IRS Tax Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return)<\/h3>\n<p>Form 1040 is the standard Federal income tax form used to report an individual\u2019s gross income (e.g., money, goods, property, and services). It is also known as \u201cthe long form\u201d because it is more extensive than the shorter 1040A and 1040EZ Tax Forms.<\/p>\n<p>Also unlike the other tax forms, IRS Form 1040 allows taxpayers to claim numerous expenses and tax credits,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/understanding-itemized-tax-deductions\"> itemize deductions<\/a>, and adjust income.<\/p>\n<p>While the 1040 may take longer to complete, it benefits taxpayers by giving them more opportunities to lower their tax bills. But before you start to prepare your<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/information-for-irs-tax-form-1040\"> 1040 tax form<\/a>, you should first check to see if you qualify to use the simpler 1040A or 1040EZ tax forms.<\/p>\n<p>However, it is a safe bet to use IRS Form 1040 if you are unsure whether or not you are eligible to use the 1040A or 1040EZ. The basic rule of thumb is this: When in doubt, file Tax Form 1040.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11649 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-7640829-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"types-of-tax-return\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-7640829-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-7640829-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-7640829-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-7640829-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-7640829-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-7640829-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-7640829-640x426.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Form 1040A (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return)<\/h3>\n<p>IRS Tax Form 1040A is a simplified federal income tax form used to report an individual\u2019s income and calculate their taxes. It is also known as \u201cthe short form\u201d because it is a two-page form that is less complex than IRS Tax Form 1040.<\/p>\n<p>Tax Form 1040A covers more than Form 1040EZ (see below) and it allows taxpayers to report common types of income, tax credits, and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/types-of-tax-deductions\"> tax deductions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The 1040A Form is available to taxpayers of any age and any<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/determining-your-federal-filing-status\/\"> filing status<\/a>, however, you cannot itemize your deductions and the types of tax credits you can claim are limited. If you qualify to use Form 1040A, it will take you less time to prepare (than the longer 1040 tax form) and it will likely be processed faster by the IRS.<\/p>\n<p>While most people qualify to use the 1040A tax form, it is not as extensive as its longer counterpart, so it\u2019s a good idea to look over what the 1040 tax form offers first.<\/p>\n<h3>Form 1040EZ (Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents)<\/h3>\n<p>IRS Tax Form 1040EZ is the shortest federal individual income tax form. It is designed for taxpayers whose filing status is \u201csingle\u201d or \u201cmarried filing jointly\u201d with no dependents.<\/p>\n<p>The 1040EZ is less complex than Tax Form 1040 and Tax Form 1040A, so it generally takes less time to fill out and process.<\/p>\n<p>However, depending on your situation, it may be more beneficial for you to use Form 1040 or Form 1040A instead, since those forms allow taxpayers to claim \u201chead of household\u201d status (which typically results in a lower tax than filing as \u201csingle\u201d), dependents, and various tax credits, tax deductions, and adjustments to income.<\/p>\n<h3>Form 1040NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return)<\/h3>\n<p>IRS Tax Form 1040NR is the Federal individual income tax return for non-resident aliens. This tax form is similar to the regular 1040 form used by U.S. citizens.<\/p>\n<p>Form 1040NR must be filed if you were a nonresident alien during the past tax year who engaged in business in the U.S. You are required to file even if you have no income from the business, or your income is exempt from tax under a treaty with your country.<\/p>\n<p>You must also use this form if you were a nonresident alien who did not engage in U.S. business, but received income from U.S. sources that are reportable on Schedule NEC.<\/p>\n<p>Note that United States citizens never have to file Tax Form 1040NR. But if you are a U.S. nonresident alien, this is a tax form that you should become familiar with.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-11647 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-freestockpro-2646033-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"types-of-tax-return\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-freestockpro-2646033-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-freestockpro-2646033-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-freestockpro-2646033-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-freestockpro-2646033-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-freestockpro-2646033-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-freestockpro-2646033-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-freestockpro-2646033-640x426.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Form 1040NR-EZ (U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens With No Dependents)<\/h3>\n<p>IRS Tax Form 1040NR-EZ is the \u201cshort form\u201d version of Form 1040NR (see above) designed for taxpayers who are non-resident aliens. In other words, this is the simpler version of the 1040NR which is for the same group of people.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind, there are certain requirements if you want to use Form 1040NR-EZ to report your annual income taxes. For example, you cannot claim any dependents and you cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/how-to-prepare-your-federal-income-tax-return\"> income tax return<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Most Common Tax Form Attachments<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, the IRS requires you to attach a file to your tax return. It mostly depends on your individual situation, but it\u2019s mostly used to report alternative forms of income that are not contemplated in your usual 1040. The following attachments are the most common:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule A: <\/b>Used for when you choose to itemize your tax deductions, such as mortgage interest, unreimbursed medical and dental expenses, charitable contributions, and many more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule B: <\/b>This one is for reporting taxable interest (or ordinary dividends) exceeding $1,500. It\u2019s a form that\u2019s only applicable to taxable accounts, so tax-advantaged accounts like the IRAs and 529 plans are exempt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule C: <\/b>Used to report profits or losses (and all deductible expenses) from your business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule D: <\/b>For reporting capital gains and losses from stock trading. Definitely not a popular form.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule SE: <\/b>\u201cSE\u201d stands for self-employment; this form is used to calculate how much you\u2019ll pay in self-employment tax, and is actually one of the few forms that\u2019s used more than once per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-11651 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/Screenshot-2025-03-04-181833.png\" alt=\"types-of-tax-return\" width=\"475\" height=\"621\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/Screenshot-2025-03-04-181833.png 621w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/Screenshot-2025-03-04-181833-230x300.png 230w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/Screenshot-2025-03-04-181833-9x12.png 9w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Individual Income Tax Return \u2014 Preparation and Filing<\/h2>\n<p>There are many different ways to obtain an individual income tax return. The fastest and most convenient option is to download the tax form on your computer.<\/p>\n<p>Most post offices and local libraries carry forms around tax time, and forms can also be picked up from a tax center or an IRS office. In addition, you may request a tax form to be sent to you by U.S. Mail.<\/p>\n<p>Before you begin filing your<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/how-to-file-your-federal-income-tax-return\"> individual income tax return<\/a>, make sure you have the following information ready:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Proof of identification<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Filing status and residency status<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Social Security Numbers for you, your spouse, and any dependents<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Dates of birth for you, your spouse, and any dependents<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/copy-of-past-tax-return\"> copy of your past tax return<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Statements of wages earned (e.g., W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, etc.)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Statements of interest\/dividends from banks, brokerages, etc.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Proof of any tax credits, tax deductions, or tax exclusions<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Your bank account number and routing number (for Direct Deposit)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Federal individual income tax returns are due with payment by April 15th. A 6-month tax extension may be granted (with<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/what-is-tax-form-4868\"> IRS Tax Form 4868<\/a>) for late filing.<\/p>\n<p>However, it is important to understand that there are no extensions for tax payments. So whether or not you obtained a tax extension to file your return, any tax due must still be paid by the original filing deadline (April 15th).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.taxextension.com\/resources\/tax-extensions-individuals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">READ: Tax Extensions for Individuals<\/a><\/p>\n<p>You may file your Federal income tax return by paper mail, via electronic filing (a.k.a. \u201ce-filing\u201d), through the IRS\u2019s Free File program, or by employing a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/the-pros-and-cons-of-professional-tax-preparation\"> professional tax preparer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/articles\/tips-for-e-filing-taxes-online-for-free\">Filing taxes online<\/a> is generally safer, faster, and easier ? and you will get your tax refund much sooner if you choose the Direct Deposit option.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11648 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-ralfs-eglitis-570630-2762083-scaled-e1741140148336-1024x888.jpg\" alt=\"types-of-tax-return\" width=\"640\" height=\"555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-ralfs-eglitis-570630-2762083-scaled-e1741140148336-1024x888.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-ralfs-eglitis-570630-2762083-scaled-e1741140148336-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-ralfs-eglitis-570630-2762083-scaled-e1741140148336-768x666.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-ralfs-eglitis-570630-2762083-scaled-e1741140148336-1536x1332.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-ralfs-eglitis-570630-2762083-scaled-e1741140148336-14x12.jpg 14w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/pexels-ralfs-eglitis-570630-2762083-scaled-e1741140148336.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Individual Income Tax Returns and Different Types of Tax Returns: FAQ<\/h2>\n<p><b>1. What\u2019s an individual tax return?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Simply put, an individual income tax return is a form you file with the IRS in order to report your income, and also claim tax deductions and credits. You calculate your taxes owed (or refunds you\u2019re due) for each specific tax year.<\/p>\n<p>There are many different forms that can be used to file an individual tax return, such as the 1040, 1040-SR, and 1040-NR.<\/p>\n<p><b>2. <\/b><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"66\">What are the different types of individual income tax returns?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"536\">There are three main types of individual income tax returns, each designed for different taxpayer situations. Form 1040 is the standard version used by most U.S. taxpayers\u2014if you&#8217;re filing for tax year 2024, this is likely the one you&#8217;ll use. Form 1040-SR is a simplified version of the standard 1040, created specifically for seniors aged 65 and older. Then there&#8217;s Form 1040-NR, which is intended for nonresident aliens who have earned income in the United States.<\/p>\n<p><b>3. What\u2019s the purpose of a joint tax return?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Joint tax returns are filed by married couples (the definition of \u201cmarried\u201d here is legal) with the purpose to combine their income, as well as their deductions and credits. This often affords them a lower tax liability overall when compared to what they would have gotten by filing separately.<\/p>\n<p><b>4. How is single filing different from filing as head of household?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>For starters, the single filing status is meant for unmarried individuals without dependents, plain and simple. Head of household, on the other hand, is a filing status for unmarried individuals who provide over half of the financial support for one or more qualifying dependents; this status usually affords taxpayers bigger benefits than filing as single.<\/p>\n<p><b>5. <\/b><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"54\">What can I do if I need help filing my tax return?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"613\">If you need help filing your tax return, the best thing you can do is reach out for support\u2014there are several ways to get assistance. If you meet the requirements, you can use the IRS Free File tool, which offers guided tax preparation at no cost. Another great option is to hire a tax professional who can walk you through the entire process, explain anything that\u2019s unclear, and handle the filing for you. You can also contact an IRS-approved volunteer program like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), which provides free help to eligible taxpayers.<b><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>6. Do businesses have to file tax returns?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>If they want to avoid trouble, yes they do. Businesses use a different set of tax forms than individual tax forms. Business tax returns are filed by entities like sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs to report income, deductions, and taxes owed. The most common business tax forms are Schedule C (an attachment of Form 1040) for sole proprietors, Form 1065 for partnerships, and Form 1120 for corporations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding all different types of tax returns is no easy task. Did you know that there are over a thousand official IRS tax forms out there? Used to report income, expenses, deductions, ask for extensions and transcripts\u2014you name it, there\u2019s an IRS form for it. It\u2019s frankly overwhelming, but the bright side is that you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-federal-tax-returns"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1451"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1451\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12514,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1451\/revisions\/12514"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}