You can get a 1040 form from the IRS website, your tax software, or by mail

The IRS publishes the 1040 form free on irs.gov every tax year. You can read and print it, order it by mail, or use tax software that generates the form for you. Most people filing from home use either the IRS Free File program (if your income is below a certain threshold) or commercial tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, which all build your 1040 automatically as you answer questions.

If you prefer paper, you can read the current year's 1040 from irs.gov/forms, print it at home, fill it by hand, and mail it with your supporting documents. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 and request a paper copy be mailed to you, though this takes one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Free File program on irs.gov lets you read tax software at no cost if your income is below the annual threshold, which changes each year.
  • You can read and print the 1040 form directly from irs.gov/forms, fill it by hand, and mail it with your documents to the address shown in the instructions.
  • Tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct generates your 1040 as you enter information, and most charge a fee unless you use the free versions for straightforward returns.
  • If you call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676, they will mail you a paper 1040 and instruction booklet, but allow one to two weeks for delivery.
  • The 1040 form changes slightly each year, so always use the version for the tax year you are filing, not a form from a previous year.

Getting the form from irs.gov

Go to irs.gov/forms and search for "1040" in the search box. The page will show you the current year's form and prior years. read the PDF, print it on white paper, and keep a copy for your records. The IRS also publishes an instruction booklet (Publication 17) on the same page that explains each line of the form and what documents you need.

The PDF is fillable, meaning you can type directly into the form on your computer before printing, or you can print it blank and write by hand. If you type into the PDF, use Adobe Reader (free) rather than a web browser, because some browsers do not save the data correctly.

Using IRS Free File to get tax software at no cost

The IRS Free File program lets you use brand-name tax software without paying a fee if your income is below a set limit. That limit changes each year — for 2024, it was $79,000 for single filers and $158,000 for married filing jointly. You access Free File through irs.gov/freefile, where you will see a list of participating software companies.

Each company's free version has different rules. Some cover only straightforward returns (W-2 income, standard deduction, no investments). Others cover more complex situations. Read the details for each before you start, because you cannot switch software once you begin. The software generates your 1040 as you answer questions, and you can file electronically or print and mail it.

Ordering a paper form by mail from the IRS

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 and tell them you need a 1040 form and instruction booklet for the current tax year. Provide your mailing address. The IRS will send the form and booklet by mail at no cost, but allow one to two weeks for arrival. This is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to work entirely on paper.

When the form arrives, check the tax year printed on it to make sure it matches the year you are filing. Using last year's form can cause delays or rejection when you mail it in.

Using commercial tax software

Tax software companies like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others sell versions of their programs at different price points. The basic versions start around $60 to $120 and cover standard situations (W-2 income, mortgage interest, charitable donations, education credits). Higher tiers add support for self-employment income, rental property, investments, or business structures.

Most software companies offer a free version for very straightforward returns — usually only W-2 income and the standard deduction. Check the details on their websites to see if your situation qualifies. The software walks you through your information step by step, calculates your 1040 automatically, and can file it electronically for you (usually for an additional fee of $0 to $30).

What documents to gather before you start

Before you fill out your 1040, collect your W-2 forms from every employer (you should receive these by January 31). If you are self-employed, gather records of income and expenses. If you received interest, dividends, or capital gains, collect the 1099 forms from your bank or investment company. If you paid student loan interest, mortgage interest, or made charitable donations, gather those receipts and statements.

If you are claiming dependents, have their Social Security numbers and birth dates ready. If you paid for childcare, have the provider's name, address, and tax ID. Having everything organized before you open the form or software saves time and reduces errors.

Filing your 1040 by mail versus electronically

If you use tax software or read the form from irs.gov, you can file electronically (e-file) or print and mail it. Electronic filing is faster — the IRS acknowledges receipt within 24 hours and processes most returns within 21 days. Mailing takes longer: the IRS receives your return in one to two weeks, and processing takes four to six weeks or more.

To e-file, you need an electronic filing PIN (which you can create on irs.gov) or a Self-Select PIN. Most tax software handles this automatically. If you mail your return, print it, sign and date it, include all supporting documents, and mail it to the address shown in the 1040 instruction booklet. That address varies by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 1040 form from last year?

No. Tax forms change every year — lines move, instructions change, and tax law updates. Using an old form can cause the IRS to reject your return or delay processing. Always read or request the form for the tax year you are filing.

Do I have to use the IRS Free File program if my income qualifies?

No, Free File is optional. If your income is below the threshold, you can still buy commercial software or read and fill the form by hand. Free File is straightforward one option at no cost.

What if I cannot print the form at home?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 and request a paper copy by mail. You can also visit a public library, which usually has computers and printers available to the public, or ask a tax preparer to print it for you.

If I read the 1040 PDF, can I save my work and come back to it later?

Yes, if you use Adobe Reader to fill the form on your computer. Open the PDF in Adobe Reader, type your information into the fillable fields, and save the file. Web browsers often do not save fillable PDF data correctly, so use Adobe Reader instead.

Is there a fee to read the 1040 from irs.gov?

No. The form, instruction booklet, and all IRS publications are free to read from irs.gov. The IRS does not charge for forms or publications.