1040 Essentials

Don't let the tax filing process confuse or overwhelm you. Read on to find answers to all of your questions about the basics of filing your 1040 tax form.

1040 Filing Basics

Do you have to file, where to file, filing dependents' returns

Tax Filing Status

Simplified filing status rules for individuals, couples, widows, widowers, children, and aliens

Figuring Your Taxes

Personal exemptions, personal tax credits, Alternative Minimum Tax, and more

Paying Your Taxes

Tax withholdings, estimated tax payments, what to do when you can't pay

Filing Your 1040

Keeping good tax records, applying for an extension, filing your 1040 electronically

Filing Refund Claims and Amended Tax Returns

Who should file a refund claim, when to file refund claims, guidelines for amending your return

If the IRS Examines Your Tax Return

Odds of being audited, when the IRS can assess additional taxes, how to prepare for and handle an audit