Filing Your Taxes
- Do You Need to File a Tax Return?
- Get Help with Your Taxes
- Get Your Tax Forms
- How to File Your Federal Taxes
- Small Business Taxes
- State and Local Taxes
- Tax Credits and Deductions
Make sure you have the forms you need to file your taxes. Learn about 2020 tax forms, instructions, and publications. Find out what to do if you don’t get your W2 on time, and learn how to request copies of your previous tax transcripts.
On This Page
- Get Tax Forms and Publications
- Get Copies and Transcripts of Your Tax Returns
- Get Your W-2 Before Tax Time
- 1099 Income Statements
Get Tax Forms and Publications
If you file your taxes by paper, you’ll need copies of some forms, instructions, and worksheets.
Get Federal Tax Forms
Get the current filing year’s forms, instructions, and publications for free from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Download them from IRS.gov
Order by phone at 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676)
You can also find printed versions of many forms, instructions and publications in your community for free at
Libraries
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers
New 1040 Form for Seniors
The IRS has released a tax filing form for people 65 and older. It’s an easier-to-read version of the 1040 form. It has bigger type, less shading, and features like a standard deduction chart. The form is optional and uses the same schedules, instructions, and attachments as the regular 1040.
Accessible Forms
The IRS provides many forms and publications in accessible formats. This includes Section 508 accessible PDFs and Braille or text forms. They also have forms for prior tax years.
State Tax Forms
Download your state's tax forms and instructions for free.
Get Copies and Transcripts of Your Tax Returns
You may need a copy or a transcript of a prior year's tax return. Learn how to get each one.
Get a Copy of a Tax Return
Mail the following items to get an exact copy of a prior year tax return and attachments:
- A completed Form 4506.
- $43 fee for each tax return requested. Make the check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.
Send them to the address listed in the form's instructions. The IRS will process your request within 75 calendar days
Get a Transcript of a Tax Return
A transcript is a computer printout of your return information. Sometimes a transcript is an acceptable substitute for an exact copy of your tax return. You may need a transcript when preparing your taxes. They are often used to verify income and tax filing status when applying for loans and government benefits.
Contact the IRS to get a free transcript . There are two ways you can get your transcript:
Online - To read, print, or download your transcript online, you'll need to register at IRS.gov. To sign-up, create an account with a username and a password.
By mail - To get a transcript delivered by postal mail, submit your request online. The IRS will send your transcript within 10 days of receiving your request.
Get a State Return
For copies of state tax returns, contact your state's Department of Revenue.
Get Your W-2 Before Tax Time
Employers must send you your W-2 by January 31 for the earnings from the previous calendar year of work. This form shows the income you earned for the year and the taxes withheld from those earnings.
If You Don’t Receive a W-2
If you don't receive your W-2 by January 31, inform your employer. If that doesn’t work, follow these other steps to get your W-2.
If Your W-2 is Incorrect
If your W-2 is incorrect, follow these guidelines to get a corrected one.
Help for Employers
The IRS offers resources on where, when and how employers can file W-2 forms for employees.
1099 Income Statements
Businesses and government agencies use 1099 forms to report various types of income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These types of income do not include wages, salaries, or tips. Learn about the types of Form 1099, what to do if you notice any errors and how to get a copy if you didn’t receive one.
Incorrect or Missing Form 1099
Contact the business or government agency if:
- Any of the reported income or information on your form is incorrect
- You did not receive your Form 1099
Common Types of Form 1099
- 1099-MISC for contracting and freelance work, gambling and prize winnings, and more
- 1099-INT for bank account interest
- 1099-DIV for investment distributions and dividends
- 1099-R for retirement account distributions from:
- 401(k) accounts
- IRAs
- Thrift Savings Plans
- Annuities
- Pensions
- 1099-S for real estate sales income
Every business or agency must:
- Complete a Form 1099 for each transaction
- Retain a copy for its records
- Send a copy to the IRS and yourself. You should receive your copy by early February (or mid-February for Form 1099-B).
You must include this income on your federal tax return.
Contact the IRS
If you requested Form 1099 from a business or agency and didn’t receive it, contact the IRS. Wait times to speak with a representative may be long.
Last Updated: May 27, 2022
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