How to File a 1040 Return Online
- 1). Calculate your adjusted gross income. Follow the instructions on form 1040 to determine your gross income, which includes all money you made during the tax year, including wages and tips. Deduct specified items, such as student loan interest or IRA contributions, to get your adjusted gross income. This amount will help you determine which online tax preparation method to use.
- 2). Go to the IRS website and use traditional Free File if your adjusted gross income is below a set limit--$57,000 as of 2009. The tax preparation software will walk you through each step, do all the calculations and check for accuracy. Software may include state forms and filing, but for state taxes there may be a fee. Most common federal forms and schedules are available. Select either "I Will Choose A Free File Company" or "Help Me Find a Free File Company" to get started.
- 3). Use Free Fillable Forms, which have no income limitation. This option allows you to complete common federal tax forms online without tax software, then file them online. The forms will do basic calculations for you, but neither state forms nor state electronic filing are provided. Click on "Start My Free File Fillable Forms Return" and you'll be directed to a private company's website. Choose a password and select which form you need--1040, 1040A or 1040 EZ. The completed form can be filed electronically--you'll need last year's adjusted gross income or PIN--or printed and mailed to the IRS (see Resources).
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