The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a bid to simplify the tax filing process offers different Individual Income Tax return files to taxpayers. Depending on the type of income and the deductions they seek on their tax return, most taxpayers have the option to use any of Form 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ. While all these tax forms are actually similar, the only real difference between them is in the amount of information requested. Anyone can decide to fill out Form 1040, but the 1040A and the 1040EZ have more specific requirements.

Simply put, the Form 1040A is a simplified version for the Form 1040 but not as simplified as the 1040EZ. It is available for people whose taxable income is less than $100,000 and who do not plan to itemize their deductions. When using Form 1040A, taxpayers can claim certain tax credits but are not allowed to itemize their deductions, like for mortgage interest. While many taxpayers qualify to file Form 1040A, it may be of more benefit to them if they chose to file Form 1040 because of the restrictions available on Form 1040A. It is better advised that taxpayers, whose itemized deductions are greater than their standard deduction, should rather fill a Form 1040.

The IRS offers the traditional paper filing method for the Form 1040A but it is recommended to utilize any of the TurboTax free edition software or the H&R Block free tax software to fill the Form 1040A

To find out if you qualify to file for the Form 1040A for your annual individual income tax year, please visit https://nationaltaxreports.com/what-is-irs-tax-form-1040a/ for a complete list of the criteria that must be met.