What Is The Difference Between A 1040 And A 1040EZ?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The only real difference between the forms is in the amount of information reported . The IRS has a list of items, which if reported on your return, require using either the Form 1040A or Form 1040 instead of Form 1040EZ.

Why is it important to fill out a 1040?

Form 1040 is how individuals file a federal income tax return with the IRS . It’s used to report your gross income—the money you made over the past year—and how much of that income is taxable after tax credits and deductions. It calculates the amount of tax you owe or the refund you receive.

Why might you fill out a 1040 instead of a 1040ez?

The simplest IRS form is the Form 1040EZ. The 1040A covers several additional items not addressed by the EZ. And finally, the IRS Form 1040 should be used when itemizing deductions

What is the 1040 and what’s the difference between the 1040 1040A and 1040EZ?

Although it’s longer than Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A is shorter than the 1040 tax form, and it allows you to claim certain adjustments not available using Form 1040EZ. ... Another difference is that the 1040EZ form’s $1,500 limit on interest income does not apply to Form 1040A .

Why is there no longer a 1040EZ?

In late 2017, President Trump signed a new tax plan into law. This law consolidated the forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ into a single redesigned Form 1040 that all filers can use. For your 2020 taxes , which you file in 2021, you will use this new 1040. That means you can no longer use the 1040EZ.

Who should use 1040 EZ?

You could use Form 1040-EZ if all of the following apply: You are filing as single or married filing jointly . Your taxable income is less than $100,000 . You don’t claim any dependents .

What is the difference between Form 1040 and 1040A?

The IRS Form 1040A is one of three forms you can use to file your federal income tax return. Form 1040A is a shorter version of the more detailed Form 1040 , but is more complex than the simple 1040EZ form.

How do I get my 1040 form 2020?

You’ll be able to access your most recent 3 tax returns (each of which include your Form 1040—the main tax form—and any supporting forms used that year) when sign into 1040.com and go to the My Account screen. If you filed through a tax preparer or CPA, they can provide a printed or electronic copy of your tax return.

How do I get my 1040?

To order by phone, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts in the recorded message. To request a 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ tax return transcript through the mail, complete IRS Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript.

What are the three important qualifications for a 1040EZ tax return?

  • Must be U.S. citizen or have legal resident status.
  • Tax filers must be age 65 or younger.
  • You can only file single or married filing jointly. ...
  • You can only take the standard deduction. ...
  • The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the only tax credit you can claim.

How much income do I need to file a 1040?

Single: If you are single and under the age of 65, the minimum amount of annual gross income you can make that requires filing a tax return is $12,200 . If you’re 65 or older and plan on filing single, that minimum goes up to $13,850.

Is there a 1040 EZ form for 2020?

Form 1040EZ has been discontinued by the IRS beginning with the 2018 income tax year. If you filed Form 1040EZ in prior years, then you will use the redesigned IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR for the 2020 tax year.

Did they get rid of the 1040 EZ?

The Form 1040EZ no longer exists for use by taxpayers , but previous EZ filers may still qualify for a “simple return.” ... With the new system in place, the shorter Forms 1040EZ and 1040A became unnecessary, but the same type of filers may still qualify to file “simple returns.”

Does the IRS still use 1040EZ?

Form 1040EZ is no longer used , but Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR are important for taxpayers to be familiar with. Here’s a guide to what is on these forms and what has changed from previous tax years. In the past, if you had a simple tax return to prepare, you likely filed your return with IRS Form 1040EZ.

Did the 1040EZ go away?

The shorter filing forms, 1040EZ and 1040A, are no longer used by the IRS, effective January 1, 2019 . They have been replaced by the new Form 1040.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.