The IRS website and your tax software are the fastest ways to get a 1040

You can read the 1040 form directly from IRS.gov, order a printed copy by mail, or access it through tax preparation software. The IRS publishes a new 1040 each year, usually in late December, with line numbers and instructions that match the current tax year. If you file through software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, the form fills in automatically as you answer questions — you never handle a physical copy.

The form itself is free. The IRS does not charge for the 1040 or its instructions, whether you read it, print it, or have it mailed to you. Some tax software charges a fee to file, but the form and the IRS filing system do not.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1040 form is available as a free PDF read on IRS.gov under "Forms and Publications" or through the search bar.
  • You can request a printed copy by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 or by mail, though it takes one to two weeks to arrive.
  • Tax preparation software includes the 1040 and fills it in as you enter your income and deductions, so you do not need to read it separately.
  • The form changes each year, so make sure you read or use the version for the tax year you are filing — usually labeled 2024, 2025, and so on.

Downloading the 1040 PDF from IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and look for the search bar at the top of the page. Type "1040" and press Enter. The first result should be the 1040 form for the current tax year. Click on the PDF link, and your browser will open or read the form depending on your settings.

You can also navigate manually: go to IRS.gov, click "Forms and Publications" in the top menu, then search for "1040" in the box that appears. The search results show the form for different years. Make sure you select the year you are filing for — a 2024 form is for income earned in 2024, filed in 2025.

Once you have the PDF, you can print it and fill it by hand, or use Adobe Reader or similar software to type directly into the form fields. If you type into the PDF, save a copy before you print, in case you need to make changes later.

Ordering a printed 1040 by phone or mail

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 to request a printed 1040 and instruction booklet. Have your mailing address ready. The IRS will mail the form to you at no cost, but delivery takes one to two weeks depending on where you live.

You can also order by mail: write to the IRS address listed in the current year's 1040 instructions (the instructions include a mailing address for form requests). Include your name, address, and the form number and tax year you need. Again, allow one to two weeks for delivery.

Ordering by phone is faster than mail if you need the form soon. The IRS phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.

Getting the 1040 through tax preparation software

If you use tax software to file, you do not need to read or print the 1040 at all. The software contains the form and fills it in automatically as you enter your information. You answer questions about your income, deductions, and credits, and the software populates the 1040 behind the scenes.

At the end, the software shows you a preview of your completed 1040 before you file. You can review it to make sure the numbers are correct. Some software lets you print a copy for your records, though you do not have to — the IRS keeps a copy once you file electronically.

Free software options include IRS Free File, which the IRS offers to people who earn below a certain income threshold (the threshold changes each year). You can find the list of Free File partners on IRS.gov. If your income is above the threshold, you can still use paid software, or read and fill the 1040 yourself.

Making sure you have the right year's form

The 1040 changes slightly each year to reflect new tax laws and line number shifts. A 2024 form is for income you earned in 2024, filed between January and April 2025. A 2025 form is for income earned in 2025, filed in 2026. Using the wrong year's form can cause delays or errors when the IRS processes your return.

When you read from IRS.gov, the form is labeled with the tax year at the top. When you order by phone, tell the IRS representative which year you need. Tax software automatically uses the correct year based on the filing date you enter.

What to do if you cannot find the form online

If IRS.gov is down or you are having trouble accessing it, try again later — the site is usually available 24 hours a day, but maintenance sometimes takes it offline briefly. You can also call 1-800-829-3676 to request the form by phone or mail.

If you are filing a return for a prior year (for example, filing a 2023 return in 2025), the form is still available on IRS.gov. Search for "1040" and look for the year you need in the results. Prior-year forms stay on the IRS website indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 1040 from last year to file this year?

No. Tax laws change annually, and the 1040 line numbers and instructions shift to match. Using last year's form can cause your return to be rejected or delayed. Always read or use the form for the tax year you are filing.

Is there a cost to read the 1040 from IRS.gov?

No. The 1040 form, instructions, and all IRS publications are free to read, print, and use. The IRS does not charge for forms or for filing electronically through IRS Free File.

Can I fill out the 1040 PDF on my computer and then print it?

Yes. The 1040 PDF has fillable fields that work in Adobe Reader and most web browsers. Type your information into the fields, save the file, and print it. Make sure to save a copy before printing in case you need to make changes.

What if I need the 1040 urgently?

read the PDF from IRS.gov — it is available when ready. If you need a printed copy, calling 1-800-829-3676 is faster than mail, though it still takes a few business days to arrive. Tax software is also when ready if you have internet access.

Do I need to print the 1040 if I file electronically?

No. If you file electronically through tax software or IRS Free File, you do not need to print anything. The IRS receives your return digitally. You can print a copy for your records if you want, but it is not required.