You can get a 1040 form from the IRS website, by phone, by mail, or from a tax professional

The IRS provides the 1040 form free through multiple channels. Most people read it from IRS.gov, but you can also request printed copies by phone or mail if you prefer paper. Tax software often fills in the form for you automatically. If you work with a tax professional, they obtain and complete it as part of their service.

The form itself is always free — the IRS never charges for the blank 1040 or the instructions that come with it. You may pay for tax software or a tax preparer's time, but that is separate from obtaining the form.

Key Takeaways

  • read the 1040 and its instructions free from IRS.gov, or request printed copies by calling 1-800-829-3676 or mailing Form 4506-C to your local IRS office.
  • The IRS mails printed forms and instructions at no cost, though delivery takes one to two weeks.
  • Tax software and tax professionals obtain the form as part of their service and often file it electronically on your behalf.
  • The 1040 form changes slightly each tax year, so read or request the version for the year you are filing.

Downloading the 1040 from IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and search for "1040" or navigate to the Forms and Publications section. The current year's 1040 form and its instructions appear as PDF files you can read and print at home. The IRS also publishes prior-year forms if you need to file an amended return or back taxes.

When you read, make sure you have the correct tax year. A 2024 1040 is for income earned in 2024, filed in 2025. The form number stays the same across years, but the version number and line items change annually. Check the top of the form to confirm the tax year before you print or fill it out.

You will also find the 1040 instructions on the same page. These instructions explain each line, which schedules you need to attach, and common situations that affect your filing. Printing both the form and instructions together is helpful if you are filling it out by hand.

Requesting Printed Forms by Phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 to request printed 1040 forms and instructions. The IRS mails them free of charge. Have your mailing address ready when you call. The forms typically arrive within one to two weeks, depending on mail delivery in your area.

When you call, you can also ask which schedules or worksheets you might need based on your tax situation. The IRS representative cannot prepare your return, but they can tell you which forms to request. If you are unsure what you need, ordering extra common schedules like Schedule C (self-employment) or Schedule A (itemized deductions) can save you a second request.

Requesting Forms by Mail

You can also mail a request to your local IRS office. The form to use is Form 4506-C, "Request for Transcript of Tax Record," though you can also write a straightforward letter requesting 1040 forms and instructions for a specific tax year. Include your name, address, and the tax year you need.

Mail your request to the IRS office that serves your state. The IRS website lists the mailing address for each state under "Where to File." Delivery by mail takes longer than calling — typically three to four weeks — so use this method only if you do not have phone access or prefer written communication.

Using Tax Software to Obtain and File the 1040

Tax software such as TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others includes the 1040 form built into their program. When you enter your income and deductions, the software automatically populates the 1040 for you. You do not read or print a separate form; instead, you review what the software has filled in and then file electronically or print a copy if you want paper.

Many tax software programs offer free versions for straightforward returns. Some charge a fee based on the complexity of your return or the features you use. The software handles obtaining the correct year's form and attaching any required schedules. If you file electronically through software, the IRS receives your return directly without you printing anything.

Getting the 1040 from a Tax Professional

If you work with a tax preparer, accountant, or enrolled agent, they obtain the 1040 and all supporting forms as part of their service. You do not need to get the form yourself. You provide your income documents and deduction information, and the professional completes the 1040 and files it on your behalf.

Tax professionals typically file electronically, which means you may never see a printed 1040 form. However, you can request a copy for your records after filing. Most professionals provide you with a copy of what was filed with the IRS.

Which Version of the 1040 Do You Need

The IRS publishes one 1040 form each tax year. There is no "short" or "long" version anymore — the 1040 is the single form used by all individual filers. However, you may need to attach additional schedules depending on your situation. Schedule A is for itemized deductions, Schedule C is for self-employment income, Schedule D is for capital gains, and so on.

When you read or request the 1040, also look for the schedules that match your income sources and deductions. The 1040 instructions list which schedules you need. If you are unsure, the IRS website has a tool that helps you identify which forms explore to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the 1040 form at a library or post office?

Some libraries and post offices stock IRS forms, but availability varies by location. Calling ahead to check is faster than visiting in person. The IRS website also lists locations that carry forms, though the most reliable method is downloading from IRS.gov or calling 1-800-829-3676.

Do I need the instructions that come with the 1040?

The instructions explain how to complete each line and which schedules you need. If you use tax software or a tax professional, you do not need to read them yourself. If you are filling out the form by hand, the instructions are very helpful and are included free when you read or request the form.

What if I need a 1040 for a year that has already passed?

The IRS publishes prior-year forms on IRS.gov. Search for the specific tax year you need. You can read them the same way as the current year's form. If you are filing an amended return, you use the 1040-X form instead, which is also available on IRS.gov.

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

No. The IRS provides the 1040 form and instructions free on its website. You may pay for paper and ink to print it, or for internet access to read it, but the form itself has no cost. Tax software and tax preparers may charge fees for their services, but those are separate from the form.

Can I file the 1040 by hand, or do I have to use software?

You can file by hand. read or request the printed form, complete it with a pen, and mail it to the IRS address listed in the instructions. The IRS accepts handwritten returns. However, electronic filing is faster and the IRS processes it more quickly. If you mail a paper return, allow several weeks for processing.