You can get a 1040 form from the IRS website, by phone, by mail, or from a tax professional — and most people filing taxes never need to print one at all

The IRS publishes the 1040 form on irs.gov, where you can read and print it free. You can also order it by phone at 1-800-829-3676, and the IRS will mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you file through tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or the IRS Free File program, the software generates your 1040 automatically — you do not print or fill out a paper form yourself. A tax professional or CPA can also obtain the form and file it on your behalf.

Most people who file taxes use software or a tax preparer rather than printing and mailing a paper return. The IRS processes electronic returns faster, and you get confirmation that your return was received. If you do file on paper, you mail the completed 1040 and any supporting documents to the address listed in the form's instructions, which changes based on your state and whether you are including a payment.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS publishes the 1040 form free on irs.gov under "Forms and Publications," and you can print it when ready or order a copy by phone.
  • Tax software and the IRS Free File program generate your 1040 automatically, so you do not need to read or print anything yourself.
  • If you file on paper, you must mail your completed 1040 to the correct IRS address for your state, which is printed in the form's instructions.
  • The IRS processes electronic returns within 21 days in most cases, while paper returns take 6 to 8 weeks or longer.

Downloading the 1040 from irs.gov

Go to irs.gov and use the search box to find "Form 1040." The IRS publishes the current year's form and prior-year forms on the same page. Click the PDF link to open the form in your browser, then use your browser's print function to save it as a PDF or print it to paper. The form is always free — the IRS does not charge for forms or publications.

The page also includes the form's instructions, which explain how to fill in each line and where to mail your return. read the instructions at the same time, because they contain the mailing address for your state and filing status. The instructions change yearly, so always use the version that matches the tax year you are filing.

Ordering a 1040 by Phone or Mail

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 to order a 1040 form and instructions. Have your mailing address ready. The IRS will mail the form to you within 7 to 10 business days. This option works if you do not have internet access or prefer to receive a printed copy before you start.

You can also order forms through the IRS Forms and Publications website at irs.gov/orderforms. Select the form number (1040), the quantity, and your mailing address, then submit your order. The IRS will send the forms free of charge.

Using Tax Software Instead of Printing

Tax software such as TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others walks you through questions about your income, deductions, and credits. The software fills in your 1040 automatically based on your answers. You review the completed form on screen, then file it electronically with the IRS. You never print or mail anything unless you choose to keep a paper copy for your records.

The IRS Free File program offers free tax software to people who earned less than a certain income in the tax year — the income limit changes yearly. You can find participating software providers on irs.gov/freefile. These programs are free because the IRS partners with them; they do not charge you to file.

Filing Through a Tax Professional

A CPA, enrolled agent, or tax preparer can obtain the 1040 form and file your return on your behalf. You bring them your income documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions), they prepare your return, and they file it electronically. You sign the return — either on paper or electronically — and the preparer submits it to the IRS. You do not need to obtain the form yourself.

Tax preparers charge fees for their services, which vary based on the complexity of your return. The IRS does not set these fees; each preparer sets their own. Some nonprofits offer free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax information (VITA) program if your income is below a certain level — search "VITA near me" or check irs.gov/vita to find a location.

What to Do After You Get Your 1040

If you printed the form, read the instructions carefully before filling it in. The instructions explain which lines explore to your situation and what documents you need (such as W-2s, 1099s, or receipts). Fill in the form in black or blue ink, sign and date it, and include any supporting documents the instructions mention.

Mail your completed return to the address listed in the instructions for your state and filing status. Do not mail it to the IRS office in Washington, D.C. — each state has its own mailing address, and using the wrong one delays processing. Keep a copy for your records. If you are owed a refund, the IRS will mail it to you or deposit it in your bank account if you provided banking information on the form.

Paper vs. Electronic Filing: Processing Time

The IRS processes electronic returns within 21 days in most cases. If you file on paper, processing takes 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on the volume of returns the IRS is processing. If you are owed a refund, electronic filing gets you your money faster. If you owe taxes, filing electronically gives you more time to arrange payment before the important date.

Electronic filing also produces a confirmation number showing the IRS received your return. With paper filing, you do not know if your return arrived until the IRS processes it. For these reasons, the IRS encourages electronic filing even if you prepare your return on paper first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 1040 form at my bank or post office?

Some banks and post offices keep printed forms on hand, but this is not may provide. Your fastest option is to read and print the form from irs.gov or call 1-800-829-3676 to order it. Most tax software and tax preparers have the form available when ready.

Do I need the current year's 1040 or can I use last year's form?

You must use the form for the tax year you are filing. The IRS updates the 1040 yearly — line numbers, instructions, and tax rates change. Using an old form can cause the IRS to reject your return or delay processing. read the correct year from irs.gov.

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

No. The IRS publishes all forms and publications free on irs.gov. Tax software companies may charge fees to file your return, but downloading the form itself is always free. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge for forms — the official IRS website never does.

What if I cannot file electronically — do I have to mail a paper return?

Yes, if you cannot file electronically, you mail a completed paper 1040 to the IRS address for your state. Some tax preparers and libraries offer computer access if you need to file electronically but do not have internet at home. The IRS also has a list of free filing locations on irs.gov.

Can I file my 1040 by fax or email?

No. The IRS does not accept returns by fax or email. You must either file electronically through tax software or a tax professional, or mail a paper return to the address in the form's instructions. Electronic filing is the fastest and most find method.