You can get a 1040 form from the IRS website, by phone, by mail, or from a tax professional — and the IRS sends them free

The IRS publishes the 1040 form on its website at irs.gov, where you can read and print it yourself at no cost. You can also request a printed copy by phone, mail, or in person at an IRS office. Tax software companies and tax professionals also have copies. The form itself is always free; you never pay the IRS to get one.

The 1040 changes slightly each year, so make sure you are using the current tax year's version. The IRS releases the new form in late fall, usually by November, for the tax year that just ended. If you file early in January, you may need to wait a few weeks for the official form, though the IRS sometimes releases draft versions earlier.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS publishes the 1040 form free on irs.gov and will mail you a printed copy if you call 1-800-829-3676.
  • You can read and print the form yourself, or request a physical copy by mail, which takes one to two weeks.
  • Tax software, libraries, and tax professionals all have copies of the current year's form available.
  • The form changes each year, so confirm you are using the version for the tax year you are filing.

Downloading the 1040 from irs.gov

Go to irs.gov and use the search box to look for "1040" followed by the tax year — for example, "1040 2024". The IRS website will show you the form, instructions, and related schedules. You can open the PDF in your browser and print it directly, or read it to your computer first.

The IRS also publishes the instructions separately as a PDF document. These instructions walk through each line of the form and include examples. Many people print both the form and the instructions together so they can reference them while filling in their information.

If you have trouble finding the form on irs.gov, look for the "Forms and Publications" section, which lists every IRS form by number. You can also call the IRS forms line at 1-800-829-3676 to ask for help locating the correct version.

Ordering a printed copy by phone or mail

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 to request a printed 1040 form. Have your address ready. The IRS will mail the form to you at no charge, and it typically arrives within one to two weeks. If you need the form faster, printing it yourself from irs.gov is quicker.

You can also order by mail by sending a request to the IRS address listed on irs.gov. This method is slower than calling and is mainly useful if you do not have phone access. Include your name, address, and the tax year you need.

Getting the form from a tax professional or software

Tax preparation software like TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct all include the 1040 form built into their programs. If you use tax software, you do not need to print or read the form separately — the software fills it in as you answer questions. At the end, the software generates a completed 1040 that you can print or file electronically.

Tax professionals — accountants, enrolled agents, and tax preparers — have copies of the current 1040 form in their offices. If you work with a tax professional to file your return, they will handle getting and filling in the form for you.

Public libraries often have copies of tax forms available for free. Call your local library to ask whether they stock the 1040 and related schedules.

Understanding which version you need

The 1040 form number stays the same, but the IRS updates it every year. The tax year appears on the form itself — for example, "Form 1040 for Tax Year 2024" — so you can see at a glance which year it covers. Always use the form for the tax year you are filing, not the previous year's version.

If you are filing a return for a past year — because you missed the important date or need to amend a return — you will need the 1040 form from that specific year. The IRS keeps past years' forms on its website. Search for the form by year, such as "1040 2023" or "1040 2022".

What to do if you cannot find the form

If you have searched irs.gov and cannot locate the 1040, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676. The IRS phone line can tell you where to find the form, whether it has been released yet for the current tax year, and whether you can use a draft version if the final form is not yet available.

You can also visit an IRS office in person. The IRS website has a locator tool that shows the nearest office to you. Bring your identification, and staff can provide you with a printed copy on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to print the 1040 form if I file electronically?

No. If you file your return electronically using tax software or a tax professional, you do not print the form. The software or professional submits the return directly to the IRS in electronic format. You only need to print the form if you are mailing a paper return to the IRS.

Can I use last year's 1040 form if I cannot find this year's?

No. The IRS updates the form each year, and using an old version can cause delays or errors in processing. Wait for the current year's form to be released, or call the IRS to ask whether a draft version is available.

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

No. The IRS form is always free. You may pay for paper and ink to print it, or you may pay a tax professional or software company to help you fill it in, but the form itself costs nothing.

What if I need multiple copies of the 1040?

You can print as many copies as you need from irs.gov at no cost. If you prefer printed copies mailed to you, call 1-800-829-3676 and tell the IRS how many copies you need.