A Form 1040-EZ is a federal tax form that provides a fast and easy way for you to prepare your federal taxes. Compared to other 1040 forms, this is the easiest one to prepare. However, there are qualifying factors that determine whether you can use this form. To help, we've created step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process.
A 1040-EZ tax form is used for tax filing. It is the simplest form available to use for filing your federal taxes. Only certain people are eligible to use this tax filing form. The form is only one page long and has four different sections that must be filled out before the form is completed.
Only people who have made less than $100,000 in the tax year, do not have any dependents, and are filing single or married filing jointly can use form 1040-EZ for filing their federal taxes. The form will ask you for the information about your taxable income, including salary, tips, and other compensation. It will also make sure you are not claiming any dependents. If you are unsure about whether or not you can use this form, ask a tax professional and give them as much information as possible about your taxes.
The 1040 Form is 80% longer than the 1040EZ Form. IRS Form 1040 contains space to claim dependents, while the 1040EZ does not.
The 1040EZ only allows a person to record wages, salaries, tips, taxable interest under $1,500, and unemployment compensation payments. The 1040 Form contains more types of income such as dividend payments, retirement account distributions, farm and rental income, Social Security benefits, and alimony.
Form 1040EZ only allows a few tax credits or deductions. Form 1040 allows many more deductions, including educational costs and health care savings plan contributions.
There is also a Form 1040A, which is a hybrid between a Form 1040 and 1040-EZ.
The Form 1040EZ is typically used by taxpayers who have one source of income, few deductions, and no dependents. If you have children, purchase real estate, inherit a significant amount of money, or make a large sum of money through investment, you will typically not use this form.
If you received a scholarship or fellowship grant or tax-exempt interest income, you are cautioned to read the instructions prior to filling out the form.
You will need to provide
