You can download IRS Form 1040 for free right now at irs.gov/Form1040. The PDF is ready to print or fill out on your computer, and the instructions are available as a separate download on the same page. If you prefer a paper copy mailed to your home, or need a version from a previous year, those options are available too.
Download It From the IRS Website
The fastest way to get Form 1040 is to go directly to irs.gov/Form1040. You’ll find two key files there: the form itself (f1040.pdf) and the instructions (i1040.pdf). Both are free PDFs you can save, print, or fill in on screen before printing. No account or login is required.
If you’re 65 or older, you can use Form 1040-SR instead. It’s functionally identical to the standard 1040 and uses the same schedules and instructions, but it has a larger font and a built-in standard deduction chart that makes it easier to read. You’ll find it on the IRS website the same way, by searching “1040-SR” on irs.gov.
Order a Paper Copy by Mail
If you’d rather have the IRS send you a physical copy, you have two options. You can order online at irs.gov by visiting the forms and publications page and using the “Order tax forms” tool, or you can call 800-829-3676 to place a phone order. Both methods are free. Keep in mind that delivery takes a week or two by mail, so plan ahead if you’re close to a filing deadline.
Pick One Up Locally
Many public libraries and post offices stock printed copies of Form 1040 during tax season, typically from January through mid-April. Availability varies by location, so it’s worth calling ahead. Some IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers also have forms on hand, though their hours are limited and you may need an appointment for other services.
Get Forms From Prior Years
If you need a 1040 from a previous tax year, whether to file a late return or amend an old one, the IRS keeps an archive of prior-year forms and instructions. Go to irs.gov and search for “prior year forms” to reach the Prior Year Forms, Instructions & Publications Search tool. You can look up a specific form by number and tax year, or browse a full list of all available prior-year documents. These are free PDF downloads, just like the current-year version.
File Online Instead of Using a Paper Form
You don’t actually need a paper 1040 if you file electronically. The IRS Free File program lets you prepare and submit your federal return at no cost through partner software. If your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less, you qualify for guided tax software that walks you through the return step by step. Each Free File partner sets its own eligibility rules around age, state, and income, so you may have several options to choose from.
If your income is above that threshold, Free File Fillable Forms is available at any income level. This version is more bare-bones: it gives you a digital version of the 1040 with basic math calculations, but no guided prompts. It works best if you’re comfortable filling out tax forms on your own.
Either way, always start at irs.gov/freefile to access the program. Going directly to a partner’s commercial website won’t give you the free version. Active-duty military members can use any guided tax provider in the program for free as long as their income falls within the program’s AGI limit. Spanish-language filers can also complete their return in Spanish through at least one Free File partner.
Which Schedules You Might Also Need
Form 1040 is the main return, but depending on your situation you may need additional schedules that attach to it. Schedule 1 covers extra income like freelance earnings, unemployment compensation, or alimony. Schedule 2 handles the alternative minimum tax and excess premium tax credit repayment. Schedule 3 is for additional credits and payments like education credits or estimated tax payments. Schedules A through D cover itemized deductions, interest and dividends, business profit or loss, and capital gains.
All of these schedules are available as free downloads from irs.gov, right alongside the 1040. If you’re using tax software or Free File, the program will generate the right schedules automatically based on your answers. If you’re filing on paper, the 1040 instructions include a helpful guide that tells you which schedules apply to your situation.