What is Form 1040?
The standard US individual income tax return form used by citizens and residents to report annual income.
Definition
Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is the primary form used by US citizens and resident aliens to file their annual federal income tax return. It reports all sources of income, claims deductions and credits, and calculates the tax owed or refund due. Starting in 2018, the IRS simplified the form, consolidating previous versions (1040A, 1040EZ) into a single Form 1040 with additional schedules.
Who Needs to Know This?
All US citizens and resident aliens with income above the filing threshold, including expats living abroad who must file on worldwide income.
Key Deadline
April 15 (automatic extension to June 15 for expats abroad, October 15 with extension filing)
Potential Penalties
Failure-to-file penalty of 5% per month up to 25%; failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month
Related Forms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Missing the filing deadline without requesting an extension
- 2Not reporting all worldwide income as a US citizen abroad
- 3Choosing the wrong filing status
- 4Forgetting to attach required schedules
Related Terms
Need Help with Form 1040?
Our team of EAs and CPAs specializes in cross-border taxation and can help you navigate Form 1040 requirements.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation or explore our services to see how we can help with your tax and accounting needs.
Need immediate assistance? Call us at +1 (815) 934-8525