Frequently Requested IRS Forms Overview

There are over 1,250 different forms on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, which can be a bit intimidating at first glance. However, this database applies to a very wide range of IRS-related matters, from notices of fiduciary relationships to tax returns for Black Lung Benefit Trusts. When it comes to paying your personal taxes, there are typically only a handful of forms which are most commonly used.

To make your life a little easier, FindLaw has organized these frequently requested IRS forms for individual taxpayers in the list below. Some of these forms also have links to instructions, where available.

Standard Tax Filing Forms (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ):

When it comes to the actual forms for filing your personal taxes, they come from the IRS Form 1040 series. The forms, schedules and instructions, as well as tax tables, are included in the links below:

• Form 1040 | Instructions
  • Schedule A: Itemized Deductions | Instructions
  • Schedule B (instructions included)
  • Schedule C: Profit or Loss from Business | Instructions
  • Schedule D: Capital Gains and Losses | Instructions
  • Schedule EIC: Earned Income Credit
  • Schedule SE: Self-Employment Tax | Instructions
  • Tax Tables for Form 1040
• Form 1040A | Instructions
• Form 1040EZ | Instructions

As you determine which tax form to use for your personal taxes, don't forget that you have several rights under the law many of which are codified in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

In addition, the IRS provides a number of services to help during the tax preparation process, including the ability to prepare and file your taxes electronically at no charge to you. It also offers free tax preparation assistance through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for Elderly (TCE) programs. If eligible for these programs, a taxpayer can receive help preparing tax returns from IRS-certified volunteers.

Additional Frequently-Requested Forms:

There are a number of other forms that are typically used by taxpayers. In those situations where individuals have created an estate plan with a trust, for example, they may be required to file a separate tax form for the trust. Other situations might require forms requesting extensions of tax deadlines or offering to settle past tax debts. You can find many of these forms in the list below.

• Form 656: Offer in Compromise
• Form 709: U.S. Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return | Instructions
• Form 1041: U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts | Instructions
• Form 3903: Moving Expenses (See also Publication 521)
• Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
• Form 6251: Alternative Minimum Tax | Instructions
• Form 8822: Change of Address
• Form 9465: Installment Agreement Request
• Form W-2: Wage and Tax Statement | Instructions
• Form W-4: Employee's Withholding Certificate
• Form W-7: Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

Beyond the Forms: Get Professional Help With Your Federal Taxes

Finding the correct tax forms is just the start of the tax preparation process. However, knowing what to put in those forms is what will determine whether you receive a call or a check from the IRS. An expert in tax law can help you reduce your tax exposure within the confines of the law and, if necessary, negotiate with the IRS. Don't delay; contact a qualified tax attorney near you.