If you were one who received their IRS 1040 forms (or any other tax forms) in the mail then you may be wondering where your tax forms are!
This year is the first time the IRS will not be mailing out any tax form packages to individuals or businesses. According to the IRS, fewer and fewer taxpayers have been receiving tax packages in the mail in recent years. In fact, last year only 8 percent of individuals who files taxes received tax forms in the mail.
Wow, have times changed!
I remember when I first filed taxes I picked up the forms at the local library. For years after that I had the forms mailed to me. What’s interesting is I can’t recall when I stopped receiving the tax forms in the mail. Perhaps it was after I started filing my taxes online?
It makes sense. I’m sure it must be a hefty expense to mail out tax forms to people in a day and age where computers are pretty much in every household or at least readily available. The number of people who file online is growing, making paper forms somewhat obsolete (certain forms still need to be mailed in though).
But where can I get paper forms, like the 1040, if I need them?
Though you won’t receive your forms in the mail anymore you still can get copies of them. Among your options are:
- participating local libraries
- participating post offices
- local IRS offices
- online at www.irs.gov
You may be able to file your taxes online for free.
If you made less than $49,000 you may be able to take advantage of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which offer free tax preparation for low to moderate income taxpayers. Volunteers are certified to help prepare basic tax returns. You can locate one of over 12,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites by calling 1-800-906-9887. Most of the sites also offer free e-filing.
You also may be able to file free through the IRS’ Free File site. The IRS teamed up with many brand-name tax preparation companies to allow taxpayers use their software through the IRS. You can use the programs if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $58,000 or less. Here’s a quick video on the program:
If you don’t qualify for Free File’s program you may still use their Free File Fillable Forms which are online versions of IRS paper forms.
You can also go directly to online tax preparation companies such as Turbo Tax or H&R Block to see if you qualify for their free e-file versions.
So don’t worry, the IRS didn’t forget about you (and don’t do a Snoopy dance thinking you don’t have to pay taxes because you didn’t gets forms either). Make sure you get the IRS tax forms you need as soon as possible to make sure your taxes are complete before the tax deadline arrives!
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It would be interesting to know how many people filed taxes last year and how many files online (both through free or paid services)? And chance you could find that information for us readers?
Check out your local library, many times there are tax professionals that do tax returns for free, all you need to do is make an appointment. Some require that you belong to a specific group (AARP for example). I remember when I was younger and first starting out it cost me $350 to do my taxes at H&R Block. The very next year I got my taxes done by a retiree at the library. He used to work for the IRS and did tax returns in his spare time, cost me nothing.
This is a great way of doing tax returns. Its easier and efficient.
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