Get Tax Forms and Publications
If you file your taxes by paper, you’ll need copies of some forms, instructions, and worksheets.
Get Federal Tax Forms
Get the current filing year’s forms, instructions, and publications for free from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
You can also find printed versions of many forms, instructions and publications in your community for free at
New 1040 Form for Seniors
The IRS has released a tax filing form for people 65 and older. It’s an easier-to-read version of the 1040 form. It has bigger type, less shading, and features like a standard deduction chart. The form is optional and uses the same schedules, instructions, and attachments as the regular 1040.
Accessible Forms
The IRS provides many forms and publications in accessible formats. This includes Section 508 accessible PDFs and Braille or text forms. They also have forms for prior tax years.
State Tax Forms
Download your state's tax forms and instructions for free.
Get Transcripts and Copies of Your Tax Returns
You may need a transcript or copy of a prior year's tax return. Learn how to get each one.
Get a Transcript of a Federal Tax Return
A transcript is a computer printout of highlights from a tax return. In most cases, a transcript is an acceptable substitute for an exact copy of your tax return. You can use it when preparing your taxes. And it can verify your income and tax filing status when applying for loans and government benefits.
- You can request transcripts for the last 10 tax years.
- Transcripts are free.
- You can get transcripts immediately by requesting them online.
- Transcript orders by phone and mail take 5-10 days.
Learn more about transcripts and how to request them online, by phone, or by mail.
Get a Copy of a Federal Tax Return
Unlike a tax transcript, a copy of a tax return is an exact replica of your tax return and all the attached forms you submitted. While in most cases you will only need a transcript, a copy may be needed for other reasons like filing an amended tax return.
- You can get copies of tax returns from the past 7 years.
- Each copy costs $43.
- Requests can take up to 75 days to be processed.
Learn how to get a copy of your tax return using Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
Get Copies of a State Tax Return
For copies of state tax returns, contact your state's Department of Revenue.
Get Your W-2 Before Tax Time
Employers must send you your W-2 by January 31 for the earnings from the previous calendar year of work. This form shows the income you earned for the year and the taxes withheld from those earnings.
If You Don’t Receive a W-2
If you don't receive your W-2 by January 31, inform your employer. If that doesn’t work, follow these other steps to get your W-2.
If Your W-2 is Incorrect
If your W-2 is incorrect, follow these guidelines to get a corrected one.
Help Filing W-2 Forms for Employers
The IRS offers resources on where, when, and how employers can file W-2 forms for employees.
Businesses and government agencies use 1099 forms to report various types of income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These types of income do not include wages, salaries, or tips. Learn about the types of Form 1099, what to do if you notice any errors and how to get a copy if you didn’t receive one.
Incorrect or Missing Form 1099
Contact the business or government agency if:
- Any of the reported income or information on your form is incorrect
- You did not receive your Form 1099
Common Types of Form 1099
- 1099-MISC for contracting and freelance work, gambling and prize winnings, and more
- 1099-INT for bank account interest
- 1099-DIV for investment distributions and dividends
- 1099-R for retirement account distributions from:
- 401(k) accounts
- IRAs
- Thrift Savings Plans
- Annuities
- Pensions
- 1099-S for real estate sales income
Every business or agency must:
- Complete a Form 1099 for each transaction
- Retain a copy for its records
- Send a copy to the IRS and yourself. You should receive your copy by early February (or mid-February for Form 1099-B).
You must include this income on your federal tax return.
Contact the IRS
If you requested Form 1099 from a business or agency and didn’t receive it, contact the IRS. Wait times to speak with a representative may be long.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
Last Updated: January 31, 2023