How can I search within forms and publications?
The Search function in the upper right area of most IRS.gov pages includes the content of all current IRS published products. Additionally, the Advanced Search feature provides more options for searching published products available on IRS.gov.
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Where can I find forms for states, employers, prior years, or extensions of time to file?
Links to forms, online resources, and additional information are available from our main Forms and Publications page.
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What file formats are forms and publications available in?
PDF files are provided for all IRS published products and can be viewed and saved using Adobe Reader software. HTML versions of Tax Publications and Tax Form Instructions are available online. XML/SGML files are available for download for instructions and many publications. Additionally, many tax forms and publications are available in accessible formats.
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Can I save the information I filled in on an IRS PDF form?
Our PDF fill-in forms are enabled with "document rights" which allow you to save what you have filled in on your PC. Version 5.1 or later of Adobe Reader is required. Note: be sure to use Save function of Adobe Reader rather than the web browser's save. Additional help is available at Fill-in Forms Information.
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Why do I get a dialog box when opening an IRS PDF form?
Our PDF fill-in forms will generate a dialog box when opened with Adobe Reader. If you are using Adobe Reader 5.1 or later, the dialog box will indicate that "document rights" have been applied to the PDF file and you can save the completed fill-in form. If you are using a version of Adobe Reader prior to Version 5.1, the dialog box will indicate that some features of the document will not operate and you will be prompted to obtain a newer version of Adobe Reader. Additional help is available at Fill-in Forms Information
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I downloaded a form and it has an "Information Only" cover sheet. Can these be filed? How can I get a copy of these forms for filing?
Some forms provided as electronic files on IRS.gov are for information only and should not be reproduced on personal computer printers and filed with the IRS. The printed, paper versions of these forms are developed as "machine readable" products. As such, they must be produced using special paper, special inks, and within precise specifications. The printed version of these forms may be obtained by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) or by ordering online at forms and publications by U.S. mail or employer forms and instructions.
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Adobe Reader claims the PDF file is damaged when I try to open it after downloading. Is your file damaged?
All of our files are verified prior to posting on IRS.gov. It's possible that the download was not successful. Try downloading the file again. One way to determine if you have a complete PDF file is to edit the file with Notepad (or equivalent) and see if it ends with %%EOF.
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Why doesn't the PDF file display in my web browser?
PDF files may not display within the browser because of software settings, configuration problems, download failures, or other issues. Troubleshooting information can be found within Adobe's support knowledgebase ( Document 325875) when PDF pages don't appear in the web browser window.
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Why doesn't the PDF file print correctly?
Most printing problems can be resolved by obtaining and installing the most recent print driver available for your particular make and model printer. Most printer manufacturers provide free printer driver updates from their web sites. Additional troubleshooting information can be found within Adobe's support knowledgebase ( Document 316508 for Windows) or ( Document 315727 for Mac OS).
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I don't have a laser printer. Are forms printed on ink-jet or bubble-jet printers acceptable for filing?
The IRS accepts tax forms that are consistent with the official forms and that do not have an adverse impact on our processing. This policy includes forms downloaded from IRS.gov and printed on high quality devices such as a laser, bubble-jet or ink-jet printers unless otherwise specified on the form itself. The following types of forms are not covered by this policy and would not be accepted when printed as described above: W-2(s), W-3(s), 1096, 1098(s), 1099(s), 5498(s), and 5500(s). The printed versions of these forms are machine readable and are provided here as "information only" forms. To be machine readable these forms must be printed using special paper, special inks, and within precise specifications.
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How can I comment on the content of tax forms and publications?
We welcome your feedback and comments on the content of the products we give you to help you comply with tax law.
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