Overview

IRS fill-in PDF forms use the features provided with Adobe Acrobat products. Currently, there is no computation, validation or verification of the information you enter and you are still responsible for entering all required information (instructions may require some information to be handwritten on the form).

Software Requirements

To view, complete and print IRS fill-in PDF forms you'll need the freely available  Adobe Reader software installed on your computer. Beginning October 25, 2004, new fill-in forms were enabled with "document rights" which will allow you to save what you have filled in on your PC. Version 7.1 or later of Adobe Reader is required.

Please note: All forms posted to IRS.gov that were created since 2005 work in Adobe Reader versions 7, 8 and 9. All of these files were previously fixed and then reposted from 5/2/09-5/5/09.

Opening the Form

Your web browser may be configured with an Adobe Reader plug-in to automatically open the file within your browser's window when accessed. To download the file directly to your local drive, right click on the Results Page form number link then select "Save Target/Link As..." from the menu. Use Adobe Reader to open the file.

Fill-in forms with the ability to save locally will generate a dialog/message box when opened within Adobe Reader. If you are using Adobe Reader 7.1 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 7.05, 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. IRS recommends using Adobe Reader 8.13.

Completing the Form

When positioning the cursor on a fill-in area or element, the cursor will change appearance. The I-beam pointer allows you to type text. The hand pointer allows you to select a check box or radio button.

Enter the appropriate data in each box or field. To move from one field to the next, press the Tab key. You can also use your cursor to move from field to field. Place your cursor in the field you want to fill in, then left-click.

Some fields limit the maximum number of characters you can enter and may automatically advance to the next field.

For additional help with fill-in forms, see the Adobe Reader's online help information.

"Information Only" Forms

Some forms provided as electronic files on IRS.gov are for "information only." These "information only" forms are not available as fill-in forms, and should not be reproduced on personal computer printers and filed with the IRS.