Get Your Tax Forms
Make sure you have the forms you need to file your taxes. Learn about recalls and delays of 2019 tax forms, instructions, and publications caused by a new law enacted in December 2019. Find out what to do if you don’t get your W2 on time, and learn how to request copies of your previous tax transcripts.
Get Tax Forms and Publications
If you file your taxes by paper, you’ll need copies of some forms, instructions, and worksheets. Be aware that a new law has caused recalls and delays of many tax forms, instructions, and publications.
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 new 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 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, the IRS recommends contacting your employer. If that doesn’t work, follow these other steps from the IRS to ensure you can file your taxes on time.
If Your W-2 is Incorrect
If your W-2 is incorrect, follow these guidelines for contacting the IRS for help.
Help for Employers
If you’re an employer with questions about filing W-2 forms for your employees, check these resources on where, when and how to file them from the IRS.
Businesses and government agencies use 1099 forms to report various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 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, and 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 you and to the IRS. 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.
Get Copies and Transcripts of Your Tax Returns
You may need a copy or a transcript of a prior year's tax return. The IRS has stopped processing tax transcripts until further notice.
Get a Transcript of a Tax Return
A transcript is a computer printout of your return information. Sometimes a transcript is an acceptable substitute for an exact copy of your tax return. You may need a transcript when preparing your taxes. They are often used to validate income and tax filing status when applying for:
- Mortgages
- Student loans
- Small business loans, and
- Government assistance
Contact the IRS to get a free transcript online. Create and sign into your account at IRS.gov to read, print, or download your transcripts.
Get a State Return
For copies of state tax returns, contact your state's Department of Revenue.
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:
August 19, 2020
