Which Tax Form to Use

For some taxpayers, tax time is easy -- as in EZ. They are the ones who can use the IRS’s simplest tax form to complete their annual duty. (If you file electronically, the software automatically selects the simplest form for you. E-filing also speeds up the processing of your return and the delivery of your refund.)

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You can use Form 1040EZ if you are single or married with no dependents, you have taxable income of $100,000 or less, and you are younger than age 65. Plus, your taxable interest income from bank accounts and bonds can’t exceed $1,500 in order for you to use the simplest tax-filing form.

The Long and Short of It

If your tax situation is a little more complicated, choose Form 1040A, also known as the short form. You can use this form if your taxable income is $100,000 or less and you do not itemize your deductions.

However, unlike Form 1040EZ, the short form lets you claim a number of “above the line” deductions, including up to $250 of out-of-pocket expenses for educational supplies if you are a teacher or educational professional; tax-deductible contributions to an IRA; and deductions for college tuition and fees or interest paid on a student loan.

Choosing the short form also allows you to take advantage of a variety of tax credits, which are even more valuable than tax deductions. A tax credit reduces your tax bill dollar-for-dollar; a tax deduction merely reduces the amount of income that is taxed. For example, if you are in the 25% tax bracket, a $1,000 deduction would reduce your tax bill by just $250, but a $1,000 tax credit would slash your tax liability by the full $1,000.

If you have taxable income of $100,000 or more, you itemize your deductions on Schedule A, or you need to file any special forms to report self-employment income, investment gains and losses, or rental or partnership income, you must use Form 1040, also known as the long form.