The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) redesigned individual tax forms beginning with the 2018 tax year, discontinuing the simplified form options like Form 1040EZ. For the 2019 tax year, all taxpayers must use Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, depending on age and filing status. This change affected millions of taxpayers who previously filed a simple return using Form 1040EZ and relied on it for basic tax situations such as reporting wages, salaries, or limited interest income.
Whether you file as single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household, understanding how to correctly report taxable income, taxable interest, unemployment compensation, and other types of income is essential. Joint filers and households with qualifying children may also claim income-based credits or deductions that reduce taxable income and the total amount owed. Many taxpayers in prior years missed opportunities to claim tax credits, refundable amounts, or deductions simply because they misunderstood instructions or used the wrong tax forms.
This step-by-step guide explains how to prepare and file your 2019 tax return, electronically or by mail. When applicable, you will learn how to report interest income, taxable grants, scholarships, and even nontaxable combat pay. The article also covers applying the standard deduction, calculating total tax payments, and ensuring that withheld money from your employer is correctly reported. With clear instructions, taxpayers can avoid fees, claim eligible credits, and maximize refunds while ensuring all schedules, dependents, and payments are accurately calculated.
The IRS restructured individual tax forms to create a more streamlined filing process while maintaining accuracy for all taxpayers.
Form 1040EZ was designed for taxpayers with basic tax situations who had wages, salaries, tips, and limited taxable interest. The IRS determined that maintaining multiple versions of tax forms created more confusion than convenience.
The redesigned Form 1040 for the 2019 tax year consolidates information previously spread across different forms. Key features include separate lines for wages from your employer, taxable interest, qualified dividends, and retirement distributions.
Form 1040-SR provides identical tax calculations as Form 1040 but includes design elements specifically helpful for older taxpayers. Taxpayers born before January 2, 1955, qualify to use this version.
Several vital changes affected tax filing in 2019, including updated deduction amounts and extended tax provisions.
The IRS reduced the number of additional schedules from six in 2018 to just three in 2019. This streamlined approach means fewer separate forms for most taxpayers to complete.
Standard deduction amounts increased significantly for the tax year 2019, reducing taxable income for millions of Americans. Single filers and married filing separately taxpayers could deduct $12,200.
Congress extended several expired tax benefits, providing relief for specific situations. The tuition and fees deduction was returned for qualified education expenses.
Filing your federal income tax return requires careful attention to detail and systematic completion of each section.
Successful tax preparation starts with collecting all necessary documents before you begin filling out forms.
Decide between Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR based on your age and preferences, as both produce identical tax calculations. Form 1040-SR provides larger text and a built-in standard deduction chart for taxpayers born before January 2, 1955. The choice affects only readability, not your tax liability or refund amount.
Select the filing status that legally provides the lowest tax burden from the five options available. Married filing jointly typically offers the best tax advantages for couples, while being the head of household requires being unmarried and paying more than half the costs of maintaining a home for a qualifying person. Your filing status affects your standard deduction amount and eligibility for certain credits.
Complete the name and address section exactly as it appears on Social Security Administration records to prevent processing delays. Check appropriate boxes if you or your spouse is 65 or older or blind, as these affect your standard deduction amount. Include the optional email address field for electronic communication with the IRS.
Enter each qualifying dependent's full name, Social Security number, and relationship to you, then check the appropriate boxes for tax credits. Qualifying children must be under age 17 at year-end, meet relationship tests, and live with you more than half the year. Each qualifying child can generate up to $2,000 in child tax credit.
Record all income sources on appropriate lines, including wages from Form W-2, taxable interest from Forms 1099, and retirement distributions. Even small interest income must be reported, as the IRS receives copies of most tax forms. Include unemployment compensation and other income from Schedule 1 if applicable.
Add your total income and subtract any adjustments from Schedule 1, such as student loan interest or IRA contributions. This amount determines your standard deduction eligibility and various tax credit phase-outs. Adjustments to income reduce your taxable income dollar-for-dollar.
Choose between the standard deduction for filing status or itemizing deductions on Schedule A. For 2019, standard deductions are $12,200 for single filers, $24,400 for married filing jointly, and $18,350 for head of household. Itemize only if qualified expenses exceed your standard deduction amount.
Use the tax table in Form 1040 instructions to find your tax liability based on taxable income and filing status. Your taxable income equals adjusted gross income minus your deduction amount. Complete the qualified dividends worksheet if you have investment income taxed at preferential rates.
Subtract tax credits such as the child tax credit or the earned income credit from your calculated tax liability. Add any additional taxes from Schedule 2, such as self-employment tax or early retirement penalties. Credits reduce taxes dollar-for-dollar, making them more valuable than deductions.
Enter total tax payments, including federal income tax withheld from Forms W-2 and estimated payments made during the year. Compare total payments to total tax liability to determine refund or balance due. Include payment with your return or arrange an electronic payment to meet filing deadlines.
The IRS strongly encourages electronic filing because it provides faster processing and greater accuracy than paper filing.
Electronic filing offers significant advantages, including faster processing, quicker refund delivery, and automatic error checking. Most taxpayers qualify for free electronic filing through IRS programs. Professional preparers can file electronically, and most paid software includes electronic filing.
Paper returns take six to eight weeks to process, compared to 21 days for electronic returns. Mail to the processing center designated for your state, sign and date your return, and keep copies for records. Consider certified mail for payment inclusion or delivery confirmation.
The IRS accepts returns through designated private delivery services, including UPS and FedEx express options. Regular postal service also works for tax returns.
The IRS offers multiple convenient options for paying taxes owed and receiving refunds.
Electronic payment methods provide the most convenient way to pay federal income tax. IRS Direct Pay allows free bank account payments, while credit cards incur convenience fees of 1.87% to 1.99%. Traditional methods include checks payable to "United States Treasury" and cash at retail locations with fees.
Direct deposit provides the fastest refund method, typically within 21 days for e-filed returns. Paper checks take six to eight weeks and can be lost or stolen in the mail. Provide bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
Additional schedules may be required depending on your tax situation.
Use Schedule 1 for income beyond wages, interest, and dividends or for specific adjustments to income. Additional income includes business profits, capital gains, rental income, and unemployment compensation. Adjustments include student loan interest payments, IRA contributions, and educator expenses.
Schedule 2 applies when you owe specialized taxes beyond regular income tax. This includes alternative minimum tax, self-employment tax, and additional taxes on retirement distributions. Most employees with only wage income will not need this schedule.
Schedule 3 covers tax credits and payments not on the main form, including education and foreign tax credits. It handles estimated tax payments and refundable credits like the earned income credit. Additional child tax credit amounts are also reported here.
Schedule A covers itemized deductions, while Schedule B is required for taxable interest over $1,500. Business owners use Schedule C, and Schedule D handles detailed capital gains calculations.
Avoiding frequent filing errors helps ensure accurate processing and prevents refund delays.
Even taxpayers with little income may need to file returns or benefit from filing when not required.
Filing requirements depend on gross income, age, and filing status. For 2019, single taxpayers under 65 must file with $12,200 or more in revenue. You may also need to file for special taxes, like self-employment tax, or to claim refundable credits.
Filing allows you to claim refundable credits, like the earned income credit, and recover federal income tax withheld from payments. It also establishes IRS records and may be required for financial aid applications.
New taxpayers benefit from understanding basic concepts and utilizing available resources.
Organize tax documents by category and understand basic concepts, such as the differences between deductions and credits. Credits provide dollar-for-dollar tax reductions, while deductions reduce taxable income. Consider tax software or professional assistance for complex situations.
Keep copies of completed returns and supporting documents for at least three years. For significant deductions or business property, maintain records longer. Digital copies provide backup protection and easier access when needed.
The IRS provides free resources, including forms, instructions, and online tools. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs offer free preparation for taxpayers with income under $56,000. Consider professional help for business income, rental properties, or complex investment transactions.
Form 1040EZ was permanently discontinued after the 2017 tax year. All individual taxpayers must use Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR for the 2019 tax year, regardless of income complexity. The redesigned Form 1040 incorporates elements from old simplified forms while providing unified filing procedures. Most taxpayers will find the new form straightforward with proper guidance and preparation materials.
Form 1040-SR is designed for taxpayers born before January 2, 1955, featuring larger text and a standard deduction chart. Both forms produce identical tax calculations and use the exact schedules when needed. The choice is based on age eligibility and personal preference for readability features. Joint filers can use Form 1040-SR if either spouse qualifies by age requirements.
For most taxpayers nationwide, the deadline to file tax year 2019 returns was April 15, 2020. Extensions could be requested using Form 4868, providing an additional six months to file but not to pay taxes owed. Interest and penalties are applied to unpaid taxes regardless of extension status and filing dates. Electronic filing typically remained available through November for extended returns.
Compare your total itemized deductions to standard deduction amounts and choose the larger benefit. For 2019, standard deductions were $12,200 for single filers, $24,400 for married filing jointly, and $18,350 for head of household taxpayers. Itemize only if qualified expenses exceed these amounts significantly. Standard itemized deductions include mortgage interest, state taxes, and charitable contributions.
Yes, you must report all income regardless of whether you received tax forms from payers or employers. This includes cash payments, tips, freelance work, gambling winnings, and other compensation throughout the tax year. The IRS may receive copies of payment information from sources even when you do not get forms. Failing to report income can result in notices, penalties, and interest charges from the IRS.
The child tax credit provided up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 at year's end. Up to $1,400 per child was refundable through the additional child tax credit, meaning you could receive money even with no income tax liability. Children must be your dependents, have valid Social Security numbers, and meet relationship tests. The credit phases out at higher income levels for all filing statuses.
File your return on time, even if you cannot pay the full amount owed, to minimize penalties. The IRS offers payment plans, including installment agreements, for taxpayers who cannot pay immediately upon filing. If you qualify, you can apply online for payment plans or request a compromise offer. Interest and penalties continue accruing on unpaid balances, making prompt resolution necessary for cost control.
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