Filing an individual income tax return is often complex, especially when multiple forms are available. Federal Form 1040A for tax year 2015 was designed to simplify the process for individuals with straightforward income sources and limited deductions. This guide explains how taxpayers can confidently prepare, calculate, and file returns.

Form 1040A was intended for individuals whose taxable income did not exceed $100,000. It allowed taxpayers to report wages, salaries, unemployment compensation, dividends, and Social Security benefits without having to itemize deductions. It also offered access to certain tax credits, making it a valuable tool for individuals seeking a simpler filing option.

This article provides step-by-step instructions, highlights important updates, explains filing status categories, and outlines features such as direct deposit, attachments, and mailing requirements. Readers will also learn to avoid penalties, claim credits, and ensure accurate reporting. By following the official IRS instructions, taxpayers can complete their income tax return correctly and on time.

Overview of Form 1040A

Form 1040A was a simplified individual income tax return designed for individuals with less complex reporting needs. It provided an alternative to Form 1040, which required more detailed schedules and deductions.

Who Should Use Form 1040A?

• Income limits: Taxpayers with taxable income below $100,000 could use this form instead of filing a more extended income tax return.
  
  
• Filing status options: Allowed categories included single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualifying widow(er).
  
  
• Eligible income sources: Taxpayers could report wages, salaries, tips, interest, dividends, unemployment compensation, pensions, and Social Security benefits.
  
  
• Tax credits available: Education credits, child tax credits, and earned income credits could be claimed on the exact schedules as Form 1040A, without filing additional schedules

Key Benefits of Form 1040A

• Simplified features: The form required fewer attachments and schedules than a complete income tax return.
  
  
• Time savings: Concise instructions and fewer sections facilitated taxpayers in completing the form efficiently.
  
  
• Faster refunds: When utilizing direct deposit, taxpayers may obtain a refund faster than through mailing methods.
  
  
• Lower audit risk: The Internal Revenue Service considered these returns less subject to detailed reporting checks because there were fewer deductions to review.

What is New for Tax Year 2015

Before filing, taxpayers needed to review changes introduced for the 2015 tax year. These updates affected health care requirements, deadlines, and credits.

Health Care Requirements

• Individual responsibility payment: Penalties increased for those who failed to maintain qualifying health coverage during the tax year.
  
  
• Reporting forms: To document coverage, taxpayers received Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C and had to include them in their return.
  
  
• Exemption reporting: Individuals who qualified for exemptions from coverage were required to file Form 8965 with their income tax return.

Filing Deadlines

• General deadline: April 18, 2016, was the filing deadline for most taxpayers due to the Emancipation Day holiday.
  
  
• State-specific extension: Residents of Massachusetts and Maine received an additional day, with April 19, 2016, as their official filing date.
  
  
• Automatic extensions: Taxpayers could request more time to file using Form 4868, but payments were still due by the original deadline.

New Account Options

• ABLE accounts: Introduced in 2015, these accounts allowed individuals with disabilities to save without affecting federal benefits eligibility.
  
  
• MyRA retirement accounts: Taxpayers could request direct deposit contributions into these accounts when filing an income tax return.

Tax Credit Changes

• Stricter requirements: Credits such as the Earned Income and American Opportunity Credit required updated documentation to qualify.
  
  
• Identification rules: The tax return due date required a valid Social Security number or taxpayer identification number.
  
  
• Dependency standards: Rules were updated to ensure dependent eligibility met federal guidelines for credit claims.

Step-by-Step Filing Instructions

Accurate reporting requires following each step in order. This section provides clear instructions for individuals preparing their 2015 Form 1040A.

Before You Begin

• Collect documents: Gather W-2s from each employer, 1099 forms, and records of unemployment compensation or Social Security benefits received.
  
  
• Check identification: Ensure that every Social Security number entered matches official records to avoid penalties and processing delays.
  
  
• Review IRS publications: The official instructions and schedules provide updated rules for deductions, credits, and reporting requirements.

Step 1: Personal Information

Enter your name, mailing address, and Social Security number as shown on your Social Security card. Select the correct filing status that applies.

Step 2: Claim Your Exemptions

List yourself, your spouse if applicable, and any dependent individuals. Each dependent must have a valid Social Security number and meet IRS age and support rules.

Step 3: Report Your Income

Enter wages, salaries, and tips from W-2 forms. Include taxable interest, dividend income, unemployment compensation, pensions, annuities, and taxable portions of Social Security benefits.

Step 4: Claim Adjustments to Income

Adjustments such as educator expenses, IRA deductions, and student loan interest can reduce adjusted gross income, lowering taxable income reported on the return.

Step 5: Calculate Your Tax

Use the tax tables provided in the IRS instructions. Subtract the standard deduction and exemptions, then calculate your annual income tax liability.

Step 6: Credits and Payments

Apply tax credits, including the child tax credit, education credits, and earned income credit. Enter payments withheld from wages or estimated tax already paid.

How to File Your Individual Income Tax Return

After completing the form, taxpayers must decide how to submit their income tax return. For the 2015 tax year, both electronic and paper filing options were available.

Electronic Filing (Recommended)

• Faster processing: Returns filed electronically were received immediately, reducing delays and ensuring quicker refund payments through direct deposit.
  
  
• Error reduction: IRS systems flagged mistakes automatically, allowing taxpayers to correct errors before the return was accepted.
  
  
• Free filing options: Eligible individuals with lower income could file for free using IRS Free File or authorized software providers.
  
  
• Security features: Electronic filing systems used encryption and verification methods to protect sensitive Social Security numbers and income information.

Paper Filing

• Longer processing time: Paper returns require manual handling and could take six to eight weeks before taxpayers receive a refund.
  
  
• Mailing requirements: Returns had to be mailed to the correct IRS address, with forms arranged in the proper order and signed in ink.
  
  
• Attachments included: W-2s, 1099-Rs with tax withheld, and other required schedules needed to be securely attached before mailing.
  
  
• Risk of penalties: Errors in calculations or missing signatures on paper forms increased the chance of penalties or rejected returns.

Important Deadlines

• General filing date: April 18, 2016, applied to most individuals due to the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C.
  
  
• State extension: Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts had until April 19, 2016.
  
  
• Extended filing option: Filing Form 4868 grants six additional months, but taxes owed must be paid by the original due date.

Payment Instructions

Taxpayers who owed taxes for the 2015 tax year had to make timely payments to avoid penalties and interest. Several payment options were available.

Payment Due Date

Payments were due by April 18, 2016, regardless of whether taxpayers filed for an extension. Timely payment ensured compliance and reduced the risk of additional interest charges.

Electronic Payment Options

• IRS Direct Pay: This allowed free transfers directly from a bank account, with immediate confirmation provided for taxpayers.
  
  
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): This enabled scheduling of payments in advance, either online or by phone, with strong security features.
  
  
• Credit or debit cards: These are accepted online or by phone, but processing companies charge convenience fees in addition to tax payments.
  
  
• Electronic withdrawal: Taxpayers filing electronically could authorize a scheduled withdrawal on the filing date without additional cost.

Traditional Payment Options

• Checks or money orders: Payments made payable to the United States Treasury require the Social Security number and tax year noted in the memo line.
  
  
• Mailing with return: Checks could be mailed with the completed return, ensuring proper attachment and order of forms.
  
  
• Delivery delays: Mailing payments introduced risks of late arrival, which could result in penalties and interest.

Payment Plans Available

Taxpayers unable to pay in full could request an installment agreement using Form 9465. The IRS reviewed each request and provided monthly payment options.

Required Schedules and Attachments

Even though Form 1040A was simpler than Form 1040, specific schedules and attachments were still necessary for accurate reporting and credits.

Attachment Order

Taxpayers were required to attach forms and schedules in numerical sequence. Supporting statements and documents were placed last in the attachment order.

Common Schedules and Forms

• Schedule B: This is required if taxpayers reported more than $1,500 in taxable interest or ordinary dividend income during the tax year.
  
  
• Schedule EIC: This is required for individuals claiming the Earned Income Credit with qualifying dependent children included on the return.
  
  
• Form 8962: This reconciles advance premium tax credits received through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
  
  
• Form 8965: This is required to claim exemptions from the Affordable Care Act regarding health coverage requirements.
  
  
• Form 8863: This is required to calculate education credits such as the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit.

Required Attachments

• Always included: Form W-2 copies, Form 1099-R if taxes were withheld, and all relevant schedules that supported reported income or credits.
  
  
• Do not attach: Form 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, or receipts unless required explicitly by IRS instructions. These should be kept for taxpayer records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Following instructions carefully helped taxpayers avoid errors that could delay refunds or result in penalties.

Critical Errors

• Name and number mismatches: Social Security numbers and names had to match Social Security records exactly to ensure proper processing.
  
  
• Math mistakes: Calculation errors in adjusted gross income, deductions, or credits often resulted in processing delays and corrected notices.
  
  
• Missing signatures: A return without required signatures was considered invalid and returned, causing delays and possible penalties.

Common Oversights

• Unreported income: Forgetting unemployment compensation, tips, or additional wages from multiple employers increased the risk of IRS inquiries.
  
  
• Credit eligibility: Failure to meet dependent, education, or child tax credit requirements could result in reduced refunds or audits.
  
  
• Direct deposit details: Incorrect account or routing numbers, delayed refunds, and sometimes redirected funds to the wrong account.

Error Prevention Tips

• Organize documents: Collect all required forms before filing the return to ensure complete reporting.
  
  
• Use IRS resources: Review instructions, publications, and schedules to meet filing requirements and ensure updated compliance.
  
  
• Review before mailing: Confirm attachments, signatures, and order of forms before sending the return to the IRS.

Dormant Year Guidance

Some individuals had little or no income during the 2015 tax year. Even without wages or salaries, filing could still provide significant benefits.

Filing Requirements for Low or No-Income

• Low-income thresholds: Filing was required if income exceeded IRS minimums, which varied by age, filing status, and standard deduction amounts.
  
  
• Withholding refunds: Individuals who had federal income tax withheld from wages could still file to claim a refund, even with minimal income.
  
  
• Credit eligibility: Filing allowed taxpayers to claim refundable tax credits, even if they owed no annual income tax.

Mandatory Filing Situations

• Self-employment income: Individuals with $400 or more in self-employment earnings had to file regardless of other income levels.
  
  
• Health coverage credits: Taxpayers who received advance premium tax credits from the Marketplace were required to reconcile using Form 8962.
  
  
• Retirement distributions: Filing was mandatory if individuals received taxable pension or annuity income during the tax year.

Refund Opportunities Without Taxable Income

• Earned Income Credit: Qualified taxpayers could receive substantial refunds without owing income tax, depending on dependent eligibility.
  
  
• Additional Child Tax Credit: This refundable credit provided payments for qualifying dependent children even when no tax liability existed.
  
  
• Education credits: Refundable portions of credits, like the American Opportunity Credit, were available to eligible students and families.
  
  

Guidance for First-Time Taxpayers

Understanding the requirements and procedures ensures accuracy and reduces stress for individuals filing an income tax return for the first time.

Essential Documents for Filing

• Essential documents: Social Security number cards, Form W-2 from each employer, and any relevant Forms 1099 reporting income must be collected.
  
  
• Determine eligibility: Review IRS instructions to ensure the correct form and filing status match household circumstances.
  
  
• Bank information: Direct deposit requires accurate account and routing numbers to ensure refunds are received quickly.

Effective Filing Practices

• E-file preference: Electronic filing provides faster refunds, reduced math errors, and improved security features compared to paper returns.
  
  
• Direct deposit option: Electronic refund deposits helped taxpayers receive funds in as little as 21 days.
  
  
• File early: Submitting returns early reduced risks of identity theft and allowed taxpayers to receive refunds sooner.
  
  
• Record keeping: Copies of returns, forms, and schedules should be kept for at least three years to address future IRS inquiries.

Official Taxpayer Resources

• IRS publications: Free resources provide updated instructions, examples, and income tax return requirements.
  
  
• Phone helpline: The IRS offered phone support to answer questions about deductions, credits, and reporting rules.
  
  
• VITA program: Volunteers provided free assistance to qualifying taxpayers, including individuals with lower income or special filing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to file my 2015 income tax return?

The deadline for most taxpayers was April 18, 2016. Residents of Massachusetts and Maine had until April 19 due to local holidays. Filing Form 4868 granted a six-month extension to submit an income tax return, but any taxes owed were still due by April 18 to avoid interest charges and penalties.

Can I still use Form 1040A if my taxable income is exactly $100,000?

No, the 2015 Form 1040A was limited to taxpayers with taxable income under $100,000. Anyone at or above that level was required to file Form 1040. Using the full income tax return ensured accurate reporting of deductions, credits, and schedules not included on Form 1040A, while maintaining compliance with IRS rules.

What is the difference between Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A, and Form 1040?

Form 1040EZ was intended for simple returns with wages, standard deduction, and no dependents. Form 1040A permitted dependents and certain tax credits but excluded itemized deductions. Form 1040 was the full individual income tax return, required for complex reporting such as itemized deductions, business income, or advanced schedules. Each option reflected specific taxpayer situations.

Do I need to report unemployment compensation or small amounts of interest?

All income, including unemployment compensation, interest, and other taxable sources, even if minimal, had to be reported. Even if financial institutions did not issue forms for interest under $10, reporting was still required. Omitting such amounts could alter adjusted gross income and subject taxpayers to penalties or IRS inquiries regarding underreported income on their return.

What would have happened if I had not had health insurance in 2015?

Individuals without qualifying health coverage during the 2015 tax year generally owed a shared responsibility payment. Some taxpayers qualified for exemptions and could file Form 8965 to avoid penalties. The fee was calculated as a flat per-person amount or as a percentage of household income. Accurate reporting prevented IRS adjustments and additional penalties.

How long will it take to receive my refund?

Refund timing depended on the filing method. Electronic filers using direct deposit typically receive refunds within 21 days, while paper returns with mailed forms and schedules require six to eight weeks. The IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool allowed taxpayers to check their refund status. Filing accurately and selecting direct deposit helped ensure faster and more reliable refunds.

What should I do if I find an error after filing my tax return?

Taxpayers who discovered mistakes could file an amended return using Form 1040X—amendments generally correct income, deductions, credits, or dependent information. The IRS automatically resolved basic math errors, but did not fix missing attachments. Amended returns usually had to be submitted within three years of the original filing deadline to remain valid for review.