What Form 1040A (2015) Is For
IRS Form 1040A (2015) was a simplified version of Form 1040 used by taxpayers who needed to report wages, dividends, pensions, unemployment compensation, and Alaska Permanent Fund dividends without having to itemize deductions. It allowed families to claim tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, certain education tax credits, and the Additional Child Tax Credit, when eligible. This form supported basic adjustments, including IRA contributions, educator expenses, and student loan interest. It helped taxpayers calculate taxable income, tax liability, and any refund they might qualify for during the tax season.
Form 1040A was limited to taxpayers whose income, deductions, and forms were within specific IRS rules for that tax year. Individuals filing jointly or married filing jointly could use it if they met the income and filing status requirements. It did not support complex situations involving S corporation income, estate income, or advanced premium tax credit calculations. Taxpayers used it when they needed a straightforward way to file a federal income tax return while still claiming significant benefits for dependents and children.
For a detailed breakdown of filing requirements, eligibility rules, and step-by-step instructions, see our comprehensive Form 1040A Child Tax Credit (2015): A Complete Guide.
When You’d Use Form 1040A
A taxpayer would file IRS Form 1040A (2015) when reporting income such as wages, salaries, interest, dividends, pensions, and capital gains distributions that fit within the simplified version of the form. It was often used by families who needed to claim dependents, report tuition payments, or qualify for refundable credit programs, such as the Additional Child Tax Credit. This form was well-suited for taxpayers who did not need to use itemized deductions and had an adjusted gross income within the allowable limits. It provided a more straightforward method to file while still allowing key credits that could lower a tax bill.
An amended tax return for this tax year required Form 1040X if a filer forgot to claim a tax credit, misreported income, or needed to update dependent or Social Security number information. Filing was still necessary even if a taxpayer owed taxes, because filing late reduced penalties compared to failing to file. Individuals filing jointly or with a spouse also use this form when correcting credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the other income tax credit. Taxpayers typically used Form 1040A when their income and deductions were straightforward and supported by basic forms.
Key Rules or Details for Tax Year 2015
The IRS allowed taxpayers to use Form 1040A only when their income and deductions met specific items listed in federal law. Individuals can report taxable income, such as wages, dividends, pensions, and railroad retirement benefits, while claiming credits for dependents, children, and qualified education costs. Those who received unemployment compensation or retirement distributions could also report them as long as they did not require additional complex forms. Taxpayers could not use Form 1040A if they needed to report S corporation income, advanced premium tax credit details, or complex deductions.
The Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit required eligible children to meet residency, dependency, and age tests for the tax year. The Earned Income Tax Credit and other credits depended on adjusted gross income, filing status, and earned income limits. Taxpayers filing jointly or married filing jointly must ensure that dependents and income items are reported accurately to calculate the correct dollar amount for each credit. Filers also needed to verify that each dependent had a valid Social Security number issued before the filing date to be eligible for credits.
For complete details on wage reporting, withholdings, and unemployment tax filings, see our guide for Individual Tax Forms.
Step-by-Step (High-Level)
The filing process for Form 1040A followed a precise sequence for reporting income, calculating tax, and claiming credits.
- Gather income records
- Use Forms W-2 to report wages and salaries.
- Use Forms 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, or 1099-G to report dividends, interest, or unemployment compensation.
- Use Form 1099-R to report pensions, annuities, or retirement benefits.
- Use Forms W-2 to report wages and salaries.
- Determine adjusted gross income
- Include allowable adjustments such as IRA contributions, educator expenses, or student loan interest.
- Include allowable adjustments such as IRA contributions, educator expenses, or student loan interest.
- Calculate taxable income
- Apply the standard deduction based on filing status.
- Subtract exemptions for dependents, spouse, and taxpayer.
- Apply the standard deduction based on filing status.
- Claim eligible credits
- Report the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child.
- Calculate the Earned Income Tax Credit when eligible.
- Claim education tax credits when tuition payments qualify.
- Use Schedule 8812 if eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit.
- Report the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child.
- Determine final tax liability
- Subtract credits from the calculated figure.
- Compare total taxes owed with taxes paid through withholding.
- Subtract credits from the calculated figure.
- Complete the payment or refund section
- Calculate any refund due or any amount owed.
- Provide account information for direct deposit.
- Calculate any refund due or any amount owed.
Learn more about federal tax filing through our IRS Form Help Center or explore IRS assistance options.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Claiming a child who does not meet the age requirement: A child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year, so verifying birthdates ensures eligibility.
- Using incorrect Social Security numbers: The taxpayer must confirm that each dependent’s number matches IRS and SSA records to avoid delays or disallowed credits.
- Misreporting earned or taxable income: Reviewing wages, dividends, and unemployment compensation prevents calculation errors and ensures accurate income reporting.
- Miscalculating phase-out amounts for credits: The taxpayer must use the correct threshold based on their filing status to compute credits, such as the Child Tax Credit.
- Failing to include Schedule 8812: The Additional Child Tax Credit requires Schedule 8812, and omitting it delays refunds or removes eligibility.
- Filing Form 1040A when Form 1040 is required: Taxpayers who itemize deductions or claim complex credits must use Form 1040 to avoid processing problems.
What Happens After You File
After filing IRS Form 1040A (2015), the IRS reviewed income, dependents, and any tax credits claimed. Refunds involving refundable credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, sometimes require further verification.
The IRS sent notices if documents or corrections were needed, such as proof of tuition payments or dependent eligibility. If no changes were required, the agency issued a refund or applied the payment to any taxes owed.
FAQs
Can a child with an ITIN qualify for the Child Tax Credit?
A child with an ITIN may qualify for the nonrefundable Child Tax Credit if the residency requirements are met. The Additional Child Tax Credit required a Social Security Number.
What form is needed to claim the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit required filing Schedule 8812 with Form 1040A.
Can Form 1040A be used for unemployment compensation?
Unemployment compensation was allowed on this form as long as the taxpayer met filing requirements.
When must a taxpayer amend a 2015 return?
A taxpayer generally had three years from the original filing date or two years from the date tax was paid to file Form 1040X.
Can someone claim the Earned Income Tax Credit with Form 1040A?
Yes, the Earned Income Tax Credit could be claimed when the filer met the qualifying rules.
