Form 1040 (2017) Paper-Filing Checklist
Purpose
Form 1040 reports your 2017 taxable income, calculates your federal income tax liability, and reconciles withholdings and estimated payments. The 2017 tax year features specific inflation-adjusted amounts for exemptions, standard deductions, and phase-out thresholds that differ from those in other years.
Step-by-Step Preparation Checklist
Step 1: Verify Social Security Numbers
Confirm that Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for yourself, your spouse, and all dependents match Social Security Administration records exactly. On line 6c, verify that dependent relationship codes are accurate according to the 2017 instructions. Mismatched SSNs can delay processing or result in rejected returns.
Step 2: Select Your Filing Status
Choose the appropriate filing status on lines 1-5 (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er)). Verify you meet the gross income threshold for your chosen status. For married filing separately, both spouses must file if either spouse exceeds the minimum income requirement.
Step 3: Claim Personal and Dependent Exemptions
Complete lines 6a-6d to claim exemptions. For 2017, each exemption is worth $4,050. However, exemptions begin to phase out when your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds these thresholds: $156,900 for married filing separately, $261,500 for single filers, $287,650 for head of household, or $313,800 for married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er). If your AGI exceeds your filing status threshold, complete the Exemption Worksheet in the instructions to calculate your allowable exemption amount.
Step 4: Report Wage Income
Enter wages from all Forms W-2 on line 7. Physically attach all W-2 forms to your paper return. Include Form W-2G for gambling winnings and Form 1099-R for retirement distributions if federal tax was withheld from these payments.
Step 5: Report Investment Income
Report taxable interest on line 8a, tax-exempt interest on line 8b, ordinary dividends on line 9a, and qualified dividends on line 9b. Attach Schedule B if your taxable interest or ordinary dividends exceed $1,500 or if you have a financial interest in foreign accounts, regardless of the account balance or income generated.
Step 6: Calculate Adjusted Gross Income
Enter total income on line 22. Subtract allowable above-the-line deductions (lines 23-35) to calculate your AGI on line 37. Common above-the-line deductions include educator expenses, IRA contributions, student loan interest, and self-employment tax deductions. If you claim education credits for the same student, you can't claim the tuition and fees deduction on line 34.
Step 7: Choose Standard or Itemized Deduction
Decide whether to claim the standard deduction or itemize on Schedule A. For 2017, standard deductions are $6,350 for single filers or married individuals filing separately, $12,700 for married individuals filing jointly or as a qualifying widow(er), and $9,350 for heads of household. Additional amounts apply if you are age 65 or older, or blind. If your itemized deductions exceed your standard deduction, complete Schedule A and attach it to your return.
Step 8: Calculate Exemption Amount
On line 42, multiply the number of exemptions claimed by $4,050. If your AGI from line 38 exceeds the phase-out threshold for your filing status, use the Exemption Worksheet to calculate the reduced amount. If line 42 exceeds line 41, enter zero on line 43 (taxable income cannot be negative).
Step 9: Determine Tax Liability
Calculate your tax using the Tax Table or Tax Computation Worksheet based on your taxable income from line 43. Enter the result on line 44. Add any alternative minimum tax from Form 6251 if applicable.
Step 10: Report Health Care Coverage
On line 61, check the box indicating full-year health coverage if you, your spouse, and all dependents had qualifying health insurance for all 12 months of 2017. If you did not have coverage for some months and do not qualify for an exemption, calculate and report the individual shared responsibility payment using the worksheet in the instructions and attach Form 8965 if claiming an exemption. The health coverage reporting requirement applies to both tax years 2017 and 2018.
Step 11: Calculate Total Tax
Add all applicable taxes, including income tax (line 44), alternative minimum tax (line 45), excess advance premium tax credit repayment (line 46), and any self-employment tax, household employment taxes, or additional taxes from other schedules. Enter the total on line 63.
Step 12: Claim tax credits
Calculate and enter all eligible credits on lines 48-54, including foreign tax credit, child and dependent care credit, education credits (Form 8863), retirement savings contributions credit, child tax credit, and residential energy credits. Subtract total credits from your total tax to determine tax after credits.
Step 13: Report payments and withholdings
Enter all payments made throughout the year, including federal income tax withheld from Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099 (line 64), estimated tax payments (line 65), and earned income credit (line 66a). Include the additional child tax credit (line 67), American opportunity credit (line 68), and premium tax credit (line 69) if applicable.
Step 14: Calculate the refund or amount owed.
If total payments exceed total tax, you are due a refund. Enter the amount on line 75a and indicate whether you want direct deposit or a paper check. If total tax exceeds total payments, you owe additional tax. Calculate the amount owed on line 78 and include payment with your return, or arrange payment through the IRS's payment options.
Step 15: Sign and Date Your Return
Both spouses must sign if filing jointly. Include your occupation and daytime phone number. If using a paid preparer, ensure they sign, include their PTIN, and provide their contact information. Assemble your return with Form 1040 on top, followed by schedules in sequence, then Forms W-2 and other attachments.
Filing Deadline and Extensions
File your 2017 Form 1040 by April 17, 2018. The normal April 15 deadline is extended because April 15 falls on a Sunday and the District of Columbia observes Emancipation Day on April 16. If you are unable to file by the deadline, please request an automatic six-month extension using Form 4868 by April 17, 2018. An extension to the filing does not extend the time to pay any tax owed; interest accrues on unpaid balances from the original due date.
Special Considerations
Exemption Phase-Out: The phase-out calculation reduces your exemption amount by 2 percent for each $2,500 (or portion thereof) that your AGI exceeds the threshold for your filing status. Use the worksheet in Publication 501 for precise calculations.
Premium Tax Credit Reconciliation: If you or a family member enrolled in health insurance through the Marketplace and advance payments of the premium tax credit were made, you must attach Form 8962 to reconcile the advance payments with your actual premium tax credit for the year.
State and Local Tax Deductions: For 2017, itemized deductions may be limited if your AGI exceeds certain thresholds: $156,900 for married filing separately, $261,500 for single, $287,650 for head of household, or $313,800 for married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er).
Education Benefits: You cannot claim both the tuition and fees deduction and an education credit for the same student in the same year. Generally, education credits provide greater tax benefits than the deduction.
Mailing Address: Mail your return to the appropriate IRS processing center based on your state of residence and whether you are enclosing payment. Addresses are listed in the Form 1040 instructions. Consider using certified mail or an IRS-designated private delivery service for proof of timely filing.
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This checklist is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Always review official IRS instructions and consult a qualified professional for guidance.
