IRS to Stop Mailing Tax Forms
Taxpayers still will have several options to get the forms they need to file their returns.
Taxpayers: Don't bother checking the mail in January for the forms and instructions you need to file your federal income-tax return. The IRS won't be mailing tax packages anymore.
Continued growth in electronic filing prompted the agency's decision to stop sending paper Form 1040s, Schedule As and other documents, according to a statement on IRS.gov. About 96 million taxpayers have filed their returns electronically this year, an IRS spokesman says. He also says the move is expected to save the IRS about $10 million per year.
The IRS will send a postcard about the change in early October to people who filed paper returns and didn't use a tax preparer or tax software. To get forms, taxpayers have the following options:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
--Download forms and instructions (which will be available early January 2011) from IRS.gov.
--Pick up paper forms from your local IRS office, library or post office.
--Use IRS Free File to fill in forms and file them electronically. Taxpayers who earn $58,000 or less can get free tax software with step-by-step help.
--Take advantage of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for free tax preparation and, in many cases, free electronic filing if you earn $49,000 or less.
--Take advantage of free basic tax preparation through Tax Counseling for the Elderly if you're 60 or older.
Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.
Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Spirals as Netflix Nosedives
A big earnings boom for credit card giant American Express helped the Dow notch another win.
By Karee Venema Published
-
Get These 40 Earth Day Deals and Discounts
Monday, April 22, is Earth Day. Many of your favorite retailers are celebrating with deals on sustainable products, recycling services, and more
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
IRS Announces Florida Tax Relief Following Hurricane Idalia
Tax Deadline In response to the severe damage caused by Hurricane Idalia, the IRS has extended tax deadlines for affected Floridians.
By Kiana Curtis Published
-
Warning: Watch Out for New IRS Refund Mail Scam
Tax Scams If you receive a cardboard envelope appearing to be from the IRS about an unclaimed tax refund, be cautious. It’s a new scam.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Your Frequently Asked Tax Questions Answered: Kiplinger Tax Letter
Kiplinger Tax Letter The Kiplinger Tax Letter receives a lot of reader tax questions and its editor, Joy Taylor answers a selection of them.
By Joy Taylor Published
-
Supreme Court: Yes, the IRS Can Secretly Obtain Your Bank Records
The Supreme Court has sided with the IRS in a case that involves owing the IRS money, taxpayer privacy, and notice.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
IRS Processing Improvements Could Bring Faster Tax Refunds
IRS An IRS paperless processing initiative and other service and technology improvements mean taxpayers could see faster tax refunds next year and beyond.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
Supreme Court to Decide if IRS Can Secretly Obtain Bank Records
Among other high-profile issues, the Supreme Court is considering a case involving taxpayer privacy and the IRS.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
IRS Says File By July 17 for $1.5 Billion in Unclaimed Tax Refunds
Unclaimed tax refunds from 2019 are waiting for millions of people who might not know it – but only if they file the pandemic-era tax return soon. Are you one of them?
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
IRS $80 Billion Plan Targets Taxpayer Compliance, Improved Service
The IRS unveiled its much-anticipated strategic operating plan detailing how the agency will spend $80 billion in funding allocated over 10 years under the Inflation Reduction Act.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published