The Form 1040 is the standard IRS tax return for individuals, while the 1040EZ was a simplified version designed for basic returns that has been discontinued since 2018.
Why is it important to fill out a 1040?
Form 1040 is the primary IRS document for filing federal income tax returns, as it reports gross income, taxable income after credits and deductions, and calculates tax owed or refunds due.
You need the 1040 when your income isn't just simple wages—think self-employment gigs, capital gains, rental income, or itemized deductions. According to the IRS, most taxpayers must use Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, no matter how straightforward their taxes seem. It basically rolled three old forms (1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ) into one flexible document.
Why might you fill out a 1040 instead of a 1040ez?
You must use Form 1040 if you plan to itemize deductions or have income types not allowed on 1040EZ, such as self-employment, capital gains, or rental income.
Unlike the old 1040EZ—which only handled basic wage and interest income under $1,500—the 1040 lets you claim education credits, retirement savings contributions, and more. The 1040EZ was basically a one-trick pony. The IRS even provides a worksheet to help you figure out which form fits your situation.
What is the 1040 and what’s the difference between the 1040 1040A and 1040EZ?
Form 1040 is the standard IRS tax return; Form 1040A was an intermediate form with more options than 1040EZ but less than 1040; Form 1040EZ was the simplest form, discontinued after 2017
The 1040 handles everything: itemized deductions, self-employment income, capital gains. The 1040A? It was kind of a middle ground—allowed some adjustments like student loan interest and IRA contributions, but no itemizing or capital gains reporting. The 1040EZ? Forget about it. It only worked for super simple returns with income under $100,000 and no dependents. The IRS confirmed in 2026 that all returns now use the redesigned 1040, so those old forms are truly history.
Why is there no longer a 1040EZ?
The IRS discontinued Form 1040EZ in 2018 as part of tax reform that consolidated all individual returns into a single redesigned Form 1040
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 streamlined the tax code enough to make separate forms unnecessary. Now, everyone uses the updated Form 1040 (or Form 1040-SR for seniors). The IRS says the new form is simpler to use while covering every possible tax situation. You can peek at the new structure on the IRS website.
Who should use 1040 EZ?
Form 1040EZ was only available to taxpayers who filed as single or married filing jointly, had taxable income under $100,000, and claimed no dependents
It also only let you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit—no other credits allowed. If you earned more than $1,500 in interest or had dividends, the 1040EZ wasn’t an option. Since it was scrapped after 2017, anyone who used to qualify should now file the standard Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. The IRS has a decision tool to help you pick the right form.
What is the difference between Form 1040 and 1040A?
Form 1040A was a middle-tier IRS form that allowed some adjustments and credits but not itemized deductions, while Form 1040 supports full itemization and complex income
Form 1040A worked for income under $100,000 and let you claim things like student loan interest and IRA contributions. But it didn’t allow itemized deductions or capital gains reporting. Both 1040A and 1040EZ got the axe in 2018. Now, everyone uses the redesigned Form 1040, which the IRS says can handle any filing situation.
How do I get my 1040 form 2020?
You can access your 2020 Form 1040 through your IRS online account at IRS.gov or via your tax preparer
If you filed electronically, just log in to your IRS account to view or download your return. Tax professionals can also provide a copy. Need a quick summary? The IRS “Get Transcript” tool gives you most line items from your original return—handy if you don’t need the full document.
How do I get my 1040?
You can order a copy of your Form 1040 by phone at 800-908-9946 or by submitting IRS Form 4506-T
Transcripts (which skip state returns and schedules) are free and available online through the IRS “Get Transcript” tool. Want the full return with all attachments? Fill out Form 4506 and pay the fee. The IRS usually processes these in about 10 business days. Always double-check current procedures on the IRS website.
What are the three important qualifications for a 1040EZ tax return?
To qualify for Form 1040EZ, you had to be single or married filing jointly, under age 65, have taxable income under $100,000, and claim only the standard deduction and Earned Income Tax Credit
You couldn’t claim dependents, report self-employment income, or receive unemployment compensation. The form was also limited to U.S. citizens or resident aliens. Since the form was discontinued after 2017, these rules no longer apply. The IRS keeps old guidance on their website just in case you’re curious.
How much income do I need to file a 1040?
For tax year 2026, you must file a Form 1040 if your gross income is at least $12,950 (single, under 65) or $14,700 (single, 65 or older)
Those thresholds go up if you’re head of household or married filing jointly. The IRS adjusts these numbers every year for inflation. Even if you’re below the cutoff, filing might get you a refund. Check the filing requirement chart for all the details.
Is there a 1040 EZ form for 2020?
No, Form 1040EZ was discontinued starting with the 2018 tax year, so there is no 1040EZ form for 2020 or later
Taxpayers filing for tax year 2020 (due in 2021) must use the redesigned Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. The IRS confirmed that the new form covers every scenario the old 1040EZ handled. You can grab the current form directly from IRS.gov.
Did they get rid of the 1040 EZ?
Yes, the IRS eliminated Form 1040EZ beginning with tax year 2018
It got replaced by a simplified version of the standard Form 1040, which now handles both simple and complex returns. The IRS called this part of broader tax reform. You can still file a “simple return” under the new system using Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. More details are on the IRS website.
Does the IRS still use 1040EZ?
No, the IRS no longer uses Form 1040EZ as of tax year 2018
All individual tax returns now go through the redesigned Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR (for taxpayers 65+). The IRS insists the new form is easier to use and covers every possible income type. You can review the current form and instructions on the IRS website.
Did the 1040EZ go away?
Yes, Form 1040EZ was discontinued for tax years beginning January 1, 2018
The IRS swapped it for a single, streamlined Form 1040 that handles all filing situations. This change came from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The new form is still going strong for tax years 2026 and beyond. Grab the latest version and filing tools at IRS.gov.
Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
