Using IRS Fill-in Tax Forms

Overview

IRS fill-in PDF forms use the features provided with Adobe Acrobat products. Currently, there is no computation, validation or verification of the information you enter and you are still responsible for entering all required information (instructions may require some information to be handwritten on the form).

Software Requirements

To view, complete and print IRS fill-in PDF forms you'll need the freely available Adobe Reader software installed on your computer. Beginning October 25, 2004, new fill-in forms were enabled with "document rights" which will allow you to save what you have filled in on your PC. Version 7.1 or later of Adobe Reader is required.

Please note: some forms available on IRS.gov only work in Adobe Reader 7 or 8. IRS is fixing all fillable forms so they will work in Adobe Reader 7, 8 and 9. All forms posted to IRS.gov since October 1, 2008 work in all three versions of Adobe Reader. By the end of March 2009, all forms created since 2005, and posted to IRS.gov will be fixed and available.

Opening the Form

Your web browser may be configured with an Adobe Reader plug-in to automatically open the file within your browser's window when accessed. To download the file directly to your local drive, right click on the Results Page form number link then select "Save Target/Link As..." from the menu. Use Adobe Reader to open the file.

Fill-in forms with the ability to save locally will generate a dialog/message box when opened within Adobe Reader. If you are using Adobe Reader 7.1 or later, the dialog box will indicate that document rights have been applied to the PDF file and you can save the completed fill-in form. If you are using a version of Adobe Reader prior to Version 7.05, the dialog box will indicate that some features of the document will not operate and you will be prompted to obtain a newer version of Adobe Reader. IRS recommends using Adobe Reader 8.13.

Completing the Form

When positioning the cursor on a fill-in area or element, the cursor will change appearance. The I-beam pointer allows you to type text. The hand pointer allows you to select a check box or radio button.

Enter the appropriate data in each box or field. To move from one field to the next, press the Tab key. You can also use your cursor to move from field to field. Place your cursor in the field you want to fill in, then left-click.

Some fields limit the maximum number of characters you can enter and may automatically advance to the next field.

For additional help with fill-in forms, see the Adobe Reader's online help information.

"Information Only" Forms

Some forms provided as electronic files on IRS.gov are for "information only" and should not be reproduced on personal computer printers and filed with the IRS. The printed, paper version of these forms are developed as "machine readable" products. As such, they must be produced using special paper, special inks, and within precise specifications.

The list below identifies these "information only" forms. Additionally, a cover page is included with the downloadable file that may have more specific information concerning the individual product including possible fines for improper use.

Form W-2 (series)
Form W-3 (series)
Form 941-M
Form 1096
Form 1098 (series)
Form 1099 (series)
Form 5498 (series)
Form 5500 (series)
Form 8109-B

The printed version of these forms may be obtained by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) or by ordering online at forms and publications by U.S. mail or employer forms and instructions.

All IRS Tax Forms Listed in Numerical Order on One Page

2008 Individual Income Tax Forms & Instructions - PDF

2008 IRS Information Returns, Forms, & Instructions, such as W-2s, 1099s, etc.

2009 IRS Information Returns, Forms, & Instructions, such as W-2s, 1099s, etc.

2008 Forms Main  |  IRS-Forms Main  |  Home

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