Where To Get Tax Forms Near Me

Tax season is fast approaching but you don’t have the necessary forms? Big faux pas—but don’t fret, getting them is easier than you think. Some are readily available from multiple sources, mainly from the IRS; others have to come from either your employer or from a number of financial institutions. What are they? Where to get them? Who can you ask for them? All of this and more in this handy guide.

Where To Get Tax Forms?

Whether you’re running out of time or simply running out of printer ink, there are plenty of places to snag income tax forms in your town.

Post Office
Even if you have a tax office nearby there’s really no reason to go stand in line there just to get the income tax forms you need. Head to your local post office and locate your necessary income tax forms there. Usually, they have a standee available for walk-ins to grab whatever they need, and better yet, it’s generally located in the lobby so you can run in and out. Just don’t go during lunchtime, as the post office is somewhat crowded with people rushing there to do their normal post office business during their lunch hour.

Library
If the post office is a no go or they’ve simply run out of income tax forms, head to your local library. Not just public libraries, either; university and sometimes even high school libraries will often carry income tax forms.

I’ve often found the library has the most complete set of income tax forms. The librarians will have more time to help you locate the correct income tax forms you need, too. But watch out, sometimes, they split up income tax forms and their instructions. Make sure to grab both!

In the Mail
Stuck at home? That’s fine, you can get you income tax forms sent to your house! The only difference is you need to actually order them now instead of them being an automatic gift from the IRS. Simply head to their website and fill out the form to get your 1040 or whichever income tax forms you need in the mail within 7-10 business days. Or, if you prefer, simply print your required income tax forms out on your home computer.

Tax Office
The last resort. If you simply can’t find the income tax forms you need anywhere else then head to the tax office. Take a number and wait to receive your income tax forms. The only real advantage to visiting the tax office is if you don’t know what form to get, there’s no better place to find out.

What Forms Do You Need to File?

Most taxpayers will use only Form 1040 (or Form 1040-SR if they’re seniors). If you take the standard deduction, then that’s all you really need. But, for those who plan to itemize deductions, or who have to report alternate sources of income, among other things, will have to use Schedules. Here are a few of the Schedules you might need:

Schedule A: Itemized Deductions

Schedule A is used to list and claim itemized deductions on your tax return instead of taking the standard deduction. This form allows you to deduct expenses such as medical costs, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, charitable donations, and certain work-related expenses.

If your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction amount, using Schedule A can lower your taxable income and reduce the amount of tax you owe.

Schedule B: Interest and Ordinary Dividends

Schedule B is for taxpayers who receive interest or dividend income exceeding certain thresholds. If you earned more than $1,500 in taxable interest or ordinary dividends during the year, you must complete this form to report those earnings.

It also includes information about foreign accounts and trusts, which may be required if you hold investments or bank accounts outside the United States.

Schedule C: Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship)

Schedule C is used by self-employed individuals, freelancers, and small business owners to report business income and expenses. This form calculates your net profit or loss from your business activities, which then gets reported on your Form 1040.

Expenses such as supplies, advertising, rent, and mileage can be deducted to lower taxable business income. If your business operates as a sole proprietorship, this is the form you’ll need to file.

Schedule D: Capital Gains and Losses

Schedule D is used to report the sale of investments, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or other capital assets. If you sold an investment for a profit, it is considered a capital gain, and if you sold at a loss, it is a capital loss.

Short-term gains (on assets held for one year or less) are taxed at ordinary income rates, while long-term gains (on assets held for more than one year) usually benefit from lower tax rates.

Schedule 8812: Child Tax Credit

Schedule 8812 is used to determine eligibility and claim the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit, which can reduce your tax bill or result in a refund. This form helps taxpayers calculate how much of the credit they qualify for based on income, the number of eligible children, and other factors.

The credit is partially refundable, meaning some families may receive money back even if they owe little to no tax.

Deadlines for Receiving Physical Tax Forms

The IRS has set deadlines for when employers and financial institutions need to send out tax forms, either by mail or electronically. Here are the key dates for when you should expect to receive some of the most common tax forms needed to file your 2024 return:

• W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) – January 31
• 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement) – January 31
• 1098-E (Student Loan Interest Statement) – January 31
• 1098-T (Tuition Statement) – January 31
• 1099-B (Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions) – January 31
• 1099-C (Cancellation of Debt) – January 31
• 1099-G (Certain Government Payments, like state tax refunds or unemployment) – January 31
• 1099-DIV (Dividends and Distributions) – January 31
• 1099-INT (Interest Income) – January 31
• 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income) – January 31
• 1099-R (Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement Plans, IRAs, etc.) – January 31
• 1099-S (Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions) – February 15
• Schedule K-1 (Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.) – March 15

What to Do If You Didn’t Receive a Tax Form

Not getting one of your tax forms doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for reporting that income (if it only were that easy). Here’s what to do if you realize that an institution has not sent you their required form:

• Check your email. Some forms might not come by mail but instead be available through a secure portal. Look for an email notification that your form is ready.
• Log into your online account. Many financial institutions and payroll services make tax forms available online between January and April. Banking, investment, and loan interest statements are often accessible through your account.
• Contact the issuer. If you still can’t find your form, reach out to the company, client, or financial institution that should have sent it. They can provide a replacement copy or confirm how it was delivered.
• File for an extension. If April 15th is approaching and you’re still missing a form, you can request an extension. However, if you owe taxes, you still need to estimate and pay what you owe by the deadline to avoid penalties.

If you’re filing by mail, include copies of any forms that show tax withholding. If you file electronically, you usually don’t need to attach them.

The Final Word on Getting Tax Forms…

Perhaps the most important lesson in these articles is that, if a financial institution doesn’t send you the IRS Form they’re supposed to send, do something! The IRS will not take “I didn’t get that form” as a valid reason why you didn’t properly report the full amount of your taxable income.

 

This might also be a good opportunity to go full electronic when it comes to filing your taxes. E-filing is faster, safer, and easier for both parties involved, and any tax refund you might be entitled to will be processed and approved faster than if you were filing with paper forms.

Where to Get Tax forms: FAQ

1. Where can I download tax forms?
   You can download federal tax forms for free from the IRS website at IRS.gov. Just search for the form you need, and you’ll find a PDF version you can print or fill out electronically.
2. Can I pick up tax forms at my local post office?
   Some post offices and libraries carry basic tax forms during tax season, but availability varies. It’s a good idea to call ahead before making a trip.
3. How can I get tax forms if I don’t have a printer?
   If you need paper forms but don’t have a printer, you can order them by mail from the IRS or visit a library, post office, or tax assistance center where forms may be available.
4. Does the IRS mail tax forms to individuals?
   The IRS doesn’t automatically mail out forms unless you specifically request them. You can order forms online at IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
5. Are state tax forms available from the IRS?
   No, state tax forms are handled separately by each state’s tax agency. Check your state’s official tax website to download or request state tax forms.

---