IRS Form 1040A: Historical Guide to the Simplified Tax Return
Note: Form 1040A was discontinued after tax year 2017. All taxpayers now use Form 1040, which has been redesigned to accommodate both simple and complex tax situations.
About Former Form 1040A
Form 1040A served as a middle-ground option between the simplest Form 1040EZ and the comprehensive Form 1040.
Key Characteristics:
- Limited to specific income types (no business income)
- Allowed only standard deduction (no itemizing)
- Supported common tax credits but not all deductions
- Max taxable income limit of $100,000
Comparison of Former 1040 Versions
| Feature | 1040EZ | 1040A | Current 1040 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Limit | $100,000 | $100,000 | No limit |
| Income Types | Wages only | Wages, dividends, pensions | All income types |
| Deductions | Standard only | Standard only | Standard or itemized |
| Credits | EIC only | Limited credits | All credits |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued | Current form |
Current Filing Options
The redesigned Form 1040 now accommodates all taxpayers with a modular approach using schedules:
When You Might Still Need 1040A Information
- Amending pre-2018 tax returns (use original form version)
- Understanding prior year tax filings
- Researching tax history for loans or applications
- Transitioning from 1040A to current 1040
Filing Simple Returns Under Current System
- Use current Form 1040 regardless of complexity
- Complete only applicable sections (many lines may be left blank)
- Attach schedules only if needed for your specific situation
- E-file for simplest processing with automatic error checking
Need Help With Your Tax Filing?
Whether simple or complex, we ensure accurate filing under current requirements.
Our Services Include:
- Current year tax preparation
- Prior year amendments (including 1040A years)
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