Form 1040 is the annual U.S. individual income tax return. Taxpayers age 65+ may choose the large-print Form 1040-SR; it uses the same schedules and instructions as Form 1040. This guide highlights the must-know pieces for 2024–2025 filers, including which schedules to attach and the latest IRS corrections.
1040 vs. 1040-SR (who should use what)
Form 1040 (all taxpayers)
Use Form 1040 to file your annual federal return. Standard deduction amounts print right on the face of the form, and page 2 includes refund/direct deposit, “amount you owe,” and paid preparer sections.
You’ll also see lines for tax from Schedule 2 and credits from Schedule 3 on page 2.
Form 1040-SR (age 65+)
Optional, large-print version for seniors. It’s functionally the same as Form 1040 and uses the same schedules and instructions. It also includes a big, easy-to-read Standard Deduction Chart tailored to age/blindness additions.
Which schedules do I need?
| Schedule | Use if you… | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule 1 — Additional Income & Adjustments | Have extra income or above-the-line adjustments. | Unemployment, prizes/awards, gambling winnings; student loan interest deduction, educator expenses, SE tax adjustment. |
| Schedule 2 — Additional Taxes | Owe “other taxes.” | Self-employment tax, household employment taxes, additional tax on IRAs and other plans, AMT, excess advance Premium Tax Credit repayment. |
| Schedule 3 — Additional Credits & Payments | Claim certain credits not on the main form or report other payments. | Foreign tax credit, education credits, general business credit; amounts paid with an extension; excess Social Security tax withheld. |
For lettered schedules like Schedule A (Itemized Deductions), see the separate “Schedules for Form 1040” listing in the instructions.
IRS corrections you should know (affects 2024–2025 filing season)
1) 2024 Schedule 2, line 21 — wording fix (Jan. 21, 2025)
It should read:
“21. Add lines 4, 7 through 16, 18, and 19. These are your total other taxes. Enter here and on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 23, or Form 1040-NR, line 23b.”
If you printed Schedule 2 before Dec. 31, 2024, note this correction before filing.
2) 2024 tax rate schedules — MFS correction (Jan. 8, 2025)
On page 109 of the 2024 Instructions, for married filing separately with taxable income over $365,600, the tax should read $98,334.75 + 37% (not $99,334.75 + 37%).
3) 2023 Instructions — Schedule 3, line 5b note (June 7, 2024)
Disregard the bullet mentioning certain “cool roof” materials. Those roofs no longer qualify for the energy-efficient home improvement credit. See Form 5695 and instructions for current qualifying improvements.
Filing tips to avoid delays
- Answer the Digital Assets question. It appears on page 1 of both 1040 and 1040-SR.
- Attach the right schedules (1, 2, 3) and any lettered schedules (A, B, D, etc.) that apply.
- Use e-file + direct deposit for the fastest refund; verify routing/account numbers.
- Never sign a blank return. Review line totals and credits before you sign.
- Keep a copy of your filed return and any worksheets used to compute credits/deductions.
Current PDFs & instructions
Forms
- Current revision: Form 1040 (PDF) and Form 1040-SR (PDF)
Instructions
- Instructions for Form 1040 & 1040-SR (Print PDF and eBook EPUB)
- “Schedules for Form 1040” quick list (for lettered schedules)
Recent developments
- 2024 Schedule 2, line 21 wording correction
- 2024 Instructions tax rate schedule correction (MFS bracket)
- 2023 Instructions Schedule 3, line 5b clarification on roof materials
If you downloaded/printed older copies, recheck the latest versions on IRS.gov before filing.
