How to Download 2021 Tax Return Form and File Online
How to Download the 2021 Tax Return Form
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident who earned income in 2021, you need to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 18, 2023. To do that, you need to download the 2021 tax return form, also known as Form 1040, from the IRS website. In this article, we will explain what a tax return form is, why you need to file your taxes, what forms you need for your tax return, and how to download and file your tax return online for free.
What is a Tax Return Form?
A tax return form is a document that you use to report your income, deductions, credits, and taxes to the IRS. The IRS uses this information to calculate how much tax you owe or how much refund you get. The most common tax return form for individuals is Form 1040, which has several schedules and worksheets that you may need to attach depending on your situation.
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Why You Need to File Your Taxes
Filing your taxes is not only a legal obligation, but also a way to benefit from various tax breaks and benefits that the IRS offers. For example, you may be eligible for:
The standard deduction or itemized deductions that reduce your taxable income
The child tax credit or the credit for other dependents that lower your tax liability
The earned income tax credit or the recovery rebate credit that increase your refund
The stimulus payments that provide direct cash assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic
By filing your taxes, you can also avoid penalties and interest that the IRS may charge if you fail to file or pay your taxes on time.
What Forms Do You Need for Your Tax Return?
The forms you need for your tax return depend on your income sources, deductions, credits, and other factors. However, some of the most common forms you may need are:
Form W-2: This form shows your wages, salaries, tips, and taxes withheld by your employer.
Form 1099: This form shows your interest, dividends, retirement distributions, self-employment income, and other payments from various sources.
Schedule A: This form lists your itemized deductions, such as mortgage interest, state and local taxes, medical expenses, and charitable contributions.
Schedule B: This form reports your interest and dividend income.
Schedule C: This form reports your income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or a single-member LLC.
Schedule D: This form reports your capital gains and losses from the sale of stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets.
Schedule E: This form reports your income and expenses from rental properties, royalties, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, and estates.
Schedule EIC: This form determines your eligibility and amount for the earned income tax credit.
Schedule RRC: This form determines your eligibility and amount for the recovery rebate credit.
How to Download the 2021 Tax Return Form from the IRS Website
The easiest way to download the 2021 tax return form is to visit the IRS website and follow these steps:
Step. 1: Go to the IRS Forms and Instructions Page
Open your web browser and go to . This page has all the forms, instructions, publications, and tools that you need to prepare and file your tax return.
Step 2: Find the Form 1040 for 2021
On the IRS Forms and Instructions page, scroll down to the section that says "Featured Forms". You will see a link that says "Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return". Click on this link to go to the Form 1040 page.
On the Form 1040 page, you will see a table that shows the different versions of Form 1040 for different years. Look for the row that says "2021" and click on the link that says "Form 1040" under the column that says "Form". This will open the PDF file of the 2021 tax return form in a new tab or window.
Step 3: Choose Your Download Option
Once you have opened the PDF file of the 2021 tax return form, you have two options to download it:
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You can click on the download icon at the top right corner of the PDF viewer. This will save the file to your default download folder on your device.
You can right-click on the PDF file and choose "Save as" from the menu. This will allow you to choose a specific location and name for the file on your device.
Step 4: Save the Form to Your Device or Print It Out
After you have downloaded the 2021 tax return form, you can either save it to your device or print it out. If you want to save it to your device, make sure you remember where you saved it and what name you gave it. You can also create a folder for your tax documents and store all your forms and receipts there.
If you want to print it out, make sure you have a printer connected to your device and enough paper and ink. You can also adjust the print settings to fit the form on one page or use both sides of the paper. You may need to print multiple copies of the form if you have more than one source of income or more than one dependent.
How to File Your Tax Return Online for Free
If you don't want to download and print out the 2021 tax return form, you can also file your tax return online for free using one of these options:
Option 1: Use the IRS Free File Program
The IRS Free File program is a partnership between the IRS and several tax software companies that offer free online tax preparation and filing services to eligible taxpayers. To use this option, you need to have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $72,000 or less in 2021. You can choose from different software options depending on your income level, state of residence, age, military status, and other criteria.
To use the IRS Free File program, go to and click on "Start Free File Now". You will be directed to a page where you can choose a software provider that suits your needs. Follow the instructions on the software provider's website to create an account, enter your information, and file your tax return electronically.
Option 2: Use Free File Fillable Forms
Free File Fillable Forms are electronic versions of paper tax forms that you can fill out and submit online for free. To use this option, you need to have some experience with preparing your own tax return and know what forms and schedules you need. You also need to have a valid email address and a PDF viewer installed on your device.
To use Free File Fillable Forms, go to and click on "Get Started". You will be asked to create an account with your email address and a password. Then, you can choose the forms and schedules that you need from a list and fill them out online. You can also import your prior year's tax return data if you have it. When you are done, you can review your tax return and submit it electronically.
How to Get Help with Your Tax Return
If you need help with preparing or filing your tax return, you have several options:
Contact the IRS for Assistance
The IRS offers various resources and services to help you with your tax return, such as:
The IRS website: You can visit to find forms, instructions, publications, tools, FAQs, and other information related to your taxes.
The IRS phone line: You can call 1-800-829-1040 to speak to a live representative wh
