by Bradley Streeter

Created on: August 01, 2008   Last Updated: January 06, 2010

The simplest and most reliable source for online federal income tax forms is the Internal Revenue Service website (www.irs.gov). The most requested forms are right on the home page of the website, but there are literally thousands more to be found at www.irs.gov/formspubs. From here, you can search by form number (e.g. IRS-1040) or by topic (e.g. "Employment Tax"). Most forms are available in both PDF and HTML formats, and typically come with instructions. You will often find relevant IRS Publications listed alongside the forms you are searching for, that provide detailed instructions for specific tax issues. Another helpful feature is that most forms and publications are offered in both English and Spanish.

For those looking to file online, the IRS home page has links for "free file" and "e-file". E-file links taxpayers to several IRS-approved "partners", private companies that offer secure websites that assist you in preparing and filing your return. Although the IRS does not charge for e-filing, the partners typically charge between $10 and $30 for tax returns. Of course, taxpayers with complicated returns are charged more, usually based on the number and types of forms that must be filed. The free file program allows taxpayers with an adjustable gross income under $56,000 (2008) to utilize the filing services of partners at no charge.

There are online filing options available for businesses, too. For those starting a business, Employer Identification Numbers (basically a social security number for a company) can be obtained online. Just go to https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.js p and follow the instructions. There are also options for filing business and corporate tax returns if you follow the e-file link from the IRS home page.

Although the internet has added convenience to the harrowing experience of dealing with the tax man, some words of caution are in order. First, never respond with personal or financial information to unsolicited emails from the IRS. The "IRS" email you received is guaranteed to be from a con-artist. Second, just because a form is available on the internet doesn't mean you should use it. Although most individual tax returns are simple matters, seek professional advice for unfamiliar tax situations. An accountant or tax attorney may cost you money up front, but can save you fines, interest, and even jail time down the road.

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