Free Download 1040EZ Template

Part 1: What Is the 1040EZ Tax Form?

Form 1040EZ was a simplified federal income tax return designed for taxpayers with very basic financial situations. It was created to make filing easier by limiting both eligibility and the types of income and tax benefits that could be reported.The form was commonly used by students, first-time filers, and single taxpayers with simple returns. Married couples filing jointly could also use it, provided their finances met strict requirements. To qualify, taxpayers generally had to:

1. Have taxable income below a specified limit
2. Earn income only from wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, or taxable interest
3. Claim no dependents
4. Claim no itemized deductions or most tax credits

Because of these limitations, Form 1040EZ was only one page long and focused on basic income reporting, tax calculation, and determining whether a refund or payment was due.

Prior to tax year 2018, the IRS offered three versions of the individual income tax return to accommodate different levels of complexity:

1. Form 1040EZ: The simplest option, limited to basic income and no dependents or credits.
2. Form 1040A: A middle-ground option that allowed some credits and adjustments, such as education credits and retirement contributions.
3. Form 1040: The most comprehensive form, used for complex tax situations involving itemized deductions, self-employment income, capital gains, or multiple schedules.

This tiered system allowed taxpayers to choose a form based on how complicated their financial situation was.

Part 2: Is Form 1040EZ Still Available?

Form 1040EZ is no longer available. The IRS officially discontinued Form 1040EZ after the 2017 tax year as part of a major redesign of the individual income tax return. Beginning with the 2018 tax year, all individual filers started using a redesigned Form 1040, with additional schedules added only when needed.

Even so, you might continue to search for Form 1040EZ if you used the form in the past and wonder if a simplified “EZ” version still exists for basic returns. Or you may be looking for older forms to review prior filings, amend an earlier return, or keep tax records.

If you would have qualified for Form 1040EZ in the past, you now file using Form 1040. The redesigned Form 1040 is structured to work for both simple and complex tax situations, meaning taxpayers with straightforward income can still file without unnecessary schedules.

Part 3: How to File Taxes Online Instead of 1040EZ

Since Form 1040EZ is no longer an option, taxpayers with simple returns can file electronically using IRS-approved online tools to simplify the process.

One option is IRS Free File, which allows eligible taxpayers to prepare and file a federal return online at no cost using guided tax software. The process walks users through entering income, choosing a filing status, and claiming applicable credits while automatically generating Form 1040. General steps include:

1. Gather income documents such as W-2s or 1099s
2. Choose a Free File provider through the IRS website
3. Answer guided questions about income, filing status, and credits
4. Electronically submit your completed Form 1040

Another option is using IRS Free Fillable Forms, which provides electronic versions of IRS forms that taxpayers complete manually. This approach is best for individuals comfortable preparing their own return and mirrors the experience of filling out a paper form.

Both filing methods allow taxpayers to submit a simple return without needing a separate EZ form. Get step-by-step instruction on filling out 1040 tax form.

Part 4: Can You Still Download or Print a 1040EZ Form?

Although Form 1040EZ cannot be used to file current tax returns, archived versions of the form from 2017 and earlier are still available on this page or through IRS records. These PDF forms are provided for reference purposes only.

You may need a copy of Form 1040EZ if you are amending a return from a year when the form was still valid, typically by filing Form 1040-X. Older forms may also be useful for recordkeeping, income verification, or resolving questions related to prior tax years.

Archived Form 1040EZ documents should not be used to file taxes for current years, including 2026. Any new or amended filings must use the appropriate version of Form 1040.