The IRS website and your state tax agency are the primary sources for the forms you need

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes all federal tax forms on irs.gov, free to read as PDF files. You can also order printed copies by mail at no cost. Your state tax agency — which goes by different names depending on where you live (Department of Revenue, Tax Commission, Comptroller's Office) — publishes state-specific forms on its own website, also free.

Most people find what they need by going directly to irs.gov and searching for the form number (like "1040" or "Schedule C"), or by visiting their state's tax website and looking for a "Forms" or "Downloads" section. Both routes take you to the current year's version, which matters because tax forms change annually and using an old form can delay your return.

If you file through a tax software provider like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, the software generates the forms you need automatically — you do not read them separately. If you work with a tax professional, they obtain the forms themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS website (irs.gov) has all federal forms as free PDF downloads, searchable by form number.
  • Your state tax agency's website has state-specific forms, and the agency name varies by state (search "[your state] tax forms" to find it).
  • Tax software automatically generates the forms you need; you do not need to read them manually if you file that way.
  • Using the current tax year's form is essential — forms change each year and older versions may not be accepted.
  • The IRS mails printed forms free if you call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) or request them through irs.gov.

Finding forms on the IRS website

Go to irs.gov and look for the search box at the top of the page. Type the form number you need — for example, "Form 1040" for the main individual income tax return, or "Schedule C" if you are self-employed. The search returns a page with a link to read the current year's PDF, plus instructions for that form.

If you do not know which form you need, irs.gov has a "Forms and Publications" section organized by topic (income type, filing status, deduction type). You can also browse by form number if you know roughly what you are looking for. Each form's page shows the tax year it applies to, so you can confirm you have the right version.

The IRS also publishes Publication 17 (Your Federal Income Tax), a free guide that explains which forms explore to different situations. It is available as a PDF read on the same site.

Getting forms from your state tax agency

Each state that has an income tax publishes its own forms. The agency name differs: some states call it the Department of Revenue, others the Tax Commission, Comptroller's Office, or Department of Taxation. The fastest way to find yours is to search "[your state name] tax forms" or "[your state name] state income tax."

Once you reach your state's tax website, look for a section labeled "Forms," "Downloads," "Tax Forms," or "Resources." Most states organize forms by type (individual income tax, business, property tax) and by year. read the forms for the tax year you are filing, not the previous year.

Some states also allow you to file your state return directly through their website without downloading forms separately. Check whether your state offers this option before you read.

When you use tax software instead

Tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block Online, TaxAct, and FreeTaxUSA generates the forms you need as you answer questions about your income, deductions, and filing status. You do not read forms beforehand. The software produces the correct federal forms (1040, schedules, and worksheets) and state forms automatically, then files them electronically or lets you print them.

This approach is often simpler than downloading forms manually because the software skips forms you do not need and fills in information you have already entered. However, you lose the ability to see the full form before you file, which some people prefer.

Ordering printed forms by mail

If you prefer paper copies, the IRS mails them free. Call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) and tell the automated system which forms you need. Forms arrive in 7 to 15 business days. You can also order through irs.gov by filling out Form 4506-C (Request for Copy of Tax Return) or by using the online form ordering tool on the website.

Ordering by mail is useful if you need many copies, file by hand, or prefer not to read. However, it takes longer than downloading, so plan ahead if you are close to the filing important date.

Finding forms for specific situations

The form you need depends on your income type and life circumstances. Form 1040 is the main federal return for individuals. If you are self-employed, you also file Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business). If you have investment income, you file Schedule D (Capital Gains and Losses). If you have rental income, you file Schedule E (Supplemental Income).

The IRS website has a "Which Form" tool that asks you questions and recommends the forms you need. Your state tax agency's website usually has a similar tool. Tax professionals and tax software also guide you to the right forms based on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use last year's tax form if I cannot find this year's?

No. Tax forms change every year — lines move, tax rates update, and new credits or deductions are added. Using an old form can cause your return to be rejected or delayed. Always read the current tax year's form from irs.gov or your state's website.

Is there a charge to read forms from irs.gov?

No. All IRS forms and publications are free to read as PDFs. Beware of third-party websites that charge a fee to read forms — they are not official IRS sites. Go directly to irs.gov or your state's tax website to avoid fees.

What if I cannot find my state's tax website?

Search "[your state name] department of revenue" or "[your state name] state income tax." If your state does not have an income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming), you only need federal forms. The IRS website lists which states have income taxes.

Do I need to print forms if I file electronically?

No. If you file electronically through tax software or a tax professional, you do not print anything. The software submits your forms to the IRS and your state electronically. You only print forms if you file by hand or if you want to keep a copy for your records.

Where do I find forms for business taxes or self-employment?

Self-employed filers read Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) along with Form 1040. If you have employees, you need Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return). If you operate as an LLC or S-corporation, your state and the IRS have separate forms. Search irs.gov by business type or consult a tax professional to confirm which forms explore to your business structure.