Where Should I be Filing My Paper Taxes?

Have a preference for doing things the old-fashioned way? You are not alone. A large number of taxpayers still prefer to file a paper tax return, even though the IRS prefers e-filing. For those of you who are not as computer savvy, paper filing could be a better option for you. In this article, I provide you with the following IRS online services that can help simplify the seemingly complex process of preparing and filing a tax return.

Do I Need to File a Tax Return?

If you are unsure of whether or not you are required to file a return, you may want to use the Do I Need to File a Tax Return? tool on the IRS’s website to determine the criteria. Simply provide your filing status, federal income tax withheld, and basic information to help you determine your gross income, and the tool will determine if you are required to file a federal tax return or if you should file to receive a refund.

What is My Filing Status?

Your filing status can affect your standard deduction, your eligibility for certain credits, your tax liability, as well as your filing requirements. If you are eligible to use more than one filing status, you can find the one that saves you the most in taxes using the What Is My Filing Status? tool from the IRS. To use this service, you will need your marital status, and the percentage of the costs that your household members paid towards keeping up a home. Furthermore, if your partner is deceased, you will also need your partner’s year of death.

Where Can I Download Tax Forms?

To obtain the tax forms that you need, including a W-9 and a W-4, you can use the IRS Forms and Publications page, where tax forms and publications for individuals and businesses are available for both download and print. The IRS also provides access to prior year forms, instructions, and publications. In the rare case that you do not find a tax form that you need in order to file, you may request the form(s) by the mail.

Where Can I File a Paper Tax Form?Depending upon the tax form you are filing and your state, the mailing address will change. To find the mailing address to which to send the paper return, use this IRS page.