Where can I mail in my 1040 form?

Modified on Mon, 22 Sep at 7:17 PM

If you are filing your federal individual income tax return by mail, the correct mailing address depends on your state of residence and whether you are sending a payment with the return. The IRS provides a full list of addresses for Form 1040 on its website.

Find the official IRS mailing addresses for Form 1040 here.

Note: The address you use will be different if you are mailing your return with a check or money order compared to mailing without a payment.

Instructions for Form 1040

Many taxpayers ask about the proper instruction for 1040. Every Form 1040 should be mailed according to the IRS chart linked above. If you prefer faster processing, the IRS strongly encourages e-filing instead of mailing a paper return. This reduces errors and speeds up refunds.

You can also review the official IRS booklet for Form 1040 instructions.

Form 1040 and Attached Schedules

When mailing your return, be sure to include any required schedules, such as:

Schedule 1 (Form 1040): Additional Income and Adjustments
Schedule 2 (Form 1040): Additional Taxes
Schedule 3 (Form 1040): Additional Credits and Payments

Leaving out a required schedule may cause processing delays.

Form 1040 vs. W-2

Taxpayers often ask questions such as: is a W-2 a 1040? or is W-2 the same as 1040? The answer is no. A W-2 is a wage statement issued by your employer. A Form 1040 is your annual individual income tax return. You use the information from your W-2 (and possibly 1099s or other forms) to complete your 1040.

If your W-2 shows a different address than what you list on your 1040, don’t worry—the IRS matches your income by Social Security number, not mailing address. This is a common scenario when taxpayers move during the year.

Common Questions About Mailing Form 1040

What is a 1040-SR?

The 1040-SR is a version of the 1040 designed for seniors age 65 and older. It uses the same mailing addresses as the standard 1040.

What if my 1040 is rejected electronically?

If your e-filed return is rejected, you may need to mail in a corrected paper return. Be sure to use the IRS mailing address chart above to send it to the correct location.

Should I include payment when I mail my 1040?

If you owe taxes, you can include a check or money order made payable to the “United States Treasury.” Be sure to use the mailing address listed for returns with payment. If you are due a refund or have no balance due, use the mailing address for returns without payment.

Why E-File Instead of Mailing?

While mailing is still an option, e-filing is faster, more secure, and recommended by the IRS. If you need to make a payment electronically instead of mailing a check, you can use the IRS online system: IRS Direct Pay.

Some taxpayers also come across sites like “1040paytax.com.” Always ensure you are using an official IRS payment portal to avoid scams.

Bottom Line

You can mail your federal Form 1040 to the IRS using the addresses provided in their official chart. The correct address depends on your state of residence and whether you are mailing a payment. Always double-check the IRS site before sending. For faster processing, consider e-filing and paying online.

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