How to File a Paper Tax Return
- 1). Download the 1040 form from the IRS website. Download the instructions as well, since these will include the address to mail your form to. The address for tax returns varies according to the state you live in.
Alternately, you can pick up a copy of the 1040 form and booklet at your local library. It might be a good idea to pick up a booklet even if you do download the form since that booklet contains an envelope, along with preaddressed mailing labels. - 2). Use your favorite tax preparation software to do your return. You can do your return by hand with the paper form, but it is generally much easier to use the software. You can use popular tax preparation software such as TurboTax and TaxAct even if you plan to file a paper return.
- 3). On the final step of your tax preparation software choose to print a paper return instead of filing electronically. Send the return to your printer and save an electronic copy of it for your records. Most tax software give taxpayers the ability to save their forms as a PDF documeent.
- 4). Find the address to send the return, either in the instruction booklet or the instructions downloaded from the IRS website. Make copies of the paper return for your records and make a copy of the envelope as well. This will make it easier to resend the return if it is lost in the mail.
- 5). Mail your return, either through regular U.S. mail or certified mail. Keep a copy of your certified mail receipt. Ask the clerk at the post office to weigh your envelope--if you have a large number of schedules and receipts the return might extra postage.
