You can get a blank Form 1040 or a copy of the 1040 you already filed in a few different ways, depending on what you need.

1. If you need a blank 1040 to file

You’re looking for the current-year IRS Form 1040 itself, not your filed return.

  • Go to the IRS website and search for “Form 1040.” The official site lets you download the current year’s Form 1040 and instructions as free PDFs.
  • Prior‑year blank forms are also available on the IRS site by form number and year (for example, “Form 1040 2023”).
  • Many local libraries and post offices stock paper copies of Form 1040 during tax season, especially from January through April.
  • Some tax prep chains and community tax help events (like VITA sites) also hand out blank 1040 packets during filing season.

2. If you need a copy of your already filed 1040

Here you’re trying to see the actual return you filed (what you signed and sent).

Through the service/software you used

  • If you filed online through a service (TurboTax, H&R Block, 1040.com, etc.), sign in to the same account and look for “Tax Home,” “My Account,” or “Tax Returns & Documents.”
  • In those menus, there’s usually a “Download/print return (PDF)” or “Preview my 1040” link that shows your full Form 1040 and schedules.
  • If a CPA or tax preparer filed for you, ask them for a copy; they can usually email or print your full return.

Directly from the IRS

  • For a free summary: request an IRS tax return transcript , which shows most line items from your Form 1040 and is often enough for loans or financial aid. This can be requested online under “Get Transcript” on the IRS site.
  • For an exact copy: file Form 4506 with the IRS to get a full copy of your tax return, including Form 1040; there’s a fee (commonly around 30 USD) for this service.

3. Quick checklist (what to do next)

  1. Decide if you need a blank form (to fill out) or your filed return (proof you already filed).
  2. For a blank form: download it from IRS.gov by searching “Form 1040” (or visit a library/post office during tax season).
  1. For your filed return:
    • Log in to the tax software or provider you used and look for “Download/print return (PDF).”
 * If that fails, request a **tax transcript** online from the IRS, or submit **Form 4506** for a full copy.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.