File taxes through mail
The old-school way! Filing taxes through mail is still a viable option, although it may take a bit longer than e-filing. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Gather necessary documents:
- W-2 forms from your employer(s)
- 1099 forms for freelance work, interest, dividends, or capital gains
- Interest statements from banks and credit unions (1099-INT)
- Dividend statements from investments (1099-DIV)
- Capital gains and losses statements from investments (1099-B)
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical expense receipts
- Mortgage interest and property tax statements (Form 1098)
- Any other relevant tax-related documents
Choose the correct form:
- Form 1040: Individual Income Tax Return
- Form 1040A: Simplified Individual Income Tax Return (if you don't have self-employment income, interest, dividends, or capital gains)
- Form 1040EZ: Simplified Individual Income Tax Return (if you're single, have no dependents, and only have wages and salaries)
Complete the form:
- Fill out the form accurately and completely, following the instructions provided.
- Sign and date the form.
Attach supporting documents:
- Attach all supporting documents to the back of the form, in the order listed above.
Calculate and report any additional taxes:
- Calculate any additional taxes you owe, such as self-employment tax, alternative minimum tax, or foreign tax credit.
- Report these taxes on the appropriate lines of the form.
Mail the return:
- Address the envelope to the correct IRS address, depending on your state and filing status:
- For residents of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming:
- IRS, P.O. Box 802510, Austin, TX 78780-2510
- For residents of District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories:
- IRS, P.O. Box 802511, Austin, TX 78780-2511
- For residents of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming:
- Use certified mail, return receipt requested, to ensure your return is received by the IRS.
Payment options:
- Pay by check or money order, made payable to the "United States Treasury."
- Pay online through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or by phone at 1-800-829-1040.
Allow time for processing:
- The IRS typically takes 6-8 weeks to process paper returns. You can check the status of your return using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website.
Remember to keep a copy of your return and supporting documents for your records. If you're unsure about any part of the process, consider consulting a tax professional or seeking guidance from the IRS.