This publication covers the general rules for filing a federal income tax return. It supplements the information contained in your tax form instruction booklet. It explains the tax law to make sure you pay only the tax you owe and no more.

How this publication is arranged.   This publication closely follows Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. It is divided into six parts which cover different sections of Form 1040. Each part is further divided into chapters which generally discuss one line of the form. Do not worry if you file Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ. Anything included on a line of either of these forms is also included on Form 1040.

The table of contents inside the front cover and the index in the back of the publication are useful tools to help you find the information you need.

What is in this publication.   The publication begins with the rules for filing a tax return. It explains:

1. Who must file a return,
2. Which tax form to use,
3. When the return is due,
4. How to e-file your return, and
5. Other general information.

It will help you identify which filing status you qualify for, whether you can claim any dependents, and whether the income you receive is taxable. The publication goes on to explain the standard deduction, the kinds of expenses you may be able to deduct, and the various kinds of credits you may be able to take to reduce your tax.

Throughout the publication are examples showing how the tax law applies in typical situations. Sample forms and schedules show you how to report certain items on your return. Also throughout the publication are flowcharts and tables that present tax information in an easy-to-understand manner.

Many of the subjects discussed in this publication are discussed in greater detail in other IRS publications. References to those other publications are provided for your information.

Download Your Federal Income Tax: For Individuals

PDF format, 6.3MB, 305Pages.

Department of Treasury
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Get forms and other information faster and easier : www.irs.gov

What's New for 2010
This section summarizes the important changes that take effect in 2010 that could affect your estimated tax payments for 2010. More information on these and other changes can be found at Forms and Publications. Click on Forms and Publications, then on What's Hot in forms and publications.

Earned income credit (EIC). You may be able to take the EIC if:

• Three or more children lived with you and you earned less than $43,352 ($48,362 if married filing jointly),
• Two children lived with you and you earned less than $40,363 ($45,373 if married filing jointly),
• One child lived with you and you earned less than $35,535 ($40,545 if married filing jointly), or
• A child did not live with you and you earned less than $13,460 ($18,470 if married filing jointly).

The maximum AGI you can have and still get the credit also has increased. You may be able to take the credit if your AGI is less than the amount in the above list that applies to you. The maximum investment income you can have and still get the credit is still $3,100.

Decrease in personal casualty and theft loss limit. Each personal casualty or theft loss is limited to the excess of the loss over $100 (instead of $500). This is in addition to the 10% of AGI limit that generally applies to the net loss.

Disaster losses. The special rules that were in effect in 2008 and 2009 for losses of personal use property attributable to federally declared disasters do not apply to losses occurring in 2010 and later years.

Alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amount decreased. The AMT exemption amount is scheduled to decrease to $33,750 ($45,000 if married filing jointly or a qualifying widow(er); $22,500 if married filing separately).

Recapture of first-time homebuyer credit. If you claimed the first-time homebuyer credit for a home you bought in 2008, you must begin repaying the credit in 2010.

IRA deduction expanded. You may be able to take an IRA deduction if you were covered by a retirement plan and your 2010 modified AGI is less than $66,000 ($109,000 if married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er)). If your spouse was covered by a retirement plan, but you were not, you may be able to take an IRA deduction if your 2010 modified AGI is less than $177,000.

Roth IRA income limit. You may be able to make a Roth IRA contribution if your modified AGI is less than $120,000 ($177,000 if you are married filing jointly).

Conversions to Roth IRAs. Beginning in 2010, the modified AGI and filing status requirements for conversions to Roth IRAs are eliminated.Also, for any conversions in 2010, any amounts that would be included as income will be included in income in equal amounts in 2011 and 2012. You can choose to include the entire amount in income in 2010. ...

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