What Is IRS Form 1040A? History, Eligibility & Replacement

For many years, taxpayers with uncomplicated finances had a choice between several different IRS tax forms. Among them was Form 1040A, a streamlined option that offered more flexibility than the very basic 1040EZ but was still shorter than the full-length Form 1040.

However, as part of the IRS’s modernization effort, the 1040A was officially phased out after the 2017 tax year. Today, all taxpayers use a single redesigned Form 1040.

This article explores what Form 1040A was, who qualified to use it, why it was eliminated, and how taxpayers can handle both current and past returns.

What Was Form 1040A?

Form 1040A was a condensed version of the individual income tax return designed for people with relatively simple filing needs.

It was considered the “in-between” form:

• Less restrictive than the 1040EZ (which excluded taxpayers with dependents or certain credits).
• Less detailed than the full Form 1040, which allowed itemized deductions and all types of income reporting.

For decades, it gave millions of Americans a straightforward way to file without wading through dozens of lines and schedules.

Purpose and Role in the U.S. Tax System

The IRS introduced 1040A to reduce taxpayer burden while still collecting accurate income data. It helped taxpayers by:

• Simplifying filing for those with wage and retirement income.
• Allowing certain credits like the Child Tax Credit and Education Credits that weren’t available on the 1040EZ.
• Serving retirees and families who didn’t need the full complexity of Form 1040.

It became a widely used “middle ground” form for individuals who fell between the most basic and most complex tax situations.

Who Was Eligible to File 1040A?

Not everyone could choose 1040A. The form came with specific limitations:

• Income cap: Taxable income had to be less than $100,000.
• Sources of income: Wages, interest, dividends, unemployment benefits, taxable Social Security, and retirement distributions were allowed.
• Adjustments: Limited deductions such as IRA contributions or student loan interest.
• Deductions: Only the standard deduction could be claimed. Itemizing was not an option.
• Credits: Taxpayers could claim credits like the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Education Credits, but not all credits available on Form 1040.

If you had business income, capital gains, self-employment earnings, or wanted to itemize deductions, you had to use the long Form 1040.

Comparing 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ

Here’s a quick comparison of the three forms that existed before 2018:

Why Form 1040A Was Discontinued

The IRS discontinued 1040A starting with the 2018 tax year as part of a system overhaul linked to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

Instead of maintaining three separate versions of the 1040, the IRS simplified everything into one redesigned Form 1040. The modern form is shorter than the old 1040, and additional complexity is handled through supplemental schedules (Schedules 1, 2, and 3, among others).

This approach reduced confusion about “which form to file” and allowed the IRS to modernize the filing process for both paper and electronic returns.

What to Use Instead

Today, every individual filer uses Form 1040, regardless of their income level or filing complexity. The difference lies in whether you need to attach additional schedules:

• Straightforward returns: Many taxpayers with only W-2 income and the standard deduction complete just the base form.
• More detailed returns: Taxpayers with investments, small business income, or itemized deductions may need to add schedules for reporting.

The modern 1040 essentially absorbed both 1040A and 1040EZ, making it the single filing option for everyone.

Accessing Old 1040A Returns

Even though Form 1040A is obsolete, you may still need past returns—for example, when applying for a mortgage, financial aid, or immigration paperwork. Here are your options:

• IRS transcripts: Free tax transcripts can be ordered online via the IRS Get Transcript service.
• Exact copies: For official copies of old 1040A returns, file Form 4506 with the IRS. A processing fee applies.
• Tax software or preparers: If you filed electronically, your software provider or accountant may still have archived copies.

Conclusion

Form 1040A once offered a practical, simplified path for taxpayers who had income under $100,000 and wanted to claim limited credits without itemizing deductions. But with IRS efforts to streamline the system, it was phased out in favor of the new universal Form 1040 starting in 2018.

If you previously filed using 1040A, you’ll now use Form 1040—but in most cases, your filing process remains just as simple. Dimov Audit will help you to stay informed about IRS changes, helps ensure you file correctly and avoid unnecessary complications.

FAQs

What is a 1040A tax form?

A now-obsolete, shorter individual return for simpler situations—more flexible than 1040EZ, simpler than the full 1040.

Who could file a 1040A?

Filers with taxable income under $100,000 and limited income/adjustments (standard deduction only, select credits allowed).

Is Form 1040A still valid?

No—discontinued starting with the 2018 tax year (last used for 2017 returns).

What replaced 1040A and 1040EZ?

The redesigned Form 1040 (with add-on Schedules 1–3) replaced both.

Can I still get copies of my old 1040A returns?

Yes—get free transcripts via IRS Get Transcript, or request exact copies with Form 4506 (fee; ~75 days).