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Individuals and the self-employed

Form 1040

The yearly personal income tax return

Due

April 15

Who files

Individuals and the self-employed

Source

IRS page for Form 1040 →
Facts on this page come from IRS.gov (the Form 1040 page was last updated by the IRS Oct 20, 2026); read by TaxScout Oct 22, 2026.

Who files Form 1040

U.S. taxpayers use Form 1040 to file their annual income tax return. Most U.S. citizens and permanent residents who work in the U.S. generally must file if their income is over the filing threshold for their filing status, or if they had more than $400 in net self-employment earnings.

When it is due

April 15 for calendar-year filers.

If the 15th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the due date moves to the next business day. Fiscal-year filers are due on the 15th day of the 4th month after their fiscal year ends.

What the IRS says

  • For tax year 2025, a single filer under 65 generally must file if gross income is over $15,750 (married filing jointly, both under 65: $31,500). Source
  • You must generally file if you had over $400 in net earnings from self-employment. Source
  • You may want to file even when not required, for example to get back withheld tax, estimated payments or a refundable credit. Source
  • Calendar-year individual returns for 2025 are due April 15, 2026. Source

What to have ready

  • Form W-2 from each employer
  • Forms 1099 from banks and other payers (interest, dividends, unemployment, retirement distributions)
  • Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC or other income statements for gig work
  • Records of digital asset transactions
  • Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health coverage
  • IRS letters and your Identity Protection PIN notice (CP01A), if you have one

Preparers who say they handle Form 1040

Each city page lists firms whose own website names this return. TaxScout read those sites; it does not rank firms by payment.

Charlotte, NC42 firmsRaleigh, NC23 firmsDurham, NC16 firmsAsheville, NC11 firmsWilmington, NC9 firmsEdison, NJ7 firmsWinston Salem, NC7 firmsWorcester, MA7 firmsHuntersville, NC6 firmsMooresville, NC6 firmsFramingham, MA6 firmsGreensboro, NC6 firmsCary, NC6 firmsMatthews, NC6 firmsClifton, NJ5 firmsParsippany, NJ5 firmsManasquan, NJ5 firmsWestwood, NJ5 firms

What preparers charge

Massachusetts · Form 1040 + state, standard deduction$170
Massachusetts · Form 1040 + state, itemized$274
North Carolina · Form 1040 + state, standard deduction$199
North Carolina · Form 1040 + state, itemized$289
New Jersey · Form 1040 + state, standard deduction$235
New Jersey · Form 1040 + state, itemized$305

Average fees reported by preparers in the National Society of Accountants 2020-2021 Income and Fees Survey, State Averages (published 2020). Fees today are likely higher; ask the firm for its own quote.

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Common questions

Who files Form 1040?

U.S. taxpayers use Form 1040 to file their annual income tax return. Most U.S. citizens and permanent residents who work in the U.S. generally must file if their income is over the filing threshold for their filing status, or if they had more than $400 in net self-employment earnings.

When is Form 1040 due?

April 15 for calendar-year filers. If the 15th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the due date moves to the next business day. Fiscal-year filers are due on the 15th day of the 4th month after their fiscal year ends.

Do I need a CPA for Form 1040?

Not always. A CPA, an Enrolled Agent or another paid preparer with a PTIN can prepare it. Firms listed for this form say on their own websites that they handle it; TaxScout does not rank them by payment.

Related forms

All forms →
Form 1040-ES · Quarterly estimated tax paymentsApril 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the following yearForm 1040-X · Correcting a return you already filedWith its returnForm 4868 · More time to file a personal returnApril 15Schedule C · Business income for sole proprietors and freelancersWith its returnSchedule E · Rental, royalty and pass-through incomeWith its return

Not tax advice. TaxScout is not the IRS. Due dates and thresholds above are quoted from the IRS pages linked next to them and change from year to year; the IRS instructions for your tax year control.