1996 Tax Help Archives  

Forms / Publications - How to Order

This is archived information that pertains only to the 1996 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.

Need an IRS tax form or publication? The IRS has many ways to get you the tax form or publication you need to file your return. IRS mails a tax package to every taxpayer who prepared his or her own return last year. Tax packages are scheduled for delivery by the end of the third week in January. The type of package you get depends on what forms you filed last year, but may include most of the forms and instructions you need to file your return this year.

If you need other forms or tax information publications, there are several ways to get them.

First, you may download many of the federal tax forms or publications you need from this Web site.

Second, you can obtain forms by fax. Our new Fax Forms service offers the most frequently requested forms and can be accessed by dialing (703)487-4160 from the handset on a fax machine.

Third, you can obtain many forms and publications at local IRS offices. However, because of space and budget constraints, only certain high demand forms and publications are stocked in these offices. Other less popular items are stocked in our three area distribution centers. Your best option, of course, is to download them from here to your PC!

Fourth, post offices, and libraries may have Forms 1040A, 1040A Schedule 1 and 2, 1040EZ, 1040, their instructions; and Schedules A and B and EIC in stock. In addition, some libraries have reproducible copies of other IRS tax forms that you can photocopy at your own expense. Many of these libraries also keep reference sets of IRS Tax Information Publications for you to photocopy or read while you are there. Refer to Topic 105 for more details on other services and information available at public libraries.

Fifth, if you received a tax package but need additional forms, you can use the handy order form in the package.

When you write to order forms from the IRS, it will help us process your order faster if you:

  • Print legibly;
  • Request items by their form or publication number, not titles;
  • List the forms you need first, then the publications;
  • List them in numerical order; and order only what you need.

Please order early and allow about two to three weeks to receive your order.

Sixth, and finally, you can call the IRS at 1-800-TAX-FORM or 1-800-829-3676 and place an order. The best times to call are Thursday or Friday afternoons. The hours of operation are Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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