We ask for the information on this form to carry out the Internal Revenue laws of the United States. Sections 6001, 6011, 6012(a), 6103, and 6109, and their regulations, require you to provide this information. We need this information to ensure that you are complying with the Internal Revenue laws and to allow us to figure and determine the right amount of tax.

Section 6109 requires that you provide your identifying number on the return. This is so we know who you are and can process your return and other papers. You must fill in all parts of the tax form that apply to you. If you do not file a return under circumstances requiring its filing, do not provide the information we ask for, or provide fraudulent information, you may be charged penalties and be subject to criminal prosecution. Section 6109 requires return preparers to provide their identifying numbers on the return.

Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by section 6103. However, section 6103 allows or requires the Internal Revenue Service to disclose or give the information shown on your tax return to others as described in the Code. For example, we may disclose your tax information to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation. We may also disclose this information to cities, states, and the District of Columbia for use in administering their tax laws, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.

You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law.

The time needed to complete and file this form will vary depending on individual circumstances. The estimated burden for individual taxpayers filing this form is approved under OMB control number 1545-0074 and is included in the estimates shown in the instructions for their individual income tax return. The estimated burden for all other taxpayers who file this form is shown below.

If you have comments concerning the accuracy of these time estimates or suggestions for making this form simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can write to the Internal Revenue Service, Tax Products Coordinating Committee, SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6406, Washington, DC 20224. Do not send the tax form to this office. Instead, see Where To File on page 1.