Form 1040A is the shorter and simpler version of Form 1040, thus its nickname 'short form'. It is more commonly used when the tax situation of the individual is uncomplicated. On the other hand, Form 1040 or the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is the long form which usually contains more information such as itemized deductions, no capital gains, etc.
Form 1040 is always due by April 15th of the next year. To be precise, the income tax for 2008 is due on April 15, 2009. Paying after this date may cause the taxpayer some interests and penalties. Those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or those in support of it, are assigned in a designated combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area or any contingency operation may file their taxes later.
There are four other conditions that will cause for an individual to file for their Form 1040 or their income tax return. The first is if a person owes any special tax. This special tax may be in the form of an alternative minimum tax. This could also be write in taxes which include uncollected social security and Medicare taxes on tips reported to employers or on group term life insurance and taxes on health savings account. Another special tax is the household employment tax, which can be filed also using Schedule H. Also a special tax is the additional tax on qualified plan, which could also be filed using Form 5329. Considered also as a special tax are Medicare and social security taxes on tips that were not reported to employers. Last of these special taxes is the recapture tax.
Currently, there are several variants of the Form 1040. To enumerate, these are Form 1040, Form 1040A, Form 1040EZ, form 1040EZ-T, Form 1040NR, Form 1040NR-EZ and Form 1040X.
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