The IRS website and phone line are the fastest routes to most forms

The IRS publishes forms and instructions on IRS.gov, where you can search by form number or name and download them as PDFs at no cost. You can also call the IRS Forms and Publications line at 1-800-829-3676 to request forms by mail — they arrive in 5 to 10 business days. Local libraries, post offices, and tax preparation nonprofits often stock the most common forms in paper.

Which route works best depends on when you need the form and whether you prefer paper or digital. If you file electronically, you do not need a printed form at all. If you file by mail and need the form soon, downloading from IRS.gov is faster than waiting for mail delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS.gov lets you download any form as a PDF immediately, and you can print it or fill it out on your computer.
  • The IRS mails forms to your address if you call 1-800-829-3676, but delivery takes 5 to 10 business days.
  • Libraries, post offices, and community tax centers keep copies of common forms like the 1040, Schedule C, and itemized deduction worksheets.
  • Tax software and e-filing services generate the forms you need automatically, so you do not have to find them separately.
  • Some forms are only available online — the IRS no longer prints certain specialized or rarely used forms.

Downloading forms from IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov/forms and use the search box to find the form by number (like 1040 or Schedule C) or by keyword (like "self-employment" or "capital gains"). Each form page shows the current year's version and older years if you need them. Download the PDF, then either print it or use free software to fill it in on your computer before printing.

The IRS also publishes instructions for each form as a separate PDF. These walk through each line and include examples. Download the instructions at the same time as the form — they are not printed on the form itself. If you are filing a complex return, the instructions often answer questions faster than searching online.

Forms on IRS.gov are updated each year, usually by late December for the upcoming tax year. If you download a form in January, you are getting the current version. If you need a form from a prior year — for example, to amend an old return — the site lets you select the tax year before downloading.

Ordering forms by phone or mail

Call 1-800-829-3676 and tell the representative which forms you need. Provide your mailing address. The IRS sends forms at no cost, but delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. This route works if you do not have internet access or prefer paper forms but do not need them immediately.

You can also order forms online through the IRS Forms Order line at IRS.gov/orderforms. Enter your address and select the forms you want. The IRS will mail them to you. This method is slower than downloading but faster than calling if you know exactly which forms you need.

Getting forms from libraries, post offices, and nonprofits

Public libraries, post offices, and community tax centers often stock the most commonly filed forms — typically the 1040, Schedule A (itemized deductions), Schedule C (self-employment), and Schedule D (capital gains). Call ahead to confirm they have what you need, because supplies vary by location and time of year.

Tax preparation nonprofits, often called VITA sites (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), keep forms on hand and may help you fill them out at no cost if your income is below a certain threshold. Search for VITA sites near you at IRS.gov/VITA or call 211 for local referrals. These sites are busiest during tax season (January through April) but operate year-round in many areas.

Forms you can only find online

The IRS has stopped printing certain forms and now publishes them only as PDFs on IRS.gov. These are usually specialized forms filed by a small number of taxpayers — for example, Form 3115 (Application for Change in Accounting Method) or Form 8949 (Sales of Securities). If you need one of these forms, you must download it from IRS.gov; you cannot order it by phone.

The IRS website lists which forms are available in print and which are online-only. If you call 1-800-829-3676 asking for a form that is online-only, the representative will tell you where to download it.

Using tax software and e-filing services

If you file electronically using tax software (like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct) or through a tax professional, you do not need to find or print forms yourself. The software generates the forms you need based on your answers and submits them electronically to the IRS. This is often faster and more accurate than filling out paper forms by hand.

Many tax software providers offer free versions if your income is below a certain level. The IRS maintains a list of free software options at IRS.gov/freefile. If you use free software, you still have access to all the forms and schedules you need — they are built into the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out a form on my computer and then print it?

Yes. Download the PDF from IRS.gov, open it in free software like Adobe Reader, and type directly into the form fields. Save your work, then print. Some forms allow this; others require you to print first and fill in by hand. The form will tell you which method works.

What if I need a form that is not on IRS.gov?

Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 and describe what you are trying to do. The representative may direct you to a different form, a worksheet, or a publication that covers your situation. If the form truly does not exist, they will tell you.

Do I have to use the current year's form, or can I use an old one?

Use the form for the tax year you are filing. If you are filing your 2023 return in 2024, use the 2023 form. Using an old form can delay processing or cause errors. IRS.gov lets you download prior-year forms if you need to amend an old return.

Is there a cost to download forms from IRS.gov?

No. All forms, instructions, and publications are free to download. Beware of third-party websites that charge fees to download IRS forms — these are scams. Go directly to IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-3676.

Can I get forms in languages other than English?

The IRS publishes some forms and instructions in Spanish on IRS.gov. Search for the form number plus "Spanish" or look under the language options on the forms page. Not all forms are available in other languages; call 1-800-829-3676 for help if you cannot find what you need.