What form do most individual taxpayers use to file their federal income tax returns?

Most individual taxpayers use Form 1040 to file their federal income tax returns because it is the standard form designated by the IRS for reporting individual income and calculating taxes owed or refunds due for a given tax year. This form allows taxpayers to report various types of income, claim deductions and credits, and determine their overall tax liability. Its versatility accommodates different tax situations, including those with dependents, itemized deductions, and various sources of income.

In contrast, Form 1099 is primarily used for reporting income received from sources other than wages, salaries, and tips, such as freelance work or dividends. Form W-2 is issued by employers to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld, which is an important document for taxpayers but not a filing form itself. Form 990 is specifically designed for tax-exempt organizations to report information on their income, expenses, and activities. Each of these forms serves distinct purposes in the tax reporting system, but Form 1040 is the key document for most individual taxpayers when filing their federal income tax returns.