
Essential Tax Forms for Montanans: Your Complete Checklist for Filing
As tax season approaches, Montana residents are gearing up to file their federal and state tax returns.
With the IRS expected to process over 163 million tax returns during 2024, this year's filing season is anticipated to be particularly busy. To streamline the process and avoid delays, Montanans should start organizing their tax documents early.
Essential Tax Forms to Expect
Before diving into tax filing, residents of Montana should be on the lookout for a variety of essential tax forms. Here's a breakdown of some common tax forms to keep an eye out for and what they entail.
Form 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Return
This standard IRS tax form is crucial for determining your filing status, deductions, and credits based on your income and age.
Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate
While not filed with your tax return, updating this form with your employer is necessary to ensure accurate tax withholding.
Form W-2, Wage, and Tax Statement
Provided by your employer, this form outlines the taxes withheld from your paychecks, aiding in precise income reporting.
Schedule A to Form 1040, Itemized Deductions
This schedule allows you to list deductible expenses, such as charitable donations and medical costs, surpassing the standard deduction amount.
Form 1099-INT, Interest Income
Reporting interest income from financial institutions is essential for accurate tax filings.
Schedule C to Form 1040, Profit or Loss From Business: Self-employed individuals should use this schedule to report business-related income and expenses.
Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation
Freelancers and independent contractors receive this form to report earnings from clients accurately.
Preparing for Tax Form Arrival
Tax forms are typically distributed between January and February, with some arriving later. Montana residents should create a checklist of expected forms and make sure all forms are received before filing.

Key Deadlines and Filing Reminders
The deadline for filing individual tax returns in 2025 is April 15 in Montana. This date also marks the deadline for requesting a filing extension. To expedite speed up processing ensure security, the IRS recommends electronic filing and direct deposit for any refunds.
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