What Is Arizona Form 140EZ and Do I Qualify?

Arizona Form 140EZ is the state’s simplest income tax return, designed for residents with uncomplicated financial lives. Its purpose is to offer a streamlined filing process for individuals whose income sources and tax situations fall within specific, narrow parameters. This form allows eligible taxpayers to calculate their tax liability without navigating the complexities of itemized deductions or numerous tax credits.

Eligibility Requirements for Form 140EZ

To use Form 140EZ, a taxpayer must meet a set of criteria. Your filing status is restricted to either Single or Married Filing Jointly; those who are Married Filing Separately cannot use this form.

Additional requirements include:

• You must have been a full-year resident of Arizona, and under the age of 65 and not blind.
• You cannot claim any dependents or an exemption for a qualifying parent or grandparent.
• Your Arizona taxable income must be less than $50,000.
• Your income must come from specific sources, such as wages, salaries, tips, taxable interest, and unemployment compensation.
• You are not permitted to make any adjustments to your income.
• You must take the standard deduction, as itemizing is not permitted.
• The only tax credits you can claim are the family income tax credit or the credit for increased excise taxes.

Claiming other credits or being an active duty military member will require you to file a different form, like Form 140 or 140A.

Information and Documents Needed

Before filling out Form 140EZ, you must gather several documents. You will need a completed federal income tax return, as your federal adjusted gross income is the starting point for the Arizona return. Have all your income-reporting documents handy, such as Form W-2 from each employer, Form 1099-INT for any interest income, and Form 1099-G if you received unemployment benefits.

You will need to provide your full name, current address, and Social Security Number. If you are married and filing a joint return, you must also provide your spouse’s information. The official, fillable PDF version of Form 140EZ is available on the Arizona Department of Revenue’s website.

Filing Your Completed Form 140EZ

Once you have completed Form 140EZ, you must file it with the Arizona Department of Revenue. The mailing address you use depends on whether you are due a refund or owe additional tax. One address is designated for returns with payments, while a separate address is used for refund returns; these addresses are listed in the form’s instructions.

Be sure to sign and date your return before mailing. If you are filing a joint return, both spouses must sign the form for it to be considered valid. As an alternative to mailing a paper return, you can file electronically. The Department of Revenue’s website provides a list of approved e-file providers that support Form 140EZ, which often results in faster processing and quicker refunds.