The Nation : IRS Changes Tax Forms

The Internal Revenue Service said it has revamped all 200 of its existing tax forms and created 40 new ones for next year, but maintained the changes should not complicate life for the average taxpayer. The changes stem from the 1986 tax reform law, said Arthur Altman, chairman of the committee that designed the new forms. At first glance, simpler forms such as the 1040A and 1040EZ income tax returns look the same as the ones filed this year. The changes become more obvious with the 1040 “long form” and its companions, particularly the one covering tax-deductible business expenses.