Where Do You Send Your Income Tax Return? Filing your income tax return can seem daunting, but income-partners.net is here to help you navigate the process smoothly and efficiently. Understanding where to send your tax return, whether you’re a business owner seeking strategic alliances or an individual looking to optimize your tax strategy, is crucial for compliance and potential partnership opportunities. Dive into this comprehensive guide for clear instructions, state-specific addresses, and insights into maximizing your financial success.
1. Why Does the Filing Location of Your Income Tax Return Matter?
The location where you send your income tax return matters for several reasons. Sending your return to the correct address ensures timely processing by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), helps avoid potential delays or penalties, and contributes to the accuracy of your tax records. Understanding these factors is especially important for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to build reliable financial partnerships.
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Ensuring Timely Processing: Sending your tax return to the correct location ensures it reaches the appropriate IRS processing center promptly. This helps the IRS process your return efficiently and issue any refunds you may be entitled to in a timely manner. According to the IRS, using the correct address can significantly reduce processing times.
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Avoiding Delays and Penalties: Incorrectly addressed tax returns can lead to processing delays. In some cases, the IRS may not be able to process the return at all, potentially resulting in penalties for late filing or non-compliance. Accuracy is key to avoiding these issues.
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Maintaining Accurate Tax Records: The IRS uses the filing location to categorize and store tax returns. Sending your return to the correct address ensures it is properly recorded and accessible for future reference. This is important for both individual taxpayers and business owners who may need to access their tax records for audits or other purposes.
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State-Specific Requirements: The filing location can vary based on your state of residence. Some states have dedicated IRS processing centers, while others use regional centers. Knowing the correct address for your state is essential to ensure proper handling of your return.
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Payment Processing: If you are including a payment with your tax return, the address may differ from the one used for returns without payments. Using the correct address ensures your payment is processed accurately and credited to your account.
2. Understanding the Basics of Income Tax Filing
Before diving into where to send your income tax return, it’s essential to understand the basics of income tax filing. This includes knowing the different types of tax forms, the deadlines for filing, and the various methods available for submitting your return.
2.1 Key Income Tax Forms
The IRS uses various forms to collect income tax information. The most common ones include:
- Form 1040: Used for individual income tax returns. It calculates your taxable income and the amount of tax you owe or the refund you are due.
- Form 1040-SR: A version of Form 1040 designed for seniors, featuring a larger font and a standard deduction chart.
- Form 1040-ES: Used to estimate and pay self-employment tax and estimated income tax.
- Form 1040-V: A payment voucher used when you are paying your income taxes via mail.
- Form 1040-X: Used to amend a previously filed tax return.
- Form 4868: Used to request an automatic extension of time to file your tax return.
Understanding which form applies to your situation is crucial for accurate filing.
2.2 Filing Deadlines
The standard deadline for filing your income tax return is April 15th of each year. However, if this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is shifted to the next business day. It is important to note these dates to avoid late filing penalties.
2.3 Methods of Filing
You can file your income tax return using several methods:
- E-filing: Filing electronically through tax software or a tax professional. E-filing is generally faster and more accurate than mailing in your return.
- IRS Free File: A service offered by the IRS that allows eligible taxpayers to file their taxes online for free using guided tax software.
- Mailing: Filing a paper return by mail. This method is still available but is generally slower than e-filing.
2.4 Information Needed Before Filing
Before you begin filing your income tax return, gather all necessary documents. This includes:
- Social Security Numbers: For you, your spouse, and any dependents.
- W-2 Forms: Reporting your annual wages from your employer.
- 1099 Forms: Reporting income from sources other than employment, such as freelance work or investments.
- Records of Deductions: Receipts and documentation for any deductions you plan to claim, such as charitable donations, medical expenses, or business expenses.
Having these documents organized will make the filing process smoother and more accurate.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Correct IRS Mailing Address
Finding the correct IRS mailing address for your income tax return is a critical step in ensuring your return is processed accurately and on time. The IRS has specific mailing addresses based on the state you live in, whether you are including a payment, and the type of form you are filing. Here’s a detailed guide to help you find the right address:
3.1 Determine Your State of Residence
The first step is to identify your state of residence, as the IRS uses different processing centers for different regions. This is where you legally reside, regardless of where you may be temporarily living or working.
3.2 Identify the Tax Form You Are Filing
Different tax forms may have different mailing addresses. Common forms include Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, Form 1040-ES, Form 1040-V, Form 1040-X, and Form 4868. Make sure you know exactly which form you are filing.
3.3 Check If You Are Enclosing a Payment
The mailing address may vary depending on whether you are including a payment with your tax return. If you owe taxes and are sending a check or money order, you will need to use the address specified for returns with payments. If you are not including a payment, use the address for returns without payments.
3.4 Consult the IRS Website
The IRS website is the most reliable source for finding the correct mailing address. Follow these steps:
- Go to the official IRS website: IRS.gov.
- Search for “Where to File Addresses.”
- Select the link that corresponds to the type of tax return you are filing (e.g., “Where to File Addresses for Form 1040”).
- Find your state in the provided list.
- Note the address listed for your specific form and whether you are including a payment.
3.5 Use the IRS Tool: “Where to File”
The IRS provides an online tool called “Where to File” that can help you determine the correct mailing address based on your specific circumstances. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to the IRS “Where to File” tool on the IRS website.
- Answer the questions about the type of tax return you are filing, your state, and whether you are including a payment.
- The tool will provide you with the correct mailing address to use.
3.6 Verify the Address
Before mailing your tax return, double-check the address you have found to ensure it is accurate. Even a small error can cause delays. Verify the street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
3.7 Special Cases
- Amended Returns (Form 1040-X): Amended returns often have different mailing addresses than original returns. Make sure you are using the correct address for Form 1040-X.
- Estimated Taxes (Form 1040-ES): If you are filing estimated taxes, the mailing address may differ from the one used for your annual income tax return.
- Taxpayers Living Abroad: U.S. citizens and residents living abroad have specific mailing addresses. Consult the IRS website for the correct address based on your situation.
3.8 Private Delivery Services
If you are using a private delivery service (PDS) like FedEx or UPS, make sure the address is compatible with PDS deliveries. The IRS provides a list of designated PDS that meet the “timely mailing as timely filing/paying” rule.
3.9 Stay Updated
IRS mailing addresses can change from year to year, so it’s essential to check the IRS website for the most current information each time you file your taxes.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are sending your income tax return to the correct IRS mailing address, helping you avoid delays, penalties, and other issues.
4. State-by-State Mailing Addresses for Form 1040
To help you file your income tax return correctly, here’s a comprehensive list of state-by-state mailing addresses for Form 1040, as of 2025. Please note that these addresses are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to verify them on the IRS website before mailing your return.
4.1 Alabama
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1214Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1300Charlotte, NC 28201-1300 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1214Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1302Charlotte, NC 28201-1302 |
4.2 Alaska
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802502Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802503Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503 |
4.3 Arizona
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1300Charlotte, NC 28201-1300 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802503Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503 |
4.4 Arkansas
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931300Louisville, KY 40293-1300 |
4.5 California
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802502Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802503Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503 |
4.6 Colorado
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802502Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802503Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503 |
4.7 Connecticut
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999 – 0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931300Louisville, KY 40293-1300 |
4.8 Delaware
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999 – 0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999 – 0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, Mo 64999-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931300Louisville, KY 40293-1300 |
4.9 District of Columbia
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931300Louisville, KY 40293-1300 |
4.10 Florida
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1214Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1300Charlotte, NC 28201-1300 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1214Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1302Charlotte, NC 28201-1302 |
4.11 Georgia
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1214Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1300Charlotte, NC 28201-1300 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1214Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1302Charlotte, NC 28201-1302 |
4.12 Hawaii
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802502Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-X | Department of TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 | Department of TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP O Box 802503Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503 |
4.13 Idaho
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802502Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802503Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503 |
4.14 Illinois
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931300Louisville, KY 40293-1300 |
4.15 Indiana
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City 64999-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931300Louisville, KY 40293-1300 |
4.16 Iowa
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931300Louisville, KY 40293-1300 |
4.17 Kansas
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802502Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802501Cincinnati, OH 45280-2501 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceOgden, UT 84201-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 802503Cincinnati, OH 45280-2503 |
4.18 Kentucky
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931300Louisville, KY 40293-1300 |
4.19 Louisiana
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1214Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1300Charlotte, NC 28201-1300 |
| 1040-V | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1214Charlotte, NC 28201-1214 |
| 1040-X | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0052 |
| 4868 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceAustin, TX 73301-0045 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 1302Charlotte, NC 28201-1302 |
4.20 Maine
| Filing Form | Not Enclosing a Payment | Enclosing a Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1040 | Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue ServiceKansas City, MO 64999-0002 | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931000Louisville, KY 40293-1000 |
| 1040-ES | N/A | Internal Revenue ServiceP.O. Box 931100Louisville, KY 40293-1100 |
| 1040-V | N/A |
