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Official form guide
Form 1040-LEP: 1040 (Schedule LEP)
IRS Form 1040 (Schedule LEP) is a request for change in language preference filed with an income tax return by taxpayers with limited English proficiency. This form allows the taxpayer to specify their preferred language for IRS written communications.
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IRS Form 1040-LEP - 1040 (Schedule LEP)
IRS Form 1040 (Schedule LEP) is a request for change in language preference filed with an income tax return by taxpayers with limited English proficiency. This form allows the taxpayer to specify their preferred language for IRS written communications.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Filing the paper version when e-filing is selected causes an unnecessary duplicate submission.
- 2Filing the paper version of Form 1040 (Schedule LEP) when e-filing with the return.
- 3Not selecting only one language option on Line 1 of the form.
- 4Entering a name that does not exactly match the tax return record.
- 5Failing to use the SSN listed on your tax return for identification.
Plain English
This form lets you tell the Internal Revenue Service what language you prefer them to use when sending you official mail or documents. You file it with your annual tax return so the IRS knows how to communicate with you going forward. This request applies to notifications, letters, and printed materials from the agency.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2024-12-12 22:10:25
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when requesting written communications from the IRS in an alternative language or converting back to English after changing preferences.
- Do not use it when you are simply providing basic tax filing information; use Schedule LEP only for language preference requests/changes.
- Check Form 1040 instead when filing a joint return and need to indicate a spouse's specific language preference.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing jointly, but both spouses prefer English (or one prefers English and the other another language)
File a separate form for each spouse who prefers an alternative language.
✓ Check Form 1040 to see if you need to file multiple copies.
Filing as a nonresident or resident alien without an SSN but eligible for one
Enter the resulting ITIN in place of the SSN where requested on Schedule LEP.
✓ Check instructions to confirm which form number is needed for application.
E-filing your return and want to specify language preference
Ensure you submit Schedule LEP electronically with your Form 1040 submission.
✓ Check www.irs.gov/efile for e-file instructions.
Do not file the paper version of this form
Deadline or filing window
The form must be filed with the current year tax return or any subsequent year returns. There is no specific deadline mentioned other than being attached to a timely filing, and the instructions do not detail extension procedures for this preference change.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Line 1
Select one of the listed languages by checking the appropriate box · Form p.1
Name of person making request
Name exactly as it appears on your tax return · Form p.1 / Form p.2
Social security number (SSN) of person making request
SSN matching that listed on the tax return · Form p.1 / Form p.2
Joint Return filing
File a Schedule LEP for each spouse who prefers an alternative language · Form p.1 / Form p.2
Cancellation of preference
Select “000 Cancel previous election” on Line 1 · Instructions p.1
Nonresident/Resident Alien without SSN
Complete Form W-7 for an ITIN · Instructions p.1
Before you submit
- 1Verify that you have selected only one language option on Line 1.
- 2Confirm the Name entered matches exactly what appears on your tax return.
- 3Ensure the Social Security Number (SSN) entered matches the SSN listed on your tax return.
- 4If filing jointly, confirm you are submitting a separate form for each spouse who requests a language change.
- 5If canceling a previous election, verify that Line 1 specifies “000 Cancel previous election”.
- 6When e-filing, confirm you are not also sending the paper version of this form.
- 7Verify the revision date on the form reads December 2024.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Schedule LEP by selecting your preferred language on Line 1 and entering your name and SSN exactly as they appear on your tax return.
- 2If filing jointly, complete a separate Schedule LEP for each spouse who prefers an alternative language.
- 3Attach Schedule LEP to your current year income tax return (or any subsequent year return).
- 4When e-filing, submit Schedule LEP electronically with your Form 1040; do not file the paper version in this case.
Known limitations
- 1The Schedule LEP should only be filed to request written communications from the IRS in an alternative language or when converting back to English after changing languages.
- 2If e-filing Schedule LEP with a tax return, the paper version of this form must not also be filed.
- 3Schedule LEP cannot be filed for any year prior to 2020.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Personal Info
3 items
Enter your legal first and last name as shown on your Social Security card.
Your SSN must match IRS records exactly.
Current mailing address including street, city, state, and ZIP code.
Filing Status
1 items
Select: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse.
Income
1 items
Sum of all income sources — wages, interest, dividends, business income, capital gains, unemployment, retirement, and other income.
Adjustments
1 items
Total income minus above-the-line deductions such as IRA contributions, student loan interest, and HSA contributions.
Deductions
1 items
Choose the higher of the standard deduction for your filing status or total itemized deductions from Schedule A.
Tax
1 items
AGI minus deductions. This determines your tax bracket and the amount of tax owed.
Payments
1 items
Sum of federal tax withheld, estimated tax payments, and refundable credits like the Child Tax Credit.
Signatures
1 items
You must sign and date the return. Unsigned returns are invalid.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Revision 12/24, and references www.irs.gov/ScheduleLEP for the latest information regarding this form.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads December 2024.
- Fee — Not stated in the official source.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source (but can be found on Form 1040).
- Signature — The form implies a signature is required by having fields for name/SSN, but does not explicitly state 'Sign here'.
- Form Number — confirm it reads Schedule LEP (Form 1040).
- OMB No. — confirm the number reads 1545-0074.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the filed Form 1040 (Schedule LEP) with your tax return.
- 2If you select a language, that preference remains valid until another choice is made or the selection is canceled.
- 3To cancel a previous language preference, file a new Schedule LEP with the following year's return by selecting English and checking the box for English.
- 4The IRS may not immediately provide written communications in the requested language; translations are part of a multiyear timeline beginning in 2023.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The Schedule LEP should only be filed to request written communications from the IRS in an alternative language or when converting back to English.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Taxpayers with limited English proficiency can file Schedule LEP to indicate their language preference for IRS-issued written communications or change that preference.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If filing electronically (e-file), do not file the paper version of this form.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — When filing jointly, file a Schedule LEP with your tax return for each spouse who prefers an alternative language.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — For joint returns, if both spouses prefer an alternative language other than English, file a separate Form 1040 (Schedule LEP) for each spouse.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — The SSN entered on the form must match the SSN listed on your tax return.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Non-resident or foreign individuals without an SSN or who are ineligible can apply for an ITIN using Form W-7.
- SRCForm p.1 — Schedule LEP attaches to Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1040-SS.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The IRS is committed to providing meaningful access to information regarding taxpayer rights and responsibilities for taxpayers with limited English proficiency.
Common confusion points
Who must file this form?
Taxpayers with limited English proficiency can file it to state their preferred language or change an existing preference.
→ Check if you have limited English proficiency or wish to switch languages.
What do I do when filing jointly?
File a Schedule LEP for each spouse who prefers an alternative language, even if both spouses prefer the same language.
→ Count the number of spouses preferring a non-English communication.
Do I need to file it separately if my spouse and I both want Spanish?
Yes; you must file a separate form for each spouse, even if the preferred language is the same.
→ Verify that two separate forms are submitted when joint filing with identical preferences.
What if we have an ITIN instead of an SSN?
If you do not have an SSN or are ineligible to obtain one, you must file Form W-7 and use your ITIN on Schedule LEP.
→ Confirm whether the form requires an SSN or allows for an ITIN entry.
What if I e-file my return but also print out a copy?
If you e-file, do not file the paper version of this form along with the electronic filing.
→ Check the instructions regarding e-filing procedure to ensure no duplicate submission occurs.
When does the language preference start applying?
The choice is valid for future written communications, including those related to subsequent tax years, until changed or canceled.
Workflow map
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Questions about IRS Form 1040-LEP
What is IRS Form 1040-LEP used for?
This form lets you tell the Internal Revenue Service what language you prefer them to use when sending you official mail or documents. You file it with your annual tax return so the IRS knows how to communicate with you going forward. This request applies to notifications, letters, and printed materials from the agency.
Who must file IRS Form 1040-LEP?
Taxpayers with limited English proficiency file IRS Form 1040 (Schedule LEP) to indicate their language preference or change that preference for future written communications issued by the IRS.
What information does IRS Form 1040-LEP require?
The form collects your name, social security number (SSN), and requires you to select one preferred language on Line 1. If filing jointly, it collects SSNs for each spouse making the request.
When is IRS Form 1040-LEP due?
Taxpayers can file Schedule LEP with their current year tax return or any subsequent year returns; the form cannot be filed for any year prior to 2020.
Where do I file IRS Form 1040-LEP?
The filing rule is to submit Schedule LEP with your income tax return. If e-filing, the paper version of Form 1040 (Schedule LEP) should not be filed.
How do I complete IRS Form 1040-LEP?
To complete Form 1040 (Schedule LEP), you must enter your name exactly as it appears on your tax return and provide the matching SSN. On Line 1, select only one language option to indicate your preference; if canceling a prior election, select “000 Cancel previous election” before filing.
What happens if IRS Form 1040-LEP is filed incorrectly?
While no specific penalty for incorrect completion is stated, failure to correctly file this form means the IRS may continue issuing written communications in English until a preference change is properly registered.
Who must file this form?
Taxpayers with limited English proficiency can file it to state their preferred language or change an existing preference. Check if you have limited English proficiency or wish to switch languages.
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