We provide our forms, instructions, publications and other items in a variety of file formats. Please see the information on each format below. Portable Document Format (PDF) We use Adobe Acrobat PDF files to provide electronic access to our forms, instructions, publications and other items. We recommend that you use the most recent version of Adobe Reader software (available free from Adobe's website) rather than your web browser when using our PDF files. To save the file without viewing it first: Right click on the link, which is usually the item number (if your mouse is configured for left-handed operation use the left mouse button). Select "Save Target As" or "Save Link As" when presented with a menu. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file after downloading. Our PDF files are tested prior to being made available on IRS.gov. If you have problems with a file, such as PDF pages that don't appear in the browser window, please review the troubleshooting information in Adobe's support knowledgebase. IRS fill-in PDF forms use some of the features provided with Adobe Acrobat software, such as the ability to save the data you input (document rights). There is no computation, validation or verification of the information you enter and you are still responsible for entering all required information. We accept forms that are consistent with the official printed versions and do not have an adverse impact on our processing. This policy includes forms printed from IRS.gov on high-quality devices such as laser or ink-jet printers, unless otherwise specified on the form itself. Forms that must be ordered from the IRS are labeled "for information only" and can be ordered online. Digital and mobile-friendly forms We provide certain forms in a digital format that allows taxpayers to easily complete and submit forms from their computer, cell phone or tablet. This gives taxpayers a safe and fast way to electronically engage with IRS. Please note that an IRS Online Account (OLA) is required to complete mobile-friendly forms that require signatures. ePub (.epub) We provide certain instructions and publications as ePubs, which is an e-book file format that can be viewed on many devices (including phones or tablets) that have an eReader application installed. ePub files can be searched, bookmarked, linked to the internet, and will reflow text to fit your device screen for a better reading experience. ePub files are accessible for visually impaired users. HyperText Markup Language (HTML) We provide certain instructions and publications in HTML, which is the file format for creating web pages that are displayed in web browsers. Braille (.brf) and text (.txt) We provide certain forms, instructions and publications in Braille and Text. Braille and Text formats are bundled together in a ZIP (.zip) file. The Braille Ready File format can be read with a refreshable Braille display or embossed to produce hard-copy Braille. Some mobile devices can read .brf files using eBook software. Text files can be opened by many programs (Microsoft Word, Notepad, etc.). This format also works well with screen enlargers, refreshable Braille displays, and screen reading software. Extensible Markup Language (XML) We provide certain instructions, publications and the Internal Revenue Manual in XML. XML files are primarily used by republishers of tax information and are generally not useful to taxpayers. XML stores data in a plain text format and provides a software- and hardware-independent way of storing and sharing data.
