A tax return is a form on which a person or entity reports income, deductions, and exemptions to the federal or state taxing authority (IRS or state tax authority), and on which the person or entity’s income tax liability is calculated.
In Pennsylvania, as in all states, taxpayers are required to file a tax return with both the federal and state taxing authorities to report their income, deductions, and exemptions. For federal taxes, individuals use forms such as the 1040 or 1040-SR provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue requires state tax returns to be filed using PA-40 or other relevant state forms. The state tax return calculates the taxpayer's liability for state income tax, which is separate from federal income tax. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate, which simplifies the calculation of state tax liability compared to states with progressive tax rates. Taxpayers must file their state tax returns by the same deadline as the federal tax return, typically April 15th, unless an extension is granted.