About PDF Files

If you're not familiar with Adobe Acrobat PDF files, they provide graphic reproduction capabilities that as yet are not available in conventional web browsers. PDFs allow you to print files that exactly resemble the original printed files--provided you print the PDF files on a laser printer. PDF files require a special reader -- Acrobat Reader software for Mac, Windows, UNIX/Linux, and Mobile which is freely available from Adobe.

Fill-in forms use the functionality provided starting with Adobe Acrobat 3.0 and some more advanced offerings in Acrobat 4.0. Instead of downloading, printing, and then hand writing PDF forms, you can now download the forms and type directly into the forms using your computer. NOT ALL OF OUR FORMS ARE Fill-in Forms. Only those specifically labeled as such are fill-in forms. Currently we offer no validation or verification of the information you type via your computer into the forms. You must be certain you have entered all required information. Look for boxes that may be check boxes, and be sure to only check the actual field you wish to check--therre is no error or duplication checking.

To view, complete and print PDF fill-in forms you'll need to download and install the freely available Acrobat 7.0 Reader (or later) software (and plug-in for your web browser) Acrobat Reader does not allow you to save your completed forms to disk. This means you will need to print the form(s) immediately after filling them in (multiple copies recommended).

• Download the form by following the instructions on the Fill-in Forms selection page. Your web browser may be configured with an Acrobat plug-in to automatically open the file within your browsers window upon download. To download the file directly to disk, right click on the Results Page form title link then select "Save Target/Link As.." when presented with a menu.
• Use Acrobat 3.0 or later to open the file if necessary.
• Select the hand tool from the Acrobat toolbar menu. You can use the hand tool to move the page around so that you can view all the areas on it.
• Position the hand pointer inside a form field and click. The I-beam pointer allows you to type text. The arrow pointer allows you to select a field, a check box, a radio button, or an item from a list.
• Press Tab to accept the field change and go to the next field.
• Press Shift + Tab to accept the field change and go to the previous field.
• Use your mouse to select an area of the form that is not inside a form field before printing your form. If a form field is active (contains the blinking bar) the contents will not print.
• If the fill-in form is displayed within your web browsers window be sure to use the printer button on the Acrobat toolbar menu to print the form instead of your web browsers print function.

*Some instructions excerpted, copied, or modified from: http://www.irs.gov/forms_pubs/fillinst.html