Form 1042-S
Fill Form

Form 1042-S

2026
Official IRS form
Official IRS form
Trusted by accountants
Trusted by accountants

A Form 1042-S is an IRS tax form used to report U.S.-source income paid to foreign persons and any amounts withheld.

Use our template to complete your form directly in pdf.net, then download a ready-to-submit version that’s in full compliance with IRS requirements.

Form 1042-S

2026
Form 1042-S
Fill Form
Official IRS form
Official IRS form
Trusted by accountants
Trusted by accountants

A Form 1042-S is an IRS tax form used to report U.S.-source income paid to foreign persons and any amounts withheld.

Use our template to complete your form directly in pdf.net, then download a ready-to-submit version that’s in full compliance with IRS requirements.

How to Fill Out a Form 1042-S

Step 1: Open the editable Form 1042-S.

Step 2: Enter the withholding agent and recipient information.

Step 3: Report the type of income paid using the correct income codes.

Step 4: Include any applicable federal procurement payments, trust distributions, or effectively connected income.

Step 5: Verify all entries against the Form 1042-S instructions.

Step 6: Download the form.

What Is a Form 1042-S Used For?

A Form 1042-S is used to report U.S.-source income paid to foreign persons, including interest, dividends, royalties, certain federal procurement payments, distributions from trusts, and effectively connected income from publicly traded partnerships or nominees.

Who Should Use a Form 1042-S?

All withholding agents paying reportable income to foreign persons use a Form 1042-S, even if no tax was withheld due to treaty exemptions or other IRS rules. There may be exemptions for individuals making payments outside their trade or business.

When Is the Form 1042-S Due?

A Form 1042-S is due by March 15 of the year following the payment. If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day is the due date. If you want to request an extension, file a Form 8809 (Application for Extension of Time To File Information Returns).

What Happens If a Form 1042-S Is Not Submitted?

If a Form 1042-S is not submitted, you may face penalties, delays in processing refunds, and potential IRS audits. Duplicate or incorrect forms may also disallow claims for withheld tax credits.

How and Where Do I File a Form 1042-S?

You file Form 1042-S electronically with the IRS. If you want to mail it, you must submit Copy A along with Form 1042-T (Annual Summary and Transmittal of Forms 1042-S) to the address specified in the Form 1042-T instructions.

How to Get Your Form 1042-S

  1. Open the printable Form 1042-S
    Open the printable Form 1042-S
    1

    Open the printable Form 1042-S

  2. Enter your details in the required fields
    Enter your details in the required fields
    2

    Enter your details in the required fields

  3.  Download your completed form
     Download your completed form
    3

    Download your completed form

#1. How do I get a blank Form 1042-S?

You can get a blank Form 1042-S by navigating to our PDF Forms hub page and looking under the Tax Forms category. When you click the form, it opens in a new tab so you can complete it directly.

#2. Can I submit the Form 1042-S electronically?

Yes, you can submit the Form 1042-S electronically. It is actually mandatory if you are filing 10 or more information returns in a year, if you are a partnership with more than 100 partners, or if you are a U.S. or foreign financial institution.

#3. What if my Form 1042-S is missing information?

If your form is missing information, you can update it using our online editor; simply reopen it and use the full suite of tools to fill in the required fields. It also helps to cross-check with a Form 1042-S example before downloading.

#4. Can I fill out my Form 1042-S online?

Yes, you can fill out your Form 1042-S online with pdf.net. Our PDF platform is fully browser-based, so you won’t have to install software; you can complete and download your form on any device, including smartphones and tablets.

#5. Is this form free?

Yes, this form is free to open and edit using our online editor. However, to download your Form 1042-S, you will need to register for an account by purchasing a plan. Visit our Pricing page to learn more about the options.

#6. Can I correct mistakes on Form 1042-S?

Yes, you can correct mistakes on your form before filing it with the IRS electronically or by mail; just open the form again on pdf.net and edit the text directly. To avoid making additional errors, you should review a well-written Form 1042-S sample beforehand.

#7. How long does it take to process a Form 1042-S?

How long it takes the IRS to process a Form 1042-S depends on the filing method and the accuracy of the form. Electronic filings are typically processed faster, and errors or mismatched information can cause delays.

#8. What is the difference between a W-2 and a Form 1042-S?

The difference between a W-2 and a Form 1042-S is that the former reports wages and compensation paid to U.S. employees, while the latter reports U.S.-source income paid to foreign persons.

#9. Do I need to attach a Form 1042-S to a tax return?

You generally do not need to attach a Form 1042-S to your tax return. If you are a withholding agent, file Copy A separately with the IRS (with Form 1042-T for paper submissions) and provide Copies B, C, and D to the recipient.