A Beginner’s Guide to Important U.S. Government Forms

When we say that this guide is for beginners, we mean: You don’t need to be a tax expert or immigration lawyer to follow along. 

In it, we’ll break down the most common U.S. government forms that you’re likely to come across, whether you’re working, applying for citizenship, or even just trying to stay in the country legally.

Each form we cover comes with a simple explanation: who needs it, what it’s for, eligibility criteria, required documents, and how to file it. 

After reading this, we’re certain you’ll walk away knowing exactly what forms you need, why they matter, and how to get them filed.

Let’s get started!

1. Form 1040 

If you’re earning income in the U.S., you’ll need to fill out Form 1040, and there’s no way around it (even if you’re not a U.S. citizen!).

This form helps the government figure out how much tax you owe based on your income, deductions, and any credits you’re eligible for.

What accompanying documents do you need for this ordeal?

• W-2 forms from employers (showing your wages and taxes withheld).
• 1099 forms for freelance work or interest income.
• Bank statements (only if you earned interest).
• Receipts for deductions (think student loan interest, medical expenses, etc.)
• Social Security Number for yourself and dependents.
• Last year’s tax return if you’re doing it yourself or using tax software.

You can file electronically through the IRS website, by mail, or through a tax professional. Just don’t put it off!

2. Form I-485 

Form I-485 is one of the most well-known immigration forms, especially for anyone chasing a U.S. green card.

It is the way to adjust your status from whatever temporary visa or non-permanent status you have to become a lawful permanent resident.

Basically, you’ll find yourself filling it out if you’re:

• An immigrant already living in the U.S who wants to stay here permanently.  
• A temporary visa holder or have another status that makes you eligible to switch to a lawful permanent resident
• Eligible for a green card through family, employment, or asylum, among other routes.

Besides proof of identity, to get it you’ll also need your visa (or I-94 arrival/departure record), a marriage certificate (if you’re applying through a family member), an approved immigrant petition (if applicable), medical exam results, and proof of lawful entry.

After you submit your form, you’ll be asked to take a trip to your local USCIS office for fingerprinting and a photo. Don’t skip this step!

3. Voter Registration Form

Pretty much every U.S. citizen who’s 18 or older and wants to vote in federal or state elections needs to be registered. The same goes for even if you’ve voted before, moved, or changed your name.

In most cases, you don’t need a lot of paperwork for this form, but it can depend on the state. Essentially, we’re talking about your usual proof of identity (like a driver’s license, passport, or social security number) and proof of address.

You file the voter registration form either online, by mail, or in person—whatever’s easiest for you.

A quick note: Make sure you submit your registration well ahead of time. Deadlines vary by state, but it’s typically a few weeks before the election. You don’t want to show up at the polls only to realize you missed the cutoff!

Naturalization Application 

If you’re a green card holder or have been in the U.S. for a while and are ready to take the leap to full citizenship, Form N-400 is your go-to form.

If you’re approved, you’ll have all the rights that come with citizenship, including voting, applying for federal jobs, and traveling with a U.S. passport. So yeah, it’s a big deal.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

• A green card and to have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen).
• You can’t have left the U.S. for extended periods of time during the last 5 or 3 years.
• You’ve got to have been physically in the U.S. for at least half of those 5 or 3 years.
• You have to have good moral character. 
• You’ll need to show you can speak, read, and write basic English (unless you’re over 50 and have been a resident for 20+ years). 

Once you collect the accompanying paperwork and all is in order, expect to be called for an interview.

And don’t worry, it’s mostly just to check your information and test your English skills!

4. Form I-130 

Want to bring your loved one to the U.S. through sponsorship? Form I-130 is your first step to making that happen. 

Form I-130 is, essentially, the petition that proves your relationship with a family member and kicks off the immigration process. Without it, your relative can’t even begin applying for their green card or visa. 

However, it’s important to know that you can’t just petition for anyone. 

For instance, U.S. citizens can petition for more family members (spouses, parents, children, and siblings) than lawful permanent residents can (only their spouse and unmarried children). You’ll also have to prove your relationship with the person you’re sponsoring.

This form can take a while—sometimes months to process—so don’t expect an instant result. 

5. Form I-9

If you’re hiring someone in the U.S., you’re going to need Form I-9—it’s not optional. 

Employers use it to confirm that every employee is eligible to work, and it needs to be filled out every time a new employee is hired. 

Employees hired through this form need to be legally authorized to work in the U.S. That means they could be a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, or have valid work authorization like a visa. 

Important: Employers must complete Section 2 of Form I-9 within three business days of hiring, so if you’re hiring today, make sure this paperwork is done as soon as possible. Also, you must keep this form on file for at least three years after the employee’s start date or one year after the employee leaves—whichever is longer.

6. Form W-2 and Form W-4

If you’re an employee, you’re probably familiar with both Form W-2 and Form W-4. They work hand-in-hand, but they serve different purposes. 

Form W-4 is what you’ll be asked to fill out when you start a new job, and it’s your way of telling your employer how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. 

If you don’t fill it out, your employer will withhold taxes as if you’re single with no dependents, which might not be ideal for you. Adjusting this form can help make sure you’re not overpaying or underpaying taxes throughout the year.

Form W-2, on the other hand, is what you get from your employer after the year ends. 

This form tells you exactly how much money you made and how much was taken out in taxes. It also shows your contributions to things like Social Security, Medicare, and sometimes retirement plans or other deductions.

7. Form I-765

Form I-765 is for certain non-citizens—like asylum seekers, DACA recipients, or others with pending immigration status—who want to apply for the right to work in the United States. 

Basically, if you’re waiting for your status to be finalized, this form is how you request permission to earn an income while your case is being processed.

You can file Form I-765 online or by mail to the appropriate USCIS address. Make sure you check the latest filing fee and documentation requirements on the USCIS website to avoid delays.

8. Form I-589

If you’re seeking protection in the U.S. because you fear returning to your home country, you’ll need Form I-589. 

It’s the official application to ask for asylum or withholding of removal, which means you’re looking to stay in the U.S. due to the fear of persecution based on factors like race, religion, or political beliefs.

When submitting it, you’ll also need:

• A personal statement explaining your reasons for seeking asylum.
• Evidence of your persecution or fear of persecution.
• Copies of any immigration documents, like passports or I-94 forms.
• Supporting documents from organizations or governments that can back up your claims.

Form I-589 can be filed within one year of arriving in the U.S., although there are exceptions. You can file it online or via mail, but ensure you carefully follow USCIS guidelines for the asylum process to avoid complications. 

You won’t be able to leave the country while the form is being processed.

Conclusion

So, who exactly needs these forms? Well, it’s pretty much anyone living and working in the U.S. 

All of them lay the groundwork for things like paying your taxes, getting your work permit, or even getting that U.S. passport one day. Without them, you’d be stuck in limbo, and nobody wants that.