IRS Form 1040 (Schedule LEP) Spanish – If you have limited English proficiency (LEP) and want to receive IRS letters, notices, forms, and publications in your preferred language, the Spanish version of Schedule LEP (Form 1040) is the official way to tell the IRS.
Also known as Anexo LEP (Formulario 1040)(SP) – Solicitud para Cambiar la Preferencia de Idioma – this simple one-page form lets you request written communications in Spanish or one of 19 other languages when they become available.
Download the official Spanish Schedule LEP (Rev. December 2024):
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040les.pdf
What Is Schedule LEP (Anexo LEP) and Why Does It Matter?
The IRS is gradually translating more correspondence into non-English languages as part of a multi-year plan that began in 2023. Filing Schedule LEP tells the IRS your preferred language so they can prioritize translations for you.
It covers:
- Formal notices and letters
- Tax forms and instructions
- Publications and inserts
Note: You will not receive everything in your chosen language immediately. The IRS uses the information to plan resources, but many documents are still only available in English for now.
Who Should File the Spanish Schedule LEP?
File Anexo LEP if you (or your spouse on a joint return):
- Have limited English proficiency
- Want IRS written communications in Spanish or another supported language
- Previously selected a language and now want to change or cancel it (use code 000)
Not required — it is completely optional. You can still file your tax return without it.
20 Languages Currently Supported (2024–2025)
On Line 1 of the Spanish form you will see these exact options (codes included):
| Code | Language (Spanish name on form) |
|---|---|
| 000 | Cancele la elección anterior |
| 001 | Español |
| 002 | Coreano (한국어) |
| 003 | Vietnamita (Tiếng Việt) |
| 004 | Ruso (Русский) |
| 005 | Árabe (العربية) |
| 006 | Criollo haitiano (Kreyòl Ayisyen) |
| 007 | Tagalo (Tagalog) |
| 008 | Portugués (Português) |
| 009 | Polaco (Polski) |
| 010 | Farsi (فارسی) |
| 011 | Francés (Français) |
| 012 | Japonés (日本語) |
| 013 | Gujarati (ગુજરાતી) |
| 014 | Punyabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) |
| 015 | Camboyano (ខ្មែរ) |
| 016 | Urdu (اردو) |
| 017 | Bengalí (বাংলা) |
| 018 | Italiano (Italiano) |
| 019 | Chino (Tradicional) 中文 (繁體) |
| 020 | Chino (Simplificado) 中文 (简体) |
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Anexo LEP (Spanish Version)?
The form is very simple — most people complete it in under 2 minutes.
- Name and SSN/ITIN
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Form 1040 (or 1040-SR, 1040-NR, 1040-SS).
Enter the SSN or ITIN that matches your return. For joint returns, each spouse who wants a different language files their own Schedule LEP. - Line 1 – Language Preference
Check only one box.- Choose 001 for Spanish (Español)
- Choose 000 to cancel a previous request and go back to English
That’s it — no other lines or calculations.
How to File Schedule LEP with Your Tax Return?
- E-filing (recommended): Most tax software now includes Schedule LEP. Select your language preference in the interview; the software attaches it automatically. Do not mail a paper copy if you e-file.
- Paper filing: Attach the completed Anexo LEP to your Form 1040 (or other eligible return) and mail it together.
- Joint returns: Each spouse who wants a language preference must file a separate Schedule LEP.
When to file: Attach it to your current-year or future-year return. You cannot file it with returns for years before 2020.
Important Limitations & Tips
- Filing Schedule LEP does not guarantee immediate translations.
- Basic tax-filing information is already available in many languages at IRS.gov/MyLanguage.
- Free help in Spanish and other languages is available through the VITA and TCE programs → IRS.gov/VITA.
- If you need an ITIN, apply with Form W-7 before filing.
- Once processed, your preference stays in effect until you file a new Schedule LEP to change or cancel it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file Schedule LEP by itself?
No. It must be attached to a Form 1040-series return.
Is there a separate Spanish Form 1040?
Yes — Form 1040(SP) exists, but Schedule LEP (Spanish) can be filed with either the English or Spanish 1040.
How do I know if the IRS received my request?
You will not receive confirmation. The IRS processes it with your return. Future correspondence will begin appearing in your chosen language as translations become available.
Can I request the form in Braille or large print?
Yes — the IRS Alternative Media Center offers accessible formats. Call 800-829-3676 or visit the Accessible IRS Tax Products page.
Final Thoughts
The Anexo LEP (Formulario 1040)(SP) is a quick, free, and powerful way for Spanish-speaking and other LEP taxpayers to tell the IRS how they want to communicate. Even if full translations are still rolling out, filing it now helps the IRS prioritize your language in future years.
Download the current Spanish Schedule LEP here:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040les.pdf
For the English version or detailed instructions (available in 20+ languages):
- English form & instructions → IRS.gov
- Spanish information page → IRS.gov/es/forms-pubs/about-schedule-lep
Filing your taxes in the language you understand best reduces stress and errors. Take two minutes to complete Anexo LEP this tax season — it’s one of the easiest ways to make dealing with the IRS a little easier.
Last updated: February 2026 (based on Rev. December 2024 form)
All information sourced directly from official IRS publications and forms. Always verify the latest version at IRS.gov before filing.