What this line means
The specific language you choose from the list on the form. Each language has a corresponding checkbox or code. You select exactly one language for the IRS to use in future written correspondence. The IRS translates select notices and letters into each listed language — not every document is available in every language, but the most common notices are covered.
Does this apply to you?
- You want IRS letters and notices in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, or another listed language
- You are changing your previously selected language to a different one
- You file jointly and your spouse prefers a different language than what is currently on file
- You are a tax professional filing on behalf of a client who needs communications in a specific language
Easy to overlook
Not every IRS document is translated into every language The IRS translates its most common notices — such as balance-due letters, refund status updates, and identity verification requests — into all listed languages. However, specialized notices and legal correspondence still arrive in English. Your language preference ensures translated versions are sent whenever they exist. 1 IRS Schedule LEP instructions — Language codes
Joint filers share one language preference per return If you file a joint return, the language preference you select on Schedule LEP applies to IRS correspondence for that return. If each spouse needs a different language, the IRS applies the preference from the most recently filed Schedule LEP. One spouse cannot receive Spanish notices while the other receives Korean for the same jointly filed return. 2 IRS Publication 17 — Your Federal Income Tax, multilingual resources
Watch out for this
Selecting a language that does not match your actual reading ability. Some filers select a language they speak conversationally but cannot read fluently. IRS communications are written documents — letters, notices, and forms. Choose the language you read best. If you are more comfortable reading English than your spoken language, keep English as your preference and use the IRS interpreter services for phone calls instead.
Footnotes
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IRS Schedule LEP (Form 1040) Instructions, Available Languages. https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-lep ↩
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IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, Chapter 1. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf ↩