Using HIOSH forms, instructions, publications and other item files

We provide our forms, instructions, publications and other items in a variety of file formats. Please see the information on each format below.

Document (.DOC)

A DOC file is a word processing document created by Microsoft Word. DOC files use the .DOC extension and have generally been used to make and save various types of written documents.

To open a .DOC file in Word:

1. Launch Microsoft Word
2. Click the File tab in the top left-hand corner
3. Click Open and locate your file
4. Once you’ve found your file, double click to open it.

Alternatively, you can read DOC files with other word processors such as Apple Pages and Corel WordPerfect. Just remember that some of the original document formatting may be lost or modified. You can also open DOC files with various web programs such as Google Docs and a free online version of Word.

To create and edit a .DOC File in Microsoft Word:

1. Open Microsoft Word
2. Click the File tab in the top left-hand corner
3. Click Save As
4. Choose a location to save your file
5. Enter the file name in the “File Name” field
6. Select Word 97-2003 Document from the ‘Save As Type’ drop down.
7. Hit Save and your document will now be saved as a DOC file.

Additionally, you can upload a DOC file to Google Docs, where you can edit and convert the document, free of charge.

Portable Document Format (PDF)

We use Adobe Acrobat PDF files to provide electronic access to our forms, instructions, publications and other items. We recommend that you use the most recent version of Adobe Reader software (available free from Adobe’s website) rather than your web browser when using our PDF files.

To save the file without viewing it first:

• Right click on the link, which is usually the item number (if your mouse is configured for left-handed operation use the left mouse button).
• Select Save Target As or Save Link As when presented with a menu.
• Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file after downloading.

Our PDF files are tested prior to being made available on our website. If you have problems with a file, such as PDF pages that don’t appear in the browser window, please review the troubleshooting information in Adobe’s support knowledgebase.

HIOSH fill-in PDF forms use some of the features provided with Adobe Acrobat software, such as the ability to save the data you input (document rights). There is no computation, validation or verification of the information you enter and you are still responsible for entering all required information.

We accept forms that are consistent with the official printed versions and do not have an adverse impact on our processing. This policy includes forms printed from HIOSH on high-quality devices such as laser or ink-jet printers, unless otherwise specified on the form itself.

Digital and mobile-friendly forms

We provide certain forms in a digital format that allows taxpayers to easily complete and submit forms from their computer, cell phone or tablet. This gives taxpayers a safe and fast way to electronically engage with HIOSH.

HyperText Markup Language (HTML)

We provide certain instructions and publications in HTML, which is the file format for creating web pages that are displayed in web browsers.

Page Last Reviewed or Updated December 18, 2024