Form (document)
A form is a document which contains blank spaces in which one can write or select an option. Forms can be distributed to several signatories at once, or made available on demand. Before being filled out, each copy of a form is usually identical, except, possibly, for a serial number. A form allows an organisation to collect a uniform set of data from many parties in a consistent manner.
Forms, when completed, vary in their purpose; for example, a form might be a statement, a request, or an order. A cheque may also be considered a form. In addition, there are several forms for taxes. An example is a tax return; filling one out is required in order for the amount of tax one owes to be determined. A form may also be a request for a tax refund.
Forms may be filled out in duplicate when the information gathered on the form needs to be distributed to several departments within an organisation. This can be done using carbon paper.
History
Forms have existed for a significant amount of time, with historians of law having discovered preprinted legal forms from the early 19th century that greatly simplified the task of drafting complaints and various other legal pleadings.Advantages
Advantages of forms include the following:- One has to write less.
- One is told or reminded what information has to be supplied.
- There is uniformity, for convenience in processing.
- Information is collected in writing and so can be reexamined later.
- Simpler tasks, such as collecting or distributing data, can be separated in the workflow from more skilled processes, such as making decisions. Issuing and processing the forms may then be done by less skilled staff, or by a computer. The de-skilled task becomes issuing or completing the appropriate form for the circumstances, and then passing it on to the next step in the workflow. This might reduce costs and increase the volume of work that can be handled.