When working with forms in TypeScript, it is essential to use the correct types for form elements to ensure robust form validation and to prevent runtime errors. The DOM provides specific interfaces for form elements, such as HTMLFormElement for form tags and HTMLInputElement for input fields. By explicitly typing variables to these interfaces, you gain access to properties and methods that are unique to each element type, such as the value property for inputs or the elements collection for forms.

Typing form elements allows TypeScript to catch mistakes at compile time. For instance, if you try to access the value property on a generic HTMLElement, TypeScript will warn you that this property might not exist, but if you use HTMLInputElement, TypeScript knows that value is always available. This is especially helpful when handling form submissions and retrieving input values for validation.