A paper feed portion for an image forming apparatus has a simple structure capable of generating a carrying force and preventing double feeding effectively. A paper feed roller 1 and a carrying auxiliary portion 2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the paper feed path, that is, above the paper feed path on the upstream side and below the paper feed path on the downstream side, respectively. In the carrying auxiliary portion 2, a carrying force generating rib 22 is at the center of the width direction and positioned facing the contact member 10a of the paper feed roller 1. Double feed preventing ribs 23a and 23b are arranged symmetrically widthwise with respect to the carrying force generating rib 22. The upper surfaces 231a and 231b of the upstream ends of the double feed preventing ribs 23a and 23b are lower than the upper surface 221 of the upstream end of the carrying force generating rib 22, and the upper ends 233 of the wall surfaces of the upstream ends of the double feed preventing ribs 23a and 23b are positioned upstream of the upper end 223 of the wall surface of the paper carrying upstream end of the carrying force generating rib 22.