Can You Get Tax Returns From Previous Years?

You may need tax returns from previous years for various reasons, such as applying for a loan, financial aid, or verifying income. If you don’t have physical copies, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other sources offer pathways to retrieve this important financial information.

Accessing Tax Transcripts from the IRS

A tax transcript summarizes information from your tax return or tax account, rather than being an exact copy of the return itself. It provides specific data points, such as your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), filing status, and payment information, which are often sufficient for purposes like loan applications or financial aid verification. The IRS offers several types of transcripts, each providing different details.

• Tax Return Transcript: Displays most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return, including accompanying forms and schedules. It does not show changes made after the initial filing.
• Tax Account Transcript: Provides basic data like filing status and AGI, and reflects any adjustments made by you or the IRS after the return was filed.
• Record of Account Transcript: Combines information from both the Tax Return and Tax Account transcripts for a comprehensive view.
• Wage and Income Transcript: Shows data from information returns like Forms W-2, 1099, and 1098, useful for preparing an extended tax return or verifying income.
• Verification of Non-filing Letter: Confirms the IRS has no record of a filed Form 1040-series return for a specific year.

To request a transcript, you will need to provide identifying information, including your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and the mailing address from your latest tax return. For online requests, you will also need an email account, a text-enabled mobile phone in your name, and a personal account number from a credit card or loan for identity verification.

You can obtain transcripts online via the IRS.gov “Get Transcript Online” tool for immediate download. Alternatively, use the “Get Transcript by Mail” service or call the automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946; transcripts are mailed within 5 to 10 calendar days.

For mail requests, you can also submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Ensure all personal information on Form 4506-T, including your name, SSN, and current address, is entered exactly as it appears on your tax return. For joint returns, both spouses’ information may be required, and at least one taxpayer must sign and date the form.

Transcripts are generally available for the current tax year and the three prior tax years through online and phone methods. Form 4506-T can be used for older tax years. There is no fee for obtaining tax transcripts.

Online downloads are immediate, mail requests take 5 to 10 days, and Form 4506-T requests typically take about three weeks. It is advisable to wait a few weeks after filing your tax return before requesting a transcript to ensure the information has been processed by the IRS.

Obtaining Copies of Tax Returns from the IRS

An actual copy of your tax return is an exact duplicate of the return as it was originally filed, including all schedules and attachments. A full copy might be necessary for specific situations, such as filing an amended tax return or for certain legal or financial purposes that require the complete document.

The primary method for obtaining a full copy of a tax return from the IRS is by mail using Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. When completing Form 4506, you will need to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, current mailing address, and the specific tax year(s) for which you need a copy. If you filed a joint return, the form should include both spouses’ names and Social Security numbers. You must clearly indicate the type of return requested and the specific tax periods.

A fee of $43 is charged for each tax return copy requested. This payment must be included with your Form 4506 request, typically by check or money order made payable to the United States Treasury. It is important to write your SSN or ITIN and “Form 4506 request” on your payment. The IRS generally retains copies of tax returns for the current tax year and up to seven years prior.

After submitting Form 4506, expect a processing time of up to 75 calendar days to receive your tax return copy. It is important to complete Form 4506 accurately and legibly to avoid delays, as incomplete forms may be returned.

Retrieving Records from Other Sources

Beyond direct requests to the IRS, several alternative avenues exist for retrieving previous tax return information or copies. These sources can often provide quicker access.

Many professional tax preparers, such as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or Enrolled Agents, retain copies of their clients’ tax returns and supporting documentation. Tax preparers are generally required to keep client records for a minimum of three years from the date the return was filed or the tax was paid, whichever is later. Some practitioners may keep records for longer periods, potentially up to six or seven years. Contacting your former tax preparer is often a straightforward way to obtain a copy of your filed returns.

Checking your personal records is another effective first step. If you prepared your taxes using tax software, digital copies of your returns are typically stored within your account or on your computer if you used a desktop version. These digital files can usually be downloaded and printed. Reviewing physical files, external hard drives, or cloud storage accounts may also yield the desired tax documents.

Financial institutions might have copies of your tax returns on file, especially if you applied for a mortgage or other significant loans for income verification. While they may possess these documents, they are generally not a primary source for individuals to retrieve their own records.