How Can I Access My Past Tax Returns?

Past tax returns are frequently needed for various financial activities, ranging from securing a loan or applying for financial aid to simply maintaining personal records. Different situations may call for different types of tax information, and several avenues exist to obtain what is needed.

Obtaining Transcripts Directly from the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax transcripts, which are summaries of tax return information rather than exact copies of the filed return itself. Several types of transcripts are available, including the Tax Return Transcript, which shows most line items from the original return; the Tax Account Transcript, detailing financial transactions on the account; the Wage and Income Transcript, listing information reported to the IRS by employers and other payers; and the Record of Account Transcript, which combines information from both the tax return and tax account transcripts. To request these, individuals typically need their Social Security Number, date of birth, filing status, current address, and financial account numbers associated with a loan or credit card for identity verification.

One convenient way to obtain transcripts is through the IRS Get Transcript Online tool. Navigating to the official IRS website allows users to create an account or log in, which involves an identity verification process. This process often includes two-factor authentication and answering financial verification questions. Once identity is confirmed, users can view, print, or download the desired transcripts immediately for current and prior tax years.

For those who prefer a non-digital approach, transcripts can be requested by mail or fax using Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. This form requires the taxpayer to input their identifying information, the type of transcript needed, and the specific tax year or years. After completing the form, it can be mailed to the appropriate IRS address or faxed to the number listed in the form’s instructions. Mail or fax requests for transcripts typically take five to ten business days for processing and delivery.

Requesting Tax Return Copies from the IRS

Sometimes, a full copy of a tax return, including all schedules and attachments, is necessary. This differs from a transcript that only provides summarized data. These comprehensive copies are often required for specific legal or financial purposes. To obtain an exact copy of a previously filed tax return, individuals must complete and submit Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.

Completing Form 4506 requires the taxpayer’s Social Security Number, the tax year or years for which the copy is needed, and the address that was listed on the original return. There is a fee associated with each copy requested, typically around $43 for each tax period. This fee must be paid when submitting the form.

After filling out Form 4506 and including the payment, the form should be mailed to the IRS address specified in the form’s instructions. Processing times for full tax return copies are considerably longer than for transcripts, generally taking up to 75 calendar days from the IRS’s receipt of the request. The copies are then sent to the address provided on the form.

Accessing Returns Through Other Avenues

Beyond direct IRS requests, individuals can often retrieve past tax returns from other sources. Tax professionals, such as certified public accountants or enrolled agents, frequently retain copies of their clients’ tax returns for several years. To obtain these copies, a user would typically need to contact their tax professional’s office and provide confirmation of their identity, along with specifying the particular tax years required.

The process of obtaining returns from a tax professional often involves submitting a formal request or signing an authorization form. These professionals usually provide the requested tax returns either as physical copies or through a secure digital portal, depending on their office policies.

Furthermore, if taxes were prepared using commercial tax software or an online tax service, past returns might be accessible directly through the account created with that provider. Services like TurboTax or H&R Block typically store digital copies of filed returns for multiple years. To access these, a user needs to log into their account using their established username and password, which may also involve security questions or two-factor authentication. Once logged in, users can navigate to sections often labeled “My Returns,” “Tax History,” or “Prior Year Returns” to view, download, or print their documents.