How Can I Get My Tax Return Copy?
Need a copy of your past tax return or official tax records? Learn the various methods to retrieve your federal tax information efficiently and accurately.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) maintains tax records that may be needed for loans, financial aid, or income verification. Understanding the types of documents available and how to retrieve them is important. This guide outlines the different tax records you can request and the processes involved.
Types of Tax Records You Can Request
The IRS offers several types of tax records, each with distinct purposes and levels of detail. Tax transcripts summarize information, while a full tax return copy is an exact replica of your original filing. For any request, provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, date of birth, and the address from your tax return.
A Tax Return Transcript displays most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed, including associated forms and schedules. It does not show changes made after filing, but satisfies requirements for mortgages, student loans, and financial aid applications. It is available for the current and three prior tax years. A Tax Account Transcript summarizes financial transactions on your account, such as payments, penalties, and adjustments. This document can be obtained for the current year and up to nine prior tax years through an online account.
A Record of Account Transcript provides a comprehensive overview, combining data from both tax return and tax account transcripts. This transcript is available for the current and three prior tax years. A Wage and Income Transcript details information reported to the IRS by third parties, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, and 5498. If an exact duplicate of your filed return, including all forms and schedules, is needed, a full Tax Return Copy is the appropriate record.
Requesting Your Tax Transcripts
Tax transcripts are available free of charge through several methods, with online access being the quickest. The IRS processes these requests quickly.
The fastest way to get a tax transcript is through the IRS “Get Transcript Online” tool. To use this service, create an account and verify your identity by providing your email address, a text-enabled mobile phone number, and a financial account number. Once verified, you can immediately view, print, or download all transcript types for the current and several prior years.
Alternatively, request transcripts by mail using the “Get Transcript by Mail” tool on the IRS website. Provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, and the mailing address from your latest tax return. Transcripts requested by mail are delivered within 5 to 10 calendar days.
A third option is to request transcripts by phone by calling the IRS automated transcript service at 800-908-9946. Provide identifying information such as your Social Security Number and the numbers in your street address. Transcripts requested via phone are mailed to the address on file and arrive within 5 to 10 days.
Requesting a Copy of Your Full Tax Return
When a full copy of your original tax return, including all forms and schedules, is required, submit a specific form to the IRS. Obtaining a full copy incurs a fee and has a longer processing time than transcripts.
To request a complete copy of your tax return, use IRS Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return.” This form allows you to order copies for the current tax year and up to seven prior years. Complete the form with your name, Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, current address, and the address shown on the requested tax return if different. Specify the tax form number and the tax period(s) needed.
A fee of $43 applies for each tax return copy requested using Form 4506. Mail the completed Form 4506 to the appropriate IRS address, found in the form’s instructions. It can take up to 75 calendar days for the IRS to process and mail the requested copies. The IRS must receive the signed Form 4506 within 120 days of the signature date for processing.
Accessing Records Through Other Sources
Beyond directly requesting records from the IRS, several alternative avenues can provide access to your tax information, often more quickly. These sources are particularly useful if you need immediate access or prefer not to interact directly with the federal agency. Keeping personal copies of tax documents is generally recommended for convenience and readiness.
If you used a tax preparer, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or an enrolled agent, they typically retain copies of your filed tax returns for several years. Contacting your tax preparer is often the quickest way to obtain a duplicate of your return. Many tax professionals maintain digital records, allowing for prompt retrieval.
Similarly, if you utilized tax preparation software, such as an online platform or a desktop program, you can usually access and download your previously filed returns directly from your account. Most software providers allow users to view or print copies of returns for multiple prior years by logging into their accounts. This self-service option provides immediate access to your tax documents.
Maintaining personal records is also a prudent practice. The IRS generally recommends keeping copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for at least three years from the filing date. In some situations, such as underreporting income by a significant amount or claiming certain deductions, retaining records for six to seven years or even indefinitely is advisable. Organized personal records can eliminate the need to request documents from external sources.