How Do I Find Out the Last Year I Filed Taxes?

Keeping track of past tax filings is important for staying compliant with the IRS, applying for loans, or resolving issues with missed returns. If you’re unsure about the last time you filed, several methods can help confirm your most recent filing year using personal records and official sources.

Reviewing Personal Return Copies

Start by checking your own records. Copies of past tax returns can confirm the last year you filed. Look for physical documents in filing cabinets or digital versions stored on your computer or cloud storage. Searching for files labeled with tax years or IRS Form 1040 can help locate the most recent return.

If you use tax preparation software, logging into your account may provide access to past filings. Platforms like TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct typically store returns for several years. Some services may charge a fee for older documents, but recent filings are often available for free.

Bank statements and email records can also provide clues. Reviewing past transactions for tax payments or refunds may reveal the last time you filed. Searching for IRS-related emails, such as e-file confirmations or payment receipts, can also help pinpoint the most recent submission.

Requesting Official Transcripts

If personal records don’t provide a clear answer, obtaining a tax transcript from the IRS can confirm the last year you filed. The Tax Return Transcript and Record of Account Transcript summarize key details from past filings, including the filing date and adjusted gross income.

The fastest way to access this information is through the IRS Get Transcript tool on the agency’s website. After verifying your identity, you can immediately download a transcript. If online access isn’t an option, you can request a transcript by mail, which takes 5 to 10 days for delivery. Calling the IRS at 800-908-9946 is another option, though wait times vary.

For a more detailed history, the Record of Account Transcript combines information from both the tax return and tax account transcripts. If you need a full copy of a previously filed return, submitting Form 4506 allows you to request one for a $43 fee per tax year, with processing taking up to 75 days.

Checking Employer or Payor Documentation

Employment records and income statements can help determine the last year taxes were filed. Employers must submit Form W-2 to employees and the Social Security Administration each year, detailing wages earned and taxes withheld. Reviewing past W-2s can provide a timeline of earnings and tax filings. Many employers offer electronic copies through payroll portals like ADP, Paychex, or Workday. If you no longer have access, contacting your former employer’s payroll or HR department may help.

For independent contractors or self-employed individuals, Form 1099-NEC or Form 1099-MISC reports non-employee compensation. Financial institutions, investment firms, and government agencies issue various 1099 forms, such as Form 1099-INT for interest income or Form 1099-DIV for dividends. These documents indicate taxable income received in a given year, which can help determine if a return was required. Many financial institutions provide digital access to these forms through online banking or brokerage platforms.

If an employer no longer exists or records are unavailable, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide a summary of reported wages. A Social Security Earnings Statement, available through the my Social Security portal, shows annual earnings reported to the government.

Searching Financial Account Records

Financial records can confirm past tax filings if other documentation is missing. Reviewing bank and credit card statements can reveal transactions linked to tax payments or refunds. IRS payments made through Direct Pay, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or third-party processors like PayUSAtax and Official Payments often appear as debits labeled with IRS or Treasury-related descriptions. Similarly, refunds issued via direct deposit will typically reference the IRS, making them easier to identify in banking history.

Investment and retirement accounts can also provide clues. Contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) generate Form 5498, which reports these transactions. Since certain contributions are deductible, they often coincide with tax filings. Brokerage accounts that generate capital gains, dividends, or interest income will issue annual tax forms, indicating taxable events that would require reporting.

Consulting a Tax Professional

If personal records, financial statements, and official transcripts don’t provide a clear answer, a tax professional can help. Enrolled agents, certified public accountants (CPAs), and tax attorneys have access to IRS-authorized channels that allow them to retrieve filing history on behalf of clients. They can also interpret the information to ensure compliance with tax laws and identify any potential issues, such as unfiled returns or discrepancies in reported income.

Tax professionals can request a Tax Account Transcript from the IRS, which shows whether a return was filed for a given year and if any outstanding balances or penalties exist. If a return was missed, they can assist in preparing back taxes, filing necessary forms, and negotiating payment plans if liabilities are owed. If multiple years are unaccounted for, they can help navigate IRS programs like the Voluntary Disclosure Practice or First-Time Penalty Abatement, which may reduce penalties for late filings. If there are concerns about audits or legal consequences, tax attorneys can provide representation and ensure compliance with IRS guidelines.