How Do I Get a Copy of My Amended Tax Return?
Retrieving a copy of a corrected tax return requires understanding your options. This guide clarifies the process for obtaining the right tax documents.
An amended tax return, Form 1040-X, is filed to correct errors or change information on a previously submitted federal income tax return. Taxpayers may need a copy of this form when applying for loans, responding to an IRS inquiry, or for personal record-keeping.
Distinguishing Between a Tax Return Copy and a Tax Transcript
It is helpful to understand the difference between a tax return copy and a tax transcript. A tax return copy is a literal photocopy of your filed Form 1040-X, including all schedules and attachments you submitted.
A tax transcript is a computer-generated summary of your return’s data. The IRS offers several types of transcripts at no cost, and the Tax Account Transcript shows changes made after the original filing. While a transcript is often sufficient for lenders and can be obtained much faster, it will not suffice if a lender or legal advisor specifically requires a complete copy of the filed Form 1040-X.
Information and Forms Needed to Request a Copy
To request a physical copy of your amended return, you will need your full name as it appeared on the return, your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and the address from the filing period. If you filed a joint return, you must also provide your spouse’s name and SSN.
The document for this request is Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. This form is distinct from Form 4506-T, which is used to request transcripts.
On line 6 of the form, enter “1040-X” to specify the amended return. On line 7, enter the ending date of the tax period you are requesting, such as “12/31/2022” for the 2022 tax year. A separate Form 4506 and a $43 fee are required for each tax period requested as of early 2025.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Request
After completing Form 4506, you must mail it to the correct IRS processing center. The mailing address depends on the state where you resided when you filed the return. The IRS provides a list of addresses in the instructions for Form 4506.
Payment must be included with your request by check or money order made payable to the “United States Treasury.” Write your SSN or ITIN and the tax year on the memo line of your payment.
After mailing the form and payment, anticipate a significant processing time, as the IRS advises it can take up to 75 days to receive your copy. The document you receive will be a paper photocopy of the complete Form 1040-X you filed.
Alternative Methods for Obtaining Your Amended Return
Faster and potentially free alternatives to the formal IRS request process exist. If you used a tax professional to file your amended return, they are a primary resource. Tax preparers are required to retain copies of client returns for several years and can often provide you with one upon request.
Another option is the tax software used for the filing. If you prepared the Form 1040-X yourself using a program like TurboTax or H&R Block, your account history should contain a digital copy. You can log in to your account, navigate to prior-year returns, and download or print a PDF of the amended return.