How Do I Get a Copy of My Tax Return?

A tax return is a set of forms filed with a tax authority that reports income, expenses, and other tax information. You might need a copy of your filed tax return for various reasons, such as applying for a mortgage or a student loan, as lenders often require them to verify your income. They are also useful for personal record-keeping or to help prepare future tax filings.

Understanding Your Options

When you need proof of your past income, you have two main documents you can get from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): a tax return transcript or a copy of your tax return. A tax transcript summarizes most line items from your return and is sufficient for many common situations, such as applications for student financial aid or mortgages. Transcripts are free and much faster to obtain than a full copy.

A full copy of your tax return is an exact replica of the documents you filed, including all schedules and attachments like Form W-2. This level of detail is necessary for more complex situations, such as responding to an IRS notice or for representation in a legal matter. Obtaining a full copy involves a fee and a longer processing time. For most income verification needs, a tax return transcript will meet the requirements.

Information Needed for Your Request

Before starting the process, you must gather specific personal information. You will need your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your date of birth, and the mailing address exactly as it appeared on the tax return for the year you are requesting. This information is required for all request methods to verify your identity.

If you plan to use the IRS’s online tools, you will need additional items for identity verification. This includes access to an active email account and a personal account number from a financial product like a credit card, mortgage, or auto loan. You will also need a mobile phone registered in your name to receive a verification code.

Methods to Obtain Your Tax Documents

The fastest way to get a transcript is through the IRS “Get Transcript” online tool. After creating an account and confirming your identity, you can immediately view, print, or download transcripts for the current tax year and the previous three years at no cost.

For those who cannot or prefer not to use the online portal, requesting documents by mail is an alternative. You will need to complete and mail either Form 4506-T for a free transcript or Form 4506 for a full copy. The fee for a full copy is $30 per tax year requested. Mail your completed form to the IRS address specified in the form’s instructions. Transcripts arrive in five to ten calendar days, while a full copy can take up to 75 days to process.

You may also be able to get a copy of your tax return from the source you used to file it. If you used tax preparation software, you can log into your account and access prior-year returns. A tax professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), is required to keep copies of your returns and can provide one upon request.