How to Access Your Past Tax Returns

It is common for individuals to need access to their past tax returns for various purposes. These records can be important when applying for a mortgage or other loans, completing student loan or financial aid forms, or simply for personal record-keeping and financial planning. Understanding how to obtain these documents is important for managing personal financial affairs.

Preparing to Request Tax Records from the IRS

Before initiating a request for tax records from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it is helpful to understand the types of records available and the information required for a successful request. The IRS offers two primary types of records: tax transcripts and actual copies of tax returns. These serve different purposes and have varying availability and associated costs.

Tax transcripts provide a summary of information from your tax return, rather than a duplicate of the entire document. The Tax Return Transcript shows most line items from your original Form 1040-series return as filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. This transcript is commonly accepted by lenders for mortgages, financial aid, and student loans, and is available for the current and prior three tax years.

The Tax Account Transcript provides basic data such as filing status, taxable income, and payment types, and importantly, includes any changes made after your original return was filed by either you or the IRS. This transcript is generally available for the current and nine prior tax years through an online account, or for the current and three prior tax years if requested by mail or phone.

Additionally, a Wage and Income Transcript displays data from information returns like Forms W-2, 1099, and 1098, which can be useful for verifying income or preparing an extended tax return. A Record of Account Transcript combines the information from both the Tax Return Transcript and the Tax Account Transcript, offering a more detailed view, and is available for the current and three prior tax years. Finally, a Verification of Non-filing Letter confirms that the IRS has no record of a filed Form 1040-series return for a specific year.

To request any of these records, whether transcripts or copies of returns, you will need to provide specific personal information to the IRS. This typically includes your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, current mailing address, and the filing status used for the requested tax year. If you have moved since the tax year in question, you may need to provide your previous address on file with the IRS. For online access, you might also need an account number from a loan or credit card associated with your name for identity verification purposes.

For certain requests, especially those made by mail or fax, specific IRS forms are necessary. Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, is used to request various types of tax transcripts. If you require an actual photocopy of your tax return, you will need to use Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. These forms can be obtained directly from the IRS website. When completing these forms, it is important to accurately fill in all informational fields, ensuring that names, Social Security numbers, and addresses match what the IRS has on file to avoid processing delays.

Requesting Tax Records from the IRS

Once you have gathered the necessary personal information and identified the specific type of tax record you need, you can proceed with requesting the documents from the IRS through several methods. Each method has its own process and typical timeline for delivery.

The most expedient way to obtain tax transcripts is often through the IRS’s online services. You can use the “Get Transcript Online” tool on the IRS website, which allows you to view, print, or download all types of transcripts immediately after successful identity verification. This online process requires you to create an account with the IRS, which involves providing personal details and undergoing an identity verification process, often through a third-party provider like ID.me. This verification typically involves uploading a photo of an identity document, such as a driver’s license or passport, and taking a selfie. Once verified, you can securely access your tax records.

If you prefer to receive your transcripts by mail or do not wish to use the online service, the “Get Transcript by Mail” option is available on the IRS website. This method requires you to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, and mailing address. The requested transcript will be sent to the address the IRS has on file, typically arriving within 5 to 10 business days. Alternatively, you can submit a completed Form 4506-T by mail or fax to the appropriate IRS address listed in the form’s instructions. Requests submitted via Form 4506-T are generally processed within 10 business days, with delivery taking an additional 5 to 10 days.

For those who need an actual copy of their tax return rather than a transcript, the process involves submitting Form 4506. This form must be mailed to the IRS, and there is a fee of $50 for each tax period requested. It is important to note that obtaining a physical copy of a tax return takes considerably longer than obtaining a transcript, with processing and delivery times ranging from 60 to 75 days.

The IRS also provides a phone service for requesting tax transcripts. You can call the automated transcript service at 800-908-9946 to request a tax return transcript or tax account transcript. Transcripts requested by phone are mailed to the address on file with the IRS and typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days.

Accessing Returns from Other Sources

Beyond direct requests to the IRS, there are alternative avenues for obtaining copies of past tax returns, particularly if you utilized tax preparation software or a professional tax preparer. These methods can often provide quicker access to your documents.

Many individuals use online tax preparation software platforms to file their annual tax returns. If you filed your taxes using a service like TurboTax or H&R Block Online in previous years, you can typically access and download copies of your past returns directly from your account. These platforms usually retain PDF copies of filed returns for a period of several years, often up to seven. You will generally need to sign into your account using the same username and password you used when you originally filed, then navigate to a “Documents” or “Prior Years” section to view and download your returns.

If you engaged a professional tax preparer or an accountant to complete your tax returns, they should retain copies of your filed documents. Most tax professionals maintain client records for several years. You can contact your former tax preparer or accountant and request a copy of your past tax returns. They can provide you with a physical or electronic copy of the documents they prepared and filed on your behalf.

Maintaining personal copies of your tax returns is a simple yet effective way to ensure you always have access to these important financial records. Many individuals keep physical copies in organized files or store digital copies on their personal computers or secure cloud storage services. Having your own records readily available can eliminate the need to request them from the IRS or third-party providers, saving both time and potential fees.