How to Find Copies of Your Old Tax Returns

Accessing copies of past tax returns is often necessary for various financial purposes. These documents are frequently required for loan applications, such as mortgages or student financial aid, as they verify income and financial history. Tax returns also serve as valuable records for personal financial planning and are indispensable in the event of a tax audit or inquiry from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Having readily available copies simplifies many administrative processes.

Accessing IRS Tax Transcripts

The IRS provides tax transcripts, which are summaries of your tax return information rather than exact copies of your filed returns. These transcripts are typically sufficient for most verification needs, including loan applications and financial aid requests. Several types of transcripts are available, each offering different details from your tax records.

The Tax Return Transcript presents most line items from your original Form 1040, along with any accompanying forms and schedules. It shows your adjusted gross income (AGI) and other key figures as initially reported, without reflecting changes or amendments made after the original filing. This transcript is generally available for the current tax year and the three preceding years.

The Tax Account Transcript provides a summary of your tax account, including filing status, adjusted gross income, and taxable income. It also details any adjustments made by you or the IRS after the original return was processed, showing a record of transactions. Account Transcripts are available for a broader range of years, extending back to the 1980s.

A Record of Account Transcript combines information from both the Tax Return Transcript and the Tax Account Transcript, offering a comprehensive overview. The Wage and Income Transcript displays data reported to the IRS by third parties, such as employers (Form W-2) and financial institutions (Forms 1099, 1098). This transcript can be obtained for the prior ten years and is useful for verifying income.

The fastest way to obtain these transcripts is through the IRS “Get Transcript Online” tool. To use this service, you must create or log in to an ID.me account, which requires identity verification. This involves providing personal details like your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address from your latest tax return. You will also need an email account, a text-enabled mobile phone, a photo of an identity document (e.g., driver’s license or passport), and a selfie for verification. Once verified, you can immediately view, print, or download your transcripts.

If online access is not feasible, you can request transcripts by mail. The “Get Transcript by Mail” tool, accessible through the IRS website or by calling 800-908-9946, allows you to request transcripts. For this method, you will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and the mailing address associated with your latest tax return. Transcripts requested by mail typically arrive within 5 to 10 calendar days.

Requesting a Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS

While tax transcripts provide summaries, an exact copy of your filed tax return, including all forms and schedules, may be necessary. This might be required for specific legal proceedings, detailed financial reviews, or to recreate comprehensive personal records. For these situations, use IRS Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return”.

Completing Form 4506 requires specific information for accurate document retrieval. You will need to provide your name, current address, and the address used when filing the requested return. Your Social Security number or ITIN, the specific tax form number (e.g., Form 1040), and the exact tax period(s) are also required. Ensure you select the correct tax form number, especially for different return types like individual or business filings.

A fee is associated with requesting a physical copy of your tax return using Form 4506. The current fee is $43 for each tax year requested and must be submitted with the form. After completing Form 4506 and attaching payment, mail the form to the specific IRS address designated for your state at the time the return was filed.

Processing time for Form 4506 is considerably longer than for transcripts. It can take up to 75 calendar days for the IRS to process your request and mail the tax return copy. The IRS requires Form 4506 to be received within 120 days of the date you sign it, so timely submission is important to avoid rejection.

Obtaining Records from Other Sources

Beyond directly requesting documents from the IRS, several alternative avenues exist for retrieving copies of your old tax returns. These methods often provide quicker access to records, especially if returns are recent. Exploring these options can save time and effort compared to waiting for IRS processing.

Many tax preparers and accountants retain copies of their clients’ tax returns for several years. If you used a tax professional, contacting their office is often a straightforward way to obtain a copy. They typically maintain digital or physical archives designed for easy retrieval of client documents.

For individuals who prepared and filed taxes using commercial tax software or online filing services, digital copies of past returns are usually stored within user accounts. Platforms like TurboTax or H&R Block Tax Software allow users to log in and download previously filed returns as PDF files. Accessing these services often requires only login credentials, making it a convenient option for immediate retrieval.

Checking your personal records should always be a first step. Many individuals maintain physical files or digital folders for important financial documents. These personal archives might be stored in a home office, on a personal computer, or in cloud storage services. A thorough search of your own organized files can often yield the desired tax returns without contacting external parties.

Understanding Record Retention Guidelines

Understanding how long you should keep your own tax records is important for effective financial management. While the IRS retains various types of tax information, focusing on personal retention guidelines is key. For exact copies of tax returns via Form 4506, the IRS generally retains records for up to seven years.

For personal recordkeeping, the general recommendation is to retain tax returns and supporting documentation for at least three years from the date you filed your original return or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. This period aligns with the statute of limitations for the IRS to audit most returns or for you to claim a refund. However, certain situations warrant longer retention.

Certain situations warrant longer retention periods:
Keep records for seven years if you filed a claim for a loss from worthless securities or a bad debt deduction.
If you omitted more than 25% of your gross income from a return, keep records for six years, as the IRS has six years to assess additional tax.
Records related to property, such as those used to figure depreciation or the basis of an asset, should be kept indefinitely until the statute of limitations expires for the year in which you dispose of the property.
For unfiled or fraudulent returns, there is no statute of limitations, suggesting indefinite retention of relevant documentation.