How to Find Your Previous Tax Returns

You may need copies of previous tax returns for various reasons, such as applying for a mortgage or other loans, completing financial aid applications, or amending a previously filed return. Accessing these records is an important part of financial planning. Several methods exist to retrieve past tax returns, from personal records to official documents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Identifying Your Potential Sources

Checking your own records is often the quickest way to locate a past tax return. Many individuals keep physical copies of their filed returns in personal files at home. Digital copies might also be stored on your computer, external hard drives, or cloud storage services if you prepared your taxes electronically.

Tax preparation software and online tax filing platforms commonly save copies of your returns within your user account. If you used a service like TurboTax or H&R Block Online, logging into your account could provide immediate access to downloadable PDF versions. If a tax preparer or accountant assisted you, they typically retain client records for a minimum of three years. Reaching out to your former tax professional can be a straightforward way to obtain copies.

Understanding IRS Transcript Options

When personal and preparer records are unavailable, the IRS offers several types of tax transcripts that summarize information from your filed returns. These transcripts are often sufficient for various purposes and are generally easier to obtain than full return copies.

Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return, including adjusted gross income (AGI), taxable income, and payments. It does not include detailed schedules or forms.
Tax Account Transcript: Provides basic data such as filing status, type of return filed, AGI, payment information, and any changes made by you or the IRS after the original return was filed.
Record of Account Transcript: Combines the information from both the Tax Return Transcript and the Tax Account Transcript, offering a more comprehensive overview.
Wage and Income Transcript: Displays data reported to the IRS from various information returns, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, and 5498.
Verification of Non-filing Letter: Confirms that the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040-series tax return for a specific tax period. This letter is often requested for financial aid purposes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting IRS Transcripts

The IRS provides several methods for requesting transcripts, with online access being the fastest option. You can use the “Get Transcript Online” tool on the IRS website to view, print, or download all transcript types immediately. To use this service, you must verify your identity by providing personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and certain financial account numbers or a text-enabled mobile phone.

If you prefer to receive transcripts by mail, use the “Get Transcript by Mail” tool online or call the IRS automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946. For this method, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the mailing address from your latest tax return. Transcripts requested by mail typically arrive within 5 to 10 calendar days.

In-person assistance for transcript requests may be available at local Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). Check the specific services offered by your local TAC and inquire about appointment requirements before visiting. You will need to bring proper identification to obtain transcripts in person.

Requesting Full Tax Return Copies from the IRS

While transcripts provide a summary of your tax information, a complete copy of your tax return, including all schedules and attachments, is sometimes necessary. This might be the case for legal proceedings, specific loan applications that require original signatures, or when you need to see forms not included in transcripts.

To obtain a full copy of a previously filed tax return, you must submit Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return,” to the IRS. Unlike transcripts, there is a fee for each return copy requested, which is currently $43.

The processing time for Form 4506 is significantly longer than for transcripts, typically taking up to 75 calendar days to receive your copy. You will need to provide key information on the form, including your name, address, Social Security number, the type of tax form, and the specific tax year requested.