How to Get a Copy of an Income Tax Return

Copies of past income tax returns are often needed for significant financial transactions, such as applying for a mortgage, securing student financial aid, or for personal financial planning and record-keeping. Having these documents readily available ensures you have the necessary documentation when these situations arise.

Obtaining Tax Transcripts from the IRS

A tax transcript provides a summary of your tax return information, not an exact duplicate of the return itself. The IRS offers several types of transcripts. A Tax Return Transcript displays most line items from your filed Form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR, including any associated forms and schedules. The Tax Account Transcript shows basic data such as marital status, adjusted gross income, payment information, and changes made by the taxpayer or the IRS after the original filing.

The Wage and Income Transcript summarizes information reported to the IRS by employers and other third parties, including data from Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, and Form 5498. The Record of Account Transcript combines information from both the Tax Return Transcript and the Tax Account Transcript for a specific tax year. To request any transcript, gather your Social Security number, date of birth, mailing address used on the return, and filing status for the requested year.

The IRS offers an online tool called “Get Transcript Online” for immediate access to various transcript types. To use this service, you must first verify your identity through a secure third-party provider, ID.me. After verification, you can select the specific tax year and type of transcript needed, then view, print, or download it immediately.

If online access is not feasible, you can request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T. This form requires you to specify the transcript type and tax year(s). You must provide your full name, current address, previous address if applicable, and Social Security number. Mail the completed form to the IRS address indicated in the instructions; transcripts are delivered within five to ten calendar days.

For certain transcripts, a telephone request option is available by calling the IRS directly at 800-908-9946. You can request a Tax Return Transcript or Tax Account Transcript to be mailed to the address on file with the IRS. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address from your latest tax return to confirm your identity. This option is limited to specific transcript types and mailing to the address of record.

Requesting Complete Tax Return Copies from the IRS

Obtaining an exact copy of your previously filed tax return, including all schedules and attachments, is distinct from receiving a transcript. Unlike transcripts, which are free, requesting a full copy of a tax return involves a fee per copy and a considerably longer processing time.

To request a complete copy of a tax return, use Form 4506. This form requires a payment of $43 for each tax period requested. The payment must accompany the form, as a check or money order payable to the U.S. Treasury. You can obtain Form 4506 directly from the IRS website or by calling the IRS forms line.

When completing Form 4506, accurately fill in all required fields. Provide your full name, current address, previous address if applicable, and your Social Security or employer identification number. Mark the box for “Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR” and specify the tax year(s) needed. If requesting a copy for a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the form.

Once Form 4506 is completed and payment prepared, mail the form and payment to the appropriate IRS address listed in the instructions. The specific mailing address depends on your geographic location. After submission, processing time for a complete tax return copy is 75 calendar days or longer. The IRS will mail the requested copy to the address provided on the form.

Retrieving Returns from Other Sources

Beyond direct requests to the IRS, alternative methods exist for obtaining copies of your income tax returns. Your personal records are often the most immediate and accessible source. Check your physical files, such as a dedicated tax folder or financial documents cabinet. Many individuals also save digital copies of their returns on computer hard drives, external backup drives, or cloud storage services.

If you utilized tax preparation software to file your returns, logging into your account with that provider is an effective way to retrieve past documents. Popular software platforms maintain an archive of your filed returns for several years. You can access your account online, navigate to a section for past filings, and then download or print digital copies. This method provides immediate access without involving the IRS directly.

Another common source for past tax returns is the tax professional or firm that prepared and filed your taxes. Tax preparers are required to retain copies of client tax documents for a specific period, typically three to seven years. You can contact your former tax preparer or their firm to request a duplicate. While many preparers provide this service, some may charge a nominal fee for retrieving and providing the copies.