How to Get a Copy of Your Tax Return

Accessing past tax information can be necessary for various reasons, from securing a loan or financial aid to simply maintaining personal records or responding to an audit. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers different ways to obtain these documents, each suited for specific needs. Understanding the available options helps individuals efficiently retrieve the information they require.

Identifying Your Needs: Transcripts or Return Copies

When seeking past tax details, it is important to distinguish between a tax transcript and a full tax return copy. A tax transcript summarizes key information from your tax return as it was originally filed, including details like your adjusted gross income, tax liability, and payment information. Several types of transcripts exist, such as the Tax Return Transcript, which shows most line items from your original Form 1040, and the Tax Account Transcript, which displays basic data and any changes made after filing. The Record of Account Transcript combines information from both the tax return and tax account transcripts, offering a more complete picture. Transcripts are often sufficient for common purposes such as mortgage applications or student loan requests.

A full tax return copy, conversely, is an exact photocopy of your tax return, including all schedules and attachments, exactly as it was submitted to the IRS. This comprehensive document is generally required only for specific situations, such as responding to an IRS audit or preparing an amended tax return, where the complete detail of the original filing is necessary. Transcripts are provided free of charge and are generally easier and quicker to obtain, while full copies typically incur a fee.

Required Information for Requests

To request tax transcripts or full return copies, gather specific personal and tax information. You will need your full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and your date of birth. Your current mailing address is also required, and if it differs from the address on your last filed tax return, you should also provide your previous address. Additionally, specify the exact tax year or years for which you need the documents, along with your filing status for those years.

For requesting transcripts by mail, you will use Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return.” This form is available on the IRS website. You will need to accurately fill in your personal details, including your name, SSN, current address, and if applicable, your previous address and your spouse’s information. Indicate the specific type of transcript needed and the tax year(s) for which you are requesting it.

If you require a full tax return copy, you will use Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return,” also found on the IRS website. Similar to Form 4506-T, you must complete the fields for your personal information, tax year(s) requested, and filing status. This form also includes a section for payment details, as there is a fee associated with obtaining full copies. For online requests, be prepared to provide additional authentication information, such as financial account numbers or a phone number linked to an account, to verify your identity.

Requesting Tax Transcripts

Obtaining tax transcripts can be done through several methods, with online access often being the fastest. The IRS offers an online tool called “Get Transcript Online,” which allows for immediate viewing, printing, or downloading of various transcript types. To use this service, you will need to create an account and complete identity verification steps, which may involve multi-factor authentication or confirming financial data. Once verified, you can select the desired transcript type and tax year to access your document.

If you prefer to receive your transcript by mail, you can submit a completed Form 4506-T to the IRS. The specific mailing address depends on the state you resided in when the tax return was filed. You can also opt to use the “Get Transcript by Mail” service on the IRS website, which will mail the transcript to the address the IRS has on file for you.

Another option for requesting transcripts is through the IRS automated phone system. You can call 800-908-9946 to use this service. Following the automated prompts, you will enter your Social Security Number and the street number from your address to verify your identity. The requested transcript will then be mailed to the address on file with the IRS within a few business days.

Requesting Full Tax Return Copies

When a full tax return copy is necessary, the primary method for obtaining it is by mail using Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return.” This form, which you would have completed with your personal and tax details, needs to be mailed to the IRS along with the required payment. The mailing address for Form 4506 also varies based on the state you lived in when the tax return was filed.

There is a fee for each full tax return copy requested. Currently, the fee is $43 per tax year. Payment for this fee should be made by check or money order, payable to the “U.S. Treasury”. Ensure the payment is securely attached to the completed Form 4506 before mailing.

What to Expect After Requesting

The time it takes to receive your requested tax documents varies depending on the type of document and the method of request. For tax transcripts, those ordered online through the “Get Transcript Online” tool are available immediately for viewing, printing, or downloading. If you request transcripts by mail or through the automated phone service, you can generally expect delivery within 5 to 10 calendar days.

Full tax return copies, which are requested by mail using Form 4506, have a significantly longer processing time. These requests can take up to 75 calendar days to process and for the copies to be mailed to you. All physical copies or transcripts requested by mail will be sent to the address on file with the IRS.