How to Get Copies of Old Tax Returns

Obtaining copies of old tax returns can be necessary for various financial activities, such as applying for a mortgage, securing student financial aid, or preparing for tax planning. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of past financial history, often required by lenders, educational institutions, or for personal record-keeping purposes.

Types of Tax Records Available

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers several types of tax records, each serving a distinct purpose. Understanding these differences helps in requesting the most appropriate document. Transcripts are generally more accessible and often sufficient for many requirements.

A Tax Return Transcript provides most line items from your filed tax return, including adjusted gross income, but excludes actual tax forms or schedules. This transcript is frequently used for income verification for loan applications or financial aid. A Tax Account Transcript provides basic return information, payment history, and details of any adjustments made to the tax account, useful for reviewing past tax liabilities and payments.

For a more comprehensive overview, the Record of Account Transcript combines information from both the Tax Return Transcript and the Tax Account Transcript, presenting a complete history of your tax return and account activities for a specific year. A Wage and Income Transcript details information reported to the IRS by employers and other payers, such as W-2 wages and 1099 income. This transcript helps reconstruct income details if original forms are missing.

In contrast to transcripts, a Full Tax Return Copy is an exact replica of the tax return you originally filed, including all attached schedules and forms. This is typically required in situations demanding a complete historical record, such as certain legal proceedings or detailed financial audits. Transcripts are free and generally easier to obtain, while full tax return copies are subject to a fee and have more limitations on the years available.

Gathering Required Information

Before initiating any request for tax records, it is important to gather all necessary personal and tax-related information. Having this information readily available will streamline the request process and help ensure accuracy.

You will need your full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), and your date of birth. Your current mailing address is also required, along with any previous mailing addresses used during the tax year(s) for which you are requesting records. Specify the exact tax year or years needed for the records.

For online requests, additional identity verification steps are necessary to protect your personal information. This often involves confirming an email address and phone number, and sometimes requires providing details from a financial account, such as a credit card number or a loan account number (e.g., mortgage, student loan, auto loan). This ensures your identity is verified before sensitive tax data is released.

How to Request Transcripts

Requesting tax transcripts can be done through several convenient methods, with online access often being the fastest option. Each method requires specific steps to ensure your request is processed accurately and securely. Transcripts do not include all the attachments of an original return but provide key line items and account information.

The quickest way to obtain transcripts is through the IRS “Get Transcript Online” service. You will need to create an account and verify your identity, which typically involves providing personal details and answering security questions related to your financial history. Once verified, you can select the desired type of transcript, choose the specific tax year, and then immediately view, print, or download the document. This service is available 24/7, providing instant access to your tax information.

Alternatively, you can request transcripts by mail or fax using Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. This form is available for download on the IRS website. After completing the form with your personal and tax year information, you must mail or fax it to the appropriate IRS address or fax number, which varies depending on the state you resided in when the return was filed.

Transcripts can also be ordered by phone by calling the IRS automated self-help line. You will need to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, and the address on file with the IRS. This method allows for the delivery of transcripts to your address of record, typically within 5 to 10 calendar days. For those preferring in-person assistance, you can visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC), bringing proper identification and the necessary tax information to request transcripts directly.

How to Request Full Tax Returns

When a complete copy of your filed tax return is required, including all schedules and attachments, the process involves using a specific form and typically incurs a fee. Unlike transcripts, full tax returns are not available for immediate download online. The request for these copies is handled through a mailed application.

To request a full copy of a tax return, you must complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. This form is accessible on the IRS website. Fill out the form with your personal details and the specific tax year(s) for which you need copies. The IRS generally retains full copies of returns for a limited number of years, typically seven years from the filing date.

A fee of $43 applies for each tax return copy requested. This payment must be submitted with your Form 4506. You can pay this fee by check or money order, made payable to the “U.S. Treasury.” The completed Form 4506, along with the payment, must be mailed to the appropriate IRS processing center based on the state you lived in when the return was filed. The correct mailing address can be found in the instructions for Form 4506.

The IRS will mail the full tax return copy to the address provided on the form. This process is more manual than transcript requests and does not allow for online or immediate delivery. Ensure all information on the form is accurate and legible to prevent processing delays.

Delivery and Processing Times

The time it takes to receive your requested tax records varies significantly depending on the type of record and the method of request. Understanding these processing times can help you plan accordingly for your financial or administrative needs.

Online requests for tax transcripts through the IRS “Get Transcript Online” service typically provide immediate access. You can view, print, or download your transcripts instantly once your identity is successfully verified.

Requests for transcripts submitted by mail or fax using Form 4506-T usually take longer. After the IRS receives your request, you can generally expect to receive the transcript by mail within 5 to 10 calendar days. These transcripts are mailed to the address of record on file with the IRS for security purposes.

For full tax return copies requested using Form 4506, the processing and delivery time is considerably longer. Due to the manual processing and fee requirement, it can take up to 75 calendar days for the IRS to process your request and mail the copy of your return. There is no online tracking system for these mailed requests, so patience is necessary once the form and payment are submitted.