How to Get Copies of Past Tax Returns

Past tax returns contain your financial history, providing a detailed record of income, deductions, credits, and tax liability for a specific tax year. You may need copies for various purposes, such as applying for mortgages, student financial aid, or other loans, as lenders often require income verification. These documents are also important for personal record-keeping, correcting errors on previously filed returns, or responding to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) inquiries. The IRS offers different methods for taxpayers to obtain these records, catering to various needs and urgency levels.

Understanding the Types of Records Available

When seeking past tax information from the IRS, it is important to distinguish between a “tax transcript” and a “copy of a tax return.” A tax transcript is a summary of key information from your tax return, not an exact replica of the filed document. It typically includes critical data points such as your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), filing status, and various line items from the original Form 1040, along with any associated forms and schedules. These transcripts are generally sufficient for common needs like loan applications or financial aid requests, as they provide official IRS verification of income and filing history.

Conversely, a “copy of a tax return” is a complete reproduction of the actual Form 1040, including all submitted schedules and attachments. This comprehensive document is usually required for more detailed review, such as amending a previously filed return, or for specific legal or financial situations where a full reproduction of the original document is necessary. Tax transcripts are provided free of charge and are typically processed more quickly. Obtaining a full copy of a tax return incurs a fee per tax year requested and generally takes a longer time to process.

Requesting Tax Transcripts

Obtaining tax transcripts from the IRS involves specific steps and requires certain personal information to verify identity. Before initiating a request, gather your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and the mailing address used on your most recently filed tax return. For joint returns, you may need the SSN and name of the primary taxpayer as listed on the return. The IRS provides several convenient methods to request transcripts, each with different delivery timelines.

The fastest method is to use the IRS’s “Get Transcript Online” tool, which allows immediate access and printing of transcripts. To use this online service, you must create an IRS online account, which requires a valid email address, a text-enabled mobile phone in your name, and specific financial account numbers for identity verification, such as a credit card or a mortgage account. Once your identity is successfully verified, you can view, print, or download your desired transcript directly from the portal. When navigating the online system, ensure you select the correct transcript type, such as a “Return Transcript” for most general purposes, and specify the relevant tax year.

Another option is to request a transcript through the IRS automated phone service by calling 800-908-9946. This service allows you to request a tax return transcript or tax account transcript by providing your SSN or ITIN and the street number from your address on file. Transcripts requested by phone are mailed to the address the IRS has on record for you, typically arriving within 5 to 10 calendar days.

Alternatively, you can request a transcript by mail using Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return.” This form allows you to specify the type of transcript needed and the tax year. You will need to accurately complete fields such as your name, SSN, current address, and the address shown on the tax return if different. Once completed, the form must be mailed or faxed to the appropriate IRS address, which varies depending on the state of residence when the tax return was filed. Transcripts requested by mail typically take 5 to 10 business days to arrive after the IRS processes the request.

Requesting Copies of Tax Returns

For situations requiring a full reproduction of your filed tax return, you must use Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return.” This form is distinct from Form 4506-T, which is used for transcripts. When preparing Form 4506, you will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your current name and address, and the specific tax year(s) for which you need copies. It is also important to indicate the specific type of return you are requesting, such as Form 1040 for individual income tax returns.

A fee of $30 is charged for each tax return copy requested. This payment must be submitted with your Form 4506 request, typically in the form of a check or money order made payable to the “U.S. Treasury.” You should not send cash through the mail. Unlike transcripts, requests for full copies of tax returns using Form 4506 are primarily processed by mail.

To submit your request, mail the completed Form 4506 along with the required payment to the appropriate IRS address. The correct mailing address depends on the state where you lived when the tax return was filed; refer to the form instructions for the precise address. The processing and delivery time for a copy of a tax return is considerably longer than for transcripts, typically taking up to 75 calendar days.

Other Ways to Access Tax Information

Beyond direct requests to the IRS, alternative avenues exist for accessing past tax information that may be quicker or more convenient depending on your circumstances. If you utilized a tax professional or accounting firm to prepare and file your past tax returns, they often retain copies of these important documents. Contacting your tax preparer is frequently the simplest way to obtain a duplicate of your return, as they maintain client records for several years. They can usually provide you with a copy directly from their files.

Similarly, if you filed your taxes using commercial tax preparation software, such as TurboTax or H&R Block, you might be able to access and download copies of your past returns directly from your online account with the software provider. These platforms typically store electronic copies of filed returns for multiple years, allowing for convenient retrieval and printing.

The IRS also provides an online account service that allows taxpayers to view certain tax records. While this online account is an excellent resource for viewing and printing various tax transcripts, including tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts, it generally does not provide access to full copies of your actual filed tax returns. It primarily serves as a portal for summarized tax data and account information.