How to Get Copies of Your Prior Year Tax Returns

It is often necessary to obtain copies of prior year tax returns for various purposes, such as applying for a loan, financial aid, or navigating an audit. These documents provide a comprehensive record of your financial history and tax obligations. Fortunately, several convenient avenues exist for taxpayers to retrieve this important information.

Obtaining Tax Transcripts from the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers tax transcripts, which serve as a summary of key information from your filed tax return rather than an exact copy. Transcripts are frequently accepted by institutions for many official uses and are generally easier and quicker to obtain, as they are provided free of charge. The “Return Transcript” is the most commonly requested, displaying most key line items from your original Form 1040 series return, including your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

To request a tax transcript online, taxpayers can utilize the IRS “Get Transcript Online” tool. This process requires identity verification, typically through a third-party service like ID.me. You will need to provide a photo of an identity document, such as a driver’s license or passport, and take a selfie to create or access your ID.me account. Once verified, you can sign in, select “Return Transcript” and the desired tax year, and then view, print, or download the transcript immediately.

Alternatively, you can request a transcript by mail using the “Get Transcript by Mail” option on the IRS website or by submitting Form 4506-T. For mail or phone requests (1-800-908-9946), you will need your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and the mailing address from your latest tax return on file with the IRS. Transcripts requested by mail or phone are sent to your address of record, typically within 5 to 10 business days. If you recently filed your tax return, especially a paper return, it is advisable to wait a few weeks before requesting a transcript to ensure it has been processed.

Requesting Tax Return Copies from the IRS

While tax transcripts often suffice, certain situations, such as specific loan applications, may necessitate a full copy of your tax return with all accompanying schedules and forms. Unlike transcripts, obtaining a complete tax return copy directly from the IRS involves a fee and a longer processing time. The current fee for each requested copy of a tax return is $43 per copy.

To request a full copy of your tax return, you must use IRS Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return.” You will need to enter your name and Social Security Number (or Employer Identification Number for businesses) exactly as they appeared on the tax return you are requesting. Your current address should be entered on line 3, and if the address on the tax return you are requesting was different, you must provide that previous address on line 4.

On Form 4506, you must clearly specify the type of tax form number you need, such as Form 1040 for individual returns, and indicate the tax year(s) requested. The form also requires your signature to authorize the request.

Once completed, Form 4506 must be mailed to the IRS. The correct mailing address depends on the state where you lived when the tax return was filed. You must attach payment for the requested copies, making your check or money order payable to the “United States Treasury” and including your SSN or ITIN and “Form 4506 request” on the payment. After mailing, it can take up to 75 calendar days for the IRS to process your request and send you the copy of your tax return.

Retrieving Records from Other Sources

Beyond direct requests to the IRS, several alternative methods exist for obtaining copies of your prior year tax returns. If you used a tax preparer or accountant to file your taxes, they typically retain client records for several years. Contacting your tax professional from the year(s) in question is often the easiest way to obtain a copy of your return, as they can usually provide it quickly from their archives.

For those who utilized tax preparation software, such as TurboTax or H&R Block, accessing past returns is straightforward. By logging into your account on the software provider’s website, you can usually find a section dedicated to your tax history, allowing you to download or print previous years’ returns. This method provides immediate access to your documents.

Finally, checking your own personal records should always be a first step. Many individuals save digital copies on their computers, external hard drives, or cloud storage services. Physical copies might be stored in personal files, folders, or safe deposit boxes. A thorough search of your own organized records can often yield the necessary documents without needing to contact external parties.