How to Get My Tax Return From Last Year
Learn how to retrieve last year’s tax return through online portals, mail requests, or past preparers while meeting identity verification requirements.
Tax returns from the previous year may be needed for loan applications, income verification, or filing an amended return. If you didn’t save a copy when you filed, there are several ways to retrieve it.
Different methods are available depending on how you filed and whether you need a full return or just a transcript. Choosing the right option can help you get the documents quickly and avoid delays.
Online Access from Government Portals
The fastest way to retrieve a prior-year tax return is through official government websites. The IRS offers the Get Transcript tool, which provides a Tax Return Transcript or a Tax Account Transcript. The Tax Return Transcript includes most line items from the original return, while the Tax Account Transcript provides basic details like filing status, adjusted gross income, and any changes made after filing.
To use this service, taxpayers must create an ID.me account, which requires verification through a government-issued ID, a selfie, and financial records like a credit card or loan account. Once verified, users can log in and download their transcripts in PDF format. This service is free and provides access to records from the past three years. Older records require a separate request.
State tax agencies also offer online access, though availability varies. California’s Franchise Tax Board and New York’s Department of Taxation and Finance allow residents to retrieve past filings through their respective portals. Some states may require additional verification steps, such as answering security questions based on past filings.
Mailing a Paper Request
For those who prefer a physical copy or lack online access, requesting a tax return by mail is an option. The IRS provides Form 4506, which allows individuals to obtain a complete copy of their previously filed return, including all schedules and attachments. Unlike transcripts, which summarize key details, a full return is an exact replica of the original filing.
Once completed, the form must be mailed to the appropriate IRS office based on the taxpayer’s location, as listed in the form’s instructions. Processing can take up to 75 days, so this method is best for those who do not need immediate access. The IRS charges a $43 fee per return copy, payable by check or money order.
Getting Copies from Past Preparers
If you used a tax professional or a filing service, they may still have a copy of your return. Many preparers retain client records for at least three years, though some keep them longer. Large tax preparation firms like H&R Block and TurboTax allow customers to access past filings through their online accounts if they used the same service previously. Independent CPAs and enrolled agents may also maintain records, but their retention policies vary.
Even if you no longer work with the same preparer, they are required under IRS regulations to provide copies upon request. However, they may charge administrative fees for retrieving archived documents, especially for older records stored offsite. These fees can range from a small charge for digital copies to higher amounts for printed documents. Requesting an electronic version can help avoid future retrieval costs.
Identity Verification
Verifying your identity is required before obtaining past tax records. When requesting documents by phone or in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, individuals must provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, along with their Social Security number. If accessing records on behalf of someone else, additional documentation like Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) or Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) may be required.
For security reasons, the IRS may ask knowledge-based authentication questions derived from credit history or past tax filings. These could include details about a prior address, specific deductions claimed, or financial accounts linked to tax payments. Failing to answer correctly may require an in-person visit or a written request with notarized identity verification.
Individuals flagged due to identity theft face additional precautions. Those assigned an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) must provide it when requesting prior-year tax records. This six-digit code, issued annually, adds an extra layer of security to prevent fraudulent filings.
Potential Fees
Retrieving past tax records may come with costs depending on the method used and the type of document requested. While tax transcripts from the IRS are free, obtaining a full copy of a previously filed return requires a $43 fee per year requested, payable by check or money order to the U.S. Treasury. Processing can take up to 75 days.
State tax agencies may also charge fees for retrieving past filings, though the amount varies. Some states provide free access to recent returns through online portals, while others charge for copies beyond a certain timeframe. California’s Franchise Tax Board allows residents to request past returns at no cost if done online, but paper copies may incur a processing fee. Taxpayers should check with their state’s revenue department for specific charges and processing times.