How to Get Previous Years’ Tax Returns

Gaining access to previous years’ tax returns is often necessary for various financial and administrative reasons. These documents provide essential financial history for applications like loans or financial aid, or for personal record-keeping. This guide explains the different ways to obtain your tax records.

Understanding Your Options

When you need information from past tax years, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers two primary avenues: tax transcripts and copies of tax returns. These options differ significantly in the level of detail provided and associated costs. Choosing the correct option depends on your specific need.

Tax transcripts provide a summary of information from your tax return, tax account, or other income statements. For instance, a Tax Return Transcript shows most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return, including income, deductions, and credits. A Tax Account Transcript provides basic data like filing status, adjusted gross income, and payment types, even reflecting changes made after the original filing. Other types include the Wage and Income Transcript, which details information from forms like W-2s and 1099s, and the Record of Account Transcript, combining details from both the tax return and tax account transcripts. These transcripts are generally free and are often sufficient for purposes like applying for student loans or mortgages.

In contrast, a copy of your tax return is an exact replica of the Form 1040, including all schedules and attachments, as originally filed. This option is typically required by certain lending institutions that need the actual filed forms, or for personal record-keeping where a summarized transcript is insufficient. Unlike transcripts, obtaining a copy of your tax return incurs a fee for each return requested.

Requesting Tax Transcripts

To request tax transcripts, gather specific personal information and understand the available submission methods.

You will need your Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, and the address you used on the tax return for the year you are requesting. If you filed a joint return, the primary taxpayer’s SSN and name, along with the spouse’s name and SSN, are necessary. Also provide your current address; if it differs from the return’s address, include the previous address.

For online requests, use the IRS “Get Transcript Online” tool. This method requires identity verification, involving a mobile phone number in your name and financial account information like a credit card or loan account number, though no charges will be made. For mail requests, complete Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return,” accurately selecting the transcript type and tax year. If requesting by phone, call the IRS automated phone transcript service and follow prompts to enter your SSN and address for verification.

Obtaining Copies of Tax Returns

When you need an exact copy of your filed tax return, the preparation process involves specific documentation and an understanding of the associated costs.

To request a copy of a tax return, you will need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and your current mailing address. If your current address differs from the address on the requested return, provide the previous address. You must specify the exact tax year or years for which you need copies.

The primary method for obtaining copies of tax returns is by mail, using Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return.” This form requires careful completion, including specifying the tax year(s) desired. There is a fee of $43 for each tax return copy requested. You must include payment with your Form 4506 request.

Submitting Your Request

After preparing all necessary information and forms, the next step is to submit your request through the appropriate channel. The submission method will vary depending on whether you are seeking a transcript or a full copy of your tax return.

For those seeking tax transcripts, the online “Get Transcript Online” tool is often the quickest method, allowing immediate access to various transcript types as a downloadable PDF once your identity is successfully verified. If you prefer mail, completed Form 4506-T should be sent to the IRS address corresponding to the state you lived in when the return was filed. Transcript requests can also be made via the automated phone service at 800-908-9946, with the transcript typically mailed to the address on file within 5 to 10 calendar days.

To obtain copies of tax returns, which require Form 4506, submission is exclusively by mail. This form, along with the required payment of $43 per return, must be mailed to the specific IRS address for the state you resided in when that return was filed. For copies of tax returns requested via Form 4506, the processing time can be significantly longer, potentially taking up to 75 days after the IRS receives your request.