How to Get Tax Returns From Previous Years From the IRS
Retrieve your past tax returns and financial records. This guide simplifies accessing crucial IRS documents and exploring alternative retrieval methods.
Accessing past tax returns is often necessary for various financial and administrative needs, such as applying for loans, seeking financial aid, or maintaining personal financial records. These documents provide a historical overview of your income, deductions, and tax liabilities. Understanding how to retrieve these records from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or alternative sources ensures you have the necessary documentation when required.
Understanding IRS Tax Transcripts
An IRS tax transcript provides a summary of information from your tax return, rather than an exact copy. Several types of transcripts are available, each serving a distinct purpose.
A Tax Return Transcript displays most line items from your filed Form 1040-series tax return, including adjusted gross income (AGI), which is often sufficient for student loan applications or mortgage approvals. A Tax Account Transcript provides a summary of your tax account, showing details like marital status, type of return filed, payments made, and any adjustments or penalties.
A Wage and Income Transcript reports information furnished to the IRS by employers and other third parties, such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, and 5498. This transcript is useful for verifying income or preparing an amended return. These transcripts do not include state tax withholding information.
To request a transcript, you will need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, filing status, and the address used on your last filed tax return. An active email address and a mobile phone in your name are also required for online access.
How to Request IRS Tax Transcripts
Obtaining tax transcripts from the IRS can be done through online, mail, or phone methods. The online “Get Transcript Online” tool offers immediate access for most users. To use this service, you must create an IRS account and undergo an identity verification process, which involves two-factor authentication and answering financial account-related questions. Once verified, you can select the specific transcript type and tax year needed, then download or print it instantly.
You can also request transcripts by mail or phone. To request by mail, use Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, or Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript. Mail requests take about 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery.
For phone requests, call the IRS Tax Help Line at 1-800-829-1040. This line is available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Be prepared to provide personal verification details to the representative during the call.
Obtaining a Full Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS
A full copy of your tax return, including all schedules and attachments, may be necessary instead of just a transcript. This is often required for state tax audits, certain legal proceedings, or when you need specific forms or detailed calculations not summarized in a transcript. For these instances, use IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
To complete Form 4506, specify the tax year(s) requested, the type of return (e.g., Form 1040), and your taxpayer details. The official form can be downloaded from the IRS website. Fill in all required fields, including your name, Social Security number, current address, and the specific tax periods you are requesting. Review the form instructions to ensure correct completion and avoid delays.
Once completed, Form 4506 must be mailed or faxed to the appropriate IRS address, which varies by location and return type. Instructions accompanying the form provide the correct mailing address. A fee of $43 or $50 per tax year requested applies. Processing times for a full copy are longer than for transcripts, taking up to 75 calendar days to receive your return. The IRS must receive the signed Form 4506 within 120 days of the signature date, or it will be rejected.
Non-IRS Options for Retrieving Past Tax Returns
Beyond direct requests to the IRS, several alternative methods exist for retrieving copies of your past tax returns. A common option is to contact your previous tax preparer or accounting firm. Tax professionals are required to retain client records for a minimum of three years from the later of the return’s due date or filing date. Many preparers keep digital copies, which can be provided quickly.
If you used commercial tax preparation software, such as TurboTax or H&R Block, to file your returns, you can access and download copies directly from your account within the software. These platforms store filed returns for several years. Checking your personal records is also an option; many individuals save digital copies on their computers, external hard drives, or cloud storage, or keep physical copies in personal files.