How to Obtain Old Tax Returns for Free From the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides several free methods to obtain past tax return information, often needed for purposes like applying for a mortgage, student financial aid, or maintaining personal records. These options allow taxpayers to efficiently access their records without requiring a physical copy of the original return.

Types of Tax Information Available

The IRS offers several types of tax transcripts, which provide summaries of tax return information. A Tax Return Transcript displays most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return, along with any forms and schedules filed with it. This transcript is commonly accepted by lenders and financial institutions as proof of income and filing history. It does not reflect any changes made to the return after it was originally filed.

A Tax Account Transcript provides basic data such as filing status, adjusted gross income (AGI), taxable income, and payment types. This transcript also shows any changes made by the taxpayer or the IRS after the original return was processed. For a comprehensive overview, the Record of Account Transcript combines the information from both the tax return transcript and the tax account transcript into a single document.

The Wage and Income Transcript shows data reported to the IRS by various third parties, including Forms W-2, 1099, 1098, and 5498. This transcript is useful for preparing or amending a tax return or verifying employment details. A Verification of Non-filing Letter confirms the IRS has no record of a filed Form 1040-series tax return for the year requested. These are transcripts, not exact copies of your filed tax return with all attachments. An actual copy of a filed tax return, requested via Form 4506, incurs a fee (typically $43 to $50 per return) and takes significantly longer to process, potentially up to 75 days.

Online Request Process

The fastest and most common method for obtaining tax transcripts is through the IRS’s “Get Transcript Online” tool. Navigate to IRS.gov, locate “Get Your Tax Record,” and select “Get Transcript Online.” First-time users must create an account, which involves an identity verification process.

Identity verification requires a valid email address, a text-enabled mobile phone registered in your name (pay-as-you-go plans are not accepted), and specific financial account numbers, such as a credit card, home mortgage, or auto loan. During registration, the IRS sends a confirmation code via email and an authentication code via text message for two-factor authentication.

After verifying your identity and logging in, you can select the specific type of transcript needed from the options provided, such as a Tax Return Transcript or a Tax Account Transcript. You will also specify the tax year for which you need the information. The transcript is immediately available for viewing, printing, or downloading directly from the website. This online method provides instant access to your tax records for the current and up to nine prior tax years for certain transcript types.

Mail and Phone Request Processes

For those unable to use the online service, the IRS offers alternative methods to obtain tax transcripts via mail or phone. Requesting a transcript by mail involves completing Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return,” which can be downloaded from IRS.gov.

When filling out Form 4506-T, provide your name and Social Security Number (SSN) as they appeared on the tax return. For joint returns, include both names and SSNs. Enter your current mailing address; if different when the return was filed, list the previous address on line 4. You will then select the specific type of transcript and the tax year(s) needed. Mail the completed Form 4506-T to the IRS address corresponding to your geographic location, as detailed in the form’s instructions.

Alternatively, you can request certain transcripts by phone through the IRS’s automated service at 1-800-908-9946. When calling, you will need to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, and the street address from your latest filed tax return for verification. The automated system will guide you through selecting the type of transcript and the tax year you require. Transcripts requested via phone are sent by mail to the address on file with the IRS.

What to Expect After Your Request

If you use the “Get Transcript Online” tool and complete identity verification, your transcript is available for immediate viewing, printing, or downloading. This instant access makes the online method suitable for urgent needs.

For requests made by mail (Form 4506-T) or through the automated phone service, transcripts are delivered via postal mail. Expect to receive these within 5 to 10 calendar days from the date the IRS receives your request. Ensure the address on file with the IRS is current, as transcripts are mailed to that address. If a transcript does not arrive within the expected timeframe, re-request it or contact the IRS for assistance.