How to Obtain Tax Returns From the IRS

Tax returns are documents detailing an individual’s or entity’s income, expenses, and financial information, used to calculate tax liability. People frequently need copies of these records for various purposes, such as applying for mortgages, student financial aid, or other loans. They are also necessary for personal record-keeping, legal proceedings, or when responding to inquiries from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Types of Tax Records You Can Obtain

The IRS offers two primary types of tax records: a tax transcript and a full tax return copy. A tax transcript summarizes key information from your tax return and other tax-related data, but it is not an exact duplicate of your filed return. Transcripts are free of charge. In contrast, a full tax return copy is an exact replica of your filed tax return, including all schedules and attachments. This option incurs a fee.

Several types of transcripts are available. A Tax Return Transcript displays most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return and is commonly accepted by lending institutions. The Tax Account Transcript provides data such as filing status, adjusted gross income (AGI), taxable income, payment types, and any changes made after your original return was filed. The Record of Account Transcript combines information from both the tax return and tax account transcripts. The Wage and Income Transcript reports data from information returns like Forms W-2, 1099, and 1098. A Verification of Non-filing Letter confirms that the IRS has no record of a Form 1040 for a specified year.

Information Needed to Request Tax Records

Before requesting tax records from the IRS, gather specific identifying and tax-related information. This ensures the IRS can accurately locate and verify your records.

You will need your full legal name as it appeared on the tax return, along with your current mailing address. Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required for identity verification. The date of birth for the primary taxpayer is also needed. For joint returns, the primary taxpayer’s information is used.

Specific tax-related details are also important. This includes the filing status for the tax year(s) you are requesting. You will also need the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from a prior year’s tax return for identity verification, especially for online requests. Clearly identify the specific tax year or years for which you need the records.

Requesting Tax Transcripts

Obtaining tax transcripts from the IRS can be done through several methods, with online access often being the quickest. The IRS provides an online tool called “Get Transcript Online” for immediate access. To use this service, you must set up an IRS.gov account, which involves a multi-factor authentication process. This authentication requires a valid email address, a text-enabled mobile phone in your name, and specific financial account information, such as a credit card or mortgage account number. No charges are made.

Once authenticated, you can select the desired transcript type, such as a Tax Return Transcript or a Wage and Income Transcript, and specify the relevant tax year. Transcripts for the current tax year and the three prior years are available online. You can view, print, or download the transcript directly, providing instant access to your records.

If online access is not feasible, you can request tax transcripts by mail or phone. The “Get Transcript by Mail” option is available through the IRS website or by calling their automated phone transcript service at 1-800-908-9946. For these requests, you will need your SSN or ITIN, date of birth, street address, and postal code. The transcript will be mailed to the address the IRS has on file, usually arriving within 5 to 10 calendar days. Alternatively, you can fill out and mail Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return.” This form requires you to specify the tax year and type of transcript needed and must be mailed or faxed to the appropriate IRS address listed in the form’s instructions. Processing times for mailed Form 4506-T requests can range from a few weeks to up to 75 days, depending on IRS workload.

Requesting Full Tax Return Copies

When an exact duplicate of your tax return, including all schedules and attachments, is needed, you must request a full tax return copy from the IRS. This process is distinct from obtaining a tax transcript, takes longer, and incurs a fee. This request is necessary when a summary, such as a transcript, is not sufficient.

To obtain a full copy of a tax return, complete and submit Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return.” This form requires you to specify the tax form number (e.g., 1040, 1120) and the exact tax year(s) for which you need copies. A fee, typically $43 to $50 per return, is charged for each copy requested. Payment, usually a check or money order payable to the “United States Treasury,” must be included with your request. Note your SSN, ITIN, or EIN and “Form 4506 request” on it.

Once completed, Form 4506 and the payment should be mailed to the appropriate IRS address, which varies based on your location and the type of return requested, as specified in the form’s instructions. Ensure all information on the form is accurate and complete to avoid delays. Processing time for Form 4506 requests can take up to 75 calendar days to receive the requested copies.

Other Ways to Access Your Tax Information

Beyond direct requests to the IRS for transcripts or full return copies, alternative avenues exist for accessing your tax information. These methods can sometimes provide faster or more convenient access, depending on your specific needs.

A common approach is to contact your tax preparer. Most tax professionals retain digital or physical copies of the returns they filed on your behalf. They can provide you with a copy of your tax return or relevant tax information upon request, potentially saving time compared to requesting directly from the IRS.

Remember that the IRS only handles federal tax returns. If you need copies of your state tax returns, contact your respective state’s tax department. Each state has its own procedures and forms for requesting tax records, separate from those of the federal IRS.