How to Print Your Tax Return: A Step-by-Step Method
Need a copy of your tax return? Discover simple, reliable methods to access and print your filed tax documents quickly and securely for any purpose.
Having a copy of your filed tax return is important for various financial activities and record-keeping. This document details your income, deductions, credits, and tax liability for a specific year. You may need this copy when applying for loans, mortgages, or financial aid, as lenders and institutions often require it for verification. Maintaining these records also assists with future financial planning and can be useful for auditing purposes.
Printing from Tax Software or Online Filing Services
If you used tax preparation software or an online filing service, accessing your return involves logging into your account. Navigate to a section often labeled “My Returns,” “Tax Documents,” or “Past Filings” within the platform’s interface. Select the specific tax year for which you need a copy of your return.
Most services provide an option to view, download, or print your completed tax forms. Look for buttons or links such as “Print,” “Download PDF,” or “View Return.” It is advisable to save a digital copy of your return as a PDF file to your computer or cloud storage for easy access. You can then print a physical copy directly from the saved PDF, ensuring you have both digital and paper records.
Requesting a Tax Transcript from the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers tax transcripts, which summarize key information from your tax return and are often accepted for official purposes. You can request a Tax Return Transcript, which shows most line items from your original return. To obtain a transcript online, use the “Get Transcript Online” tool on the IRS website. This method requires a robust identity verification process, often involving financial account information and a mobile phone number associated with your name.
Alternatively, you can request a transcript by mail using the “Get Transcript by Mail” tool on the IRS website, which takes 5 to 10 calendar days to arrive. For a copy of the actual return, not just a summary, file Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, which may involve a fee. Form 4506-T is used for transcripts and is free. You can also request transcripts via an automated phone line.
Obtaining a Copy from Your Tax Preparer
If a professional tax preparer or accounting firm prepared your tax return, contacting them directly is a straightforward method to obtain a copy. Most preparers provide clients with a complete copy of their filed return. If you need an additional copy at a later date, your preparer can provide one. While many preparers offer this as a courtesy, some may charge a nominal fee for providing duplicate copies of past returns.