Where Can I Find My Previous Tax Returns?

Many situations throughout life require access to previous tax returns, whether for securing a loan, applying for financial aid, or simply maintaining personal financial records. Efficiently retrieving these documents streamlines processes and provides peace of mind. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers specific methods for obtaining tax information, and several other avenues exist to help individuals locate their past tax filings.

IRS Transcript Options

An IRS tax transcript provides a summary of information from your tax return, rather than an exact copy of the return itself. This document is often sufficient for lenders, financial institutions, and other entities that require verification of your income and tax filing history. The IRS offers several types of transcripts, each serving a distinct purpose.

The Tax Return Transcript displays most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed, including associated forms and schedules. It does not show changes made after original filing. The Tax Account Transcript provides basic data like filing status, taxable income, and payment types, reflecting any changes made after your original return was filed. For a comprehensive overview, the Record of Account Transcript combines information from both. Additionally, the Wage and Income Transcript details information reported to the IRS by third parties, such as Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, and 5498.

You can obtain these transcripts through various methods, including online, by mail, or over the phone. For online access, the IRS’s “Get Transcript Online” tool allows for immediate viewing, printing, or downloading after a thorough identity verification process. You will need:

• Your Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Filing status from your most recent tax return
• Current address
• A valid email address
• A text-enabled mobile phone
• Specific financial account numbers for verification

Alternatively, you can request transcripts by mail using the “Get Transcript by Mail” tool or by calling the automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946. When requesting by mail or phone, you will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the mailing address from your latest tax return. Transcripts requested by mail or phone typically arrive within 5 to 10 calendar days.

Requesting Full Tax Return Copies from the IRS

While transcripts often suffice, certain situations, such as specific loan applications or legal proceedings, may necessitate a complete copy of your tax return, including all schedules and attachments. For these instances, you must use IRS Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return.” This form is distinct from the Form 4506-T used for transcripts, as Form 4506 provides an exact photocopy of your filed return.

To complete Form 4506, you will need to provide:

• Your taxpayer names
• Social Security numbers
• The address used on the tax return
• The specific tax year(s) for which you are requesting a copy

The form also requires your signature and the date. You can obtain Form 4506 directly from the IRS website. There is a fee associated with each tax return copy requested, which is currently $43 per return.

Once completed, Form 4506 must be mailed to the appropriate IRS address, which varies based on the state you lived in when the return was filed. It is important to send the form to the correct processing center to avoid delays. The processing time for receiving a full copy of your tax return is significantly longer than for transcripts, often taking up to 75 calendar days.

Other Avenues for Retrieval

Beyond direct requests from the IRS, several other reliable methods exist for obtaining copies of your past tax returns. These alternative avenues can often provide quicker access, especially if you have maintained good personal records or utilized tax preparation services.

Tax preparers or accountants typically retain client returns for several years, often a minimum of three. You should contact your former preparer, who will likely require some form of identity verification before releasing your documents. There may be a service fee associated with retrieving these copies.

For those who used tax preparation software, such as TurboTax or H&R Block, accessing past returns is often straightforward. You can typically log into your account on their respective websites using your credentials to download or print PDF copies of your previously filed returns. H&R Block often provides access to returns filed within the last six years, while TurboTax may save returns for up to seven years. Some free versions of these software programs might require a small fee to access prior-year returns.

Finally, reviewing your personal records is a simple yet effective step. Many individuals save digital copies on their computers, external hard drives, or cloud storage, or keep physical copies in a home office or filing cabinet. Maintaining organized records is a sound financial practice that can prevent the need for requesting documents from third parties, simplifying future tax preparations and financial applications.