How to Get a Transcript or Copy of a Prior Year's Tax Return from the IRS
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: August 16, 2012
Taxpayers
should keep copies of their tax returns, but if they cannot be located
or have been destroyed during natural disasters or by fire, the IRS
can help. Whether you need your prior year's tax return to apply for a
loan or for legal reasons, you can obtain copies or transcripts from the
IRS.
Here are 10 things to know if you need federal tax return information from a previously filed tax return.
- Get copies of your federal tax return via the web, phone or by mail.
2. Transcripts are free and are available for the current and past three tax years.
3. A tax return
transcript shows most line items from your tax return as it was
originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It
does not reflect any changes made after the return was filed.
4. A tax account
transcript shows any later adjustments either you or the IRS made after
you filed your tax return. This transcript shows basic data including
marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable
income.
5. To request either type of transcript online, go to IRS.gov and use the online tool called Order
A Transcript. To order by phone, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts
in the recorded message.
6.
To request a 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ tax return transcript through the
mail, complete IRS Form 4506T-EZ,
Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript. Businesses,
partnerships and individuals who need transcript information from other
forms or need a tax account transcript must use Form 4506-T, Request for
Transcript of Tax Return.
7.
If you order online or by phone, you should receive your tax return
transcript within five to 10
days from the time the IRS receives your request. Allow 30 calendar days
for delivery of a tax account transcript if you order by mail.
8.
If you need an actual copy of a previously filed and processed tax
return, it will cost $57 for
each tax year you order. Complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax
Return, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your
area. Copies are generally available for the current year and past six
years. Please allow 60 days for delivery.
9. The fee for copies of tax returns may be waived if you are in an area that is declared a federal
disaster by the President. Visit IRS.gov, keyword "disaster," for more guidance on disaster relief.
10. Forms 4506, 4506-T and 4506T-EZ are available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
To automatically receive IRS tax tips, visit IRS.gov, click on "News" and select "e-News Subscriptions."
Links:
- Order a Transcript - Online Service
- Tax Return Transcripts
- Form 4506-T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript (PDF)
- Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return (PDF)
- Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Form (PDF)
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