Taxpayers should keep copies of their tax returns for at least three years.
Those who need a copy of their tax return should check with their software
provider or tax preparer. Prior year tax returns are available from IRS for a
fee.
For those that need tax transcripts, however, IRS can help. Transcripts are
free.
Tax Transcripts
A transcript summarizes return information and includes Adjusted Gross
Income (AGI). They are available for the most current tax year after the IRS
has processed the return. People can also get them for the past three years.
When applying for home mortgages or college financial aid, transcripts are
often necessary. Mortgage companies, however, normally arrange to get one for a
homeowner or potential homeowner. For people applying for college financial
aid, see IRS
Offers Help to Students, Families to Get Tax Information for Student Financial
Aid Applications on IRS.gov for the latest options.
Taxpayers can get two types of transcripts from the IRS:
- Tax
Return Transcript. A tax return transcript shows most line items
including AGI from an original tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as
filed, along with any forms and schedules. It doesn’t show changes made
after the filing of the original return. This transcript is only available
for the current tax year and returns processed during the prior three
years. A tax return transcript usually meets the needs of lending
institutions offering mortgages and student loans.
- Tax
Account Transcript. A tax account transcript shows basic data such
as return type, marital status, adjusted gross income, taxable income and
all payment types. It also shows changes made after the filing of the
original return.
To get a transcript, people can:
- Order
online.
Use the ‘Get
Transcript’ tool available on IRS.gov. There is a link to it under the
red TOOLS bar on the front page. Those who use it must authenticate their
identity using the Secure
Access process.
- Order
by phone.
The number to call is 800-908-9946.
- Order
by mail.
Complete and send either Form
4506-T or Form
4506T-EZ to the IRS to get one by mail. Use Form 4506-T to request
other tax records: tax account transcript, record of account, wage and
income and verification of non-filing. These forms are available on the Forms
& Pubs page on IRS.gov
Those who need an actual copy of a tax return can get one for the current
tax year and as far back as six years. The fee per copy is $50. Complete and
mail Form
4506 to request a copy of a tax return. Mail the request to the appropriate
IRS office listed on the form. People who live in a federally declared disaster
area can get a free copy. More disaster
relief information is available on IRS.gov.
Plan ahead. Delivery times for online and phone orders typically take five
to 10 days from the time the IRS receives the request. You should allow 30 days
to receive a transcript ordered by mail and 75 days for copies of your tax
return.
Avoid scams. The IRS will never initiate contact using social media or text
message. First contact generally comes in the mail. Those wondering if they owe
money to the IRS can view
their tax account information on IRS.gov to find out.
Additional IRS Resources:
- Topic
156 - Copy or Transcript of Your Tax Return – How to Get One
- IRS
Tax Map, Copy of Return
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