Taxpayers who need their past tax return information can obtain it from the IRS.
Here are nine things to know if you need copies of your federal tax return
information.
1.
There are two easy and
convenient options for obtaining free copies of your federal tax return
information — tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts.
2.
The IRS does not charge a
fee for transcripts, which are available for the current year as well as the
past three 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 you,
your representative or the IRS made after the return was filed. In many cases, a
return transcript will meet the requirements of lending institutions, such as
those offering mortgages and student loans.
4.
A tax account transcript
shows any later adjustments either you or the IRS made after the tax return was
filed. This transcript shows basic data – including marital status, type of
return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income.
5.
To request either
transcript by phone, call 800-829-1040 and follow the prompts in the recorded
message.
6.
To request a tax return
transcript through the mail, individual taxpayers should complete IRS Form
4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript. Form 4506T-EZ
is only for individuals who filed a Form 1040 series return. Businesses,
partnerships and individuals who need transcript information from other forms or
need a tax account transcript must use the Form 4506T, Request for Transcript of
Tax Return.
7.
You should receive your tax
return transcript within 10 working days from the time the IRS receives your
request. Allow 30 calendar days for delivery of a tax account transcript.
8.
If you still need an actual
copy of a previously processed tax return, it will cost $57 per tax year and
take much longer. Complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Form, and
mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your area. Please allow
60 days for actual copies of your return. Copies are generally available
for the current year as well as the past six years.
9.
Visit the IRS Web site,
IRS.gov, to determine which form will meet your needs. Forms 4506, 4506T and
4506T-EZ can be found at IRS.gov or by calling the IRS forms and publications
order line at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
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