How To Get A Copy Of Your Income Tax Return

If you lost your tax return papers, they are requesting them from you, or if you simply need a copy of your tax return information, here we will show you how to obtain a copy of your income tax papers. There are two easy and convenient ways to get copies of federal income tax return information — they are: tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts and you may request these either by phone, mail, or online by visiting the IRS website.

A tax return transcript shows most line items from the tax return (Form 1040, 1040A just as it was originally filed, including any associated tax forms and schedules.  It does not reflect any changes you, your representative or the IRS made after the tax return was filed.  On many occasions, a tax return transcript will meet the requirements of lending institutions like those providing mortgages and student loans. 

A tax account transcript shows any later adjustments either you or the IRS made after the filing of the income tax return.  This transcript displays basic data, which includes marital status, type of tax return that was filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income. 

Request either transcript from the IRS website, by calling 1-800-829-1040, or ordering by mail using IRS Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.  The IRS does not charge a fee for transcripts, which can be available for the current and three prior calendar years.  Allow two weeks for delivery. 

Another form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request For Individual Tax Return Transcript, can also be requested.  This tax return transcript is available for the current and prior three years just like the 4506-T and it will include most lines of the original tax return.  However, the transcript will not show payments, penalty assessments, or any adjustments made to the originally filed return.  In addition, form 4506T-EZ cannot be used by taxpayers who file form 1040 based on a fiscal tax year (which is a tax year that begins in one calendar year and ends in the following year).  Any taxpayer using a fiscal tax year should file form 4506-T instead. 

If you need a photocopy of a previously processed tax return and attachments, complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your area.  There is a fee of $39 for every tax period you request.  Copies of tax returns are usually available for the current and past 6 years.