How to Get a Copy or Transcript of Your Tax Return
There are different ways to obtain tax return information. Most requests can be satisfied with a computer printout of your return information, called a transcript. However, sometimes you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed tax return with all attachments (including Form W-2). Copies are generally available for returns filed for the current and past six years. On jointly filed tax returns, either spouse may request a copy, and only the signature from the requesting spouse is required on the Link opens in a new windowForm 4506.pdf, Request for Copy of Tax Return. You should complete Form 4506 and mail it to the address listed in the instructions, along with a $50 fee for each tax return requested:
- Make your check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.
- Enter your Social Security number (SSN), Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), or Employer Identification Number (EIN) and "Form 4506 request" on your check or money order.
- Allow 75 calendar days for the IRS to process your request.
If you're a taxpayer impacted by a federally declared disaster, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) waives the usual fees and expedites requests for copies of tax returns for people who need them to apply for benefits or to file amended returns claiming disaster-related losses. See "Federally Declared Disaster Area" in Link opens in a new windowPublication 2194.pdf, Disaster Resource Guide for Individuals and Businesses. For additional information about tax relief in disaster situations, refer to Link opens in a new windowTax Topic No. 107 or call the IRS Disaster Assistance Hotline at 866-562-5227.
To request a copy of a fraudulent return, when someone else used your name and SSN as a primary or secondary filer to file it, use Link opens in a new windowForm 4506-F.pdf, Request for Copy of Fraudulent Tax Return. For more information, see the instructions in Link opens in a new windowForm 4506-F and Instructions for Requesting Copy of Fraudulent Returns.
Transcript of Your Tax Return
The IRS offers various transcript types free of charge. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and lending agencies for student loans and mortgages generally accept a tax return transcript as a substitute for a copy of your return.
You can go to the Get Transcript page to request your transcript now: Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. You can also order tax return and account transcripts by calling 800-908-9946 and following the prompts in the recorded message, or by completing Link opens in a new windowForm 4506-T.pdf, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, or Link opens in a new windowForm 4506T-EZ.pdf, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript, and mailing it to the address listed in the instructions. Form 4506T-EZ was created only for Form 1040 series tax return transcripts. Allow 10 business days from when the IRS receives your request to receive your transcript.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS). (Updated 2019, August 23). Copy or transcript of your tax return—How to get one (Tax Topic Number 156). Retrieved December 11, 2019, from https://www.irs.gov