Obtaining Prior-Year Tax Information from the IRS
Now that the main tax filing season is over, you may find yourself at some point in need of tax return information from the past.
Taxpayers sometimes need tax returns from prior years for loan applications, to estimate tax withholding, for legal reasons or because records were destroyed in a natural disaster or fire. If this is you, you can obtain copies or transcripts of your returns from the IRS.
Here are a few things to know if you need federal tax return information from a previously filed tax return.
- There are three options for obtaining free copies of your federal tax return information - via the internet, by phone or by regular mail.
- The IRS does not charge a fee for transcripts, which are available for the current and past three tax years.
- 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.
- 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.
- To request either transcript online, go to www.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.
- 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 the Form 4506T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
- 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. Expect up to 30 calendar days for delivery of a tax account transcript if you order by mail.
- If you still need an actual copy of a previously 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. You will need to allow 60 days for actual copies of your return.
- 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. You can find more guidance on disaster relief by going to www.irs.gov, keyword "disaster".
Often times, the information needed from the prior year return can be obtained from a return transcript, saving you the cost of paying for a copy of the actual return. If needed for a loan application or for some other reason by a third party, checking with them first to see if a transcript will suffice may save you some money.
