Ever find yourself staring down a financial aid application, a mortgage request, or even just trying to reconcile your own records, and realize you need a copy of your past tax return from the IRS? Don't panic! While the thought of dealing with government agencies can sometimes feel daunting, the IRS has made it surprisingly straightforward to obtain your tax information. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to download or request your tax return information, step by step, ensuring you get exactly what you need with minimal hassle.
How to Get Your Tax Return Information from the IRS: A Step-by-Step Guide
It's crucial to understand that the IRS primarily provides tax transcripts for free, which show most line items from your original return. If you need an exact copy of your filed return (Form 1040, etc., with all attachments), there's a fee involved and a different process. We'll cover both.
Step 1: Identify What You Actually Need – Transcript vs. Copy
Before you begin, let's clarify the difference, as it will determine your path.
- Tax Return Transcript (FREE): This is the most common request. It shows most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as you filed it, along with any attached forms and schedules. It does not show changes made after you filed your original return. This is typically sufficient for student financial aid, mortgage applications, and many other verification purposes. It's generally available for the current and three prior tax years.
- Tax Account Transcript (FREE): This transcript provides basic data like filing status, taxable income, and payment types. It does show changes made after you filed your original return. Available for the current and nine prior tax years through some methods, and current and three prior years by mail/phone.
- Record of Account Transcript (FREE): This is a combination of the Tax Return Transcript and the Tax Account Transcript, offering the most detailed information. Available for the current and three prior tax years.
- Wage and Income Transcript (FREE): This shows data from information returns like Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, and 5498. Useful for tax preparation or verifying income sources. Available for the current and nine prior tax years.
- Verification of Non-filing Letter (FREE): This letter simply states that the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040-series tax return for a specific year.
- Copy of Your Tax Return ($50 Fee per return): If you need an exact photocopy of your original Form 1040, including all schedules and attachments, this is what you'll need. This is less common but may be required for legal proceedings or specific circumstances. Copies are generally available for the current year and up to six prior years.
Which one do YOU need? Take a moment to confirm with the institution or reason you're requesting the document. Most often, a "Tax Return Transcript" is all that's required and it's free and quicker to obtain.
Step 2: Choosing Your Download/Request Method
The IRS offers several convenient ways to get your tax information. Each has its pros and cons regarding speed and verification requirements.
Method 1: The Fastest Way - Get Transcript Online (Recommended for Transcripts)
This is the quickest method if you can successfully verify your identity online.
Sub-heading: 2.1 Online Account (The Ultimate Gateway)
If you already have an IRS Online Account, this is your absolute best bet.
- Visit the IRS Website: Go to
IRS.gov - Access Your Online Account: Look for the "Sign In to Your Online Account" button or section.
- Sign In (or Create an Account):
- If you have an account, sign in using your ID.me credentials.
- If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one. This involves a robust identity verification process, which might include taking a photo of your ID, a selfie, and providing financial information (like a credit card number or an account number for a home mortgage or auto loan – no charges will be made to these accounts). This process is designed to protect your sensitive tax data.
- Navigate to Tax Records: Once logged in, find the "Tax Records" page or link.
- View, Print, or Download Transcripts: From here, you can directly view, print, or download various types of transcripts (Tax Return, Tax Account, Record of Account, Wage and Income, Verification of Non-filing).
- Pro-Tip: Having your IRS Online Account set up is incredibly useful for future needs, not just for transcripts. You can also see your payment history, adjusted gross income (AGI), and other tax records.
Sub-heading: 2.2 Get Transcript Online (Direct Access if No Online Account)
If you don't want to create a full IRS Online Account but still want to attempt online access for transcripts, you can use the "Get Transcript Online" tool directly.
- Go to IRS.gov: Navigate to the IRS website.
- Find "Get Your Tax Record": On the homepage, look for a section or link titled "Get Your Tax Record" or "Get Transcript."
- Select "Get Transcript Online": Click on this option.
- Identity Verification: You'll be prompted to verify your identity. This usually involves:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Date of birth
- Filing status from your most recent tax return
- Mailing address from your most recent tax return
- Access to a valid email address
- A text-enabled mobile phone in your name (pay-as-you-go plans might not work)
- Specific financial account numbers (e.g., credit card number, mortgage account number, auto loan account number – no charges will be made).
- Follow Prompts: The system will send a confirmation code to your email and an authentication code to your text-enabled phone. You'll use these to finalize the registration.
- Select Transcript Type and Tax Year: Once verified, you can select the type of transcript you need (e.g., Tax Return Transcript) and the relevant tax year.
- View and Print: The transcript will be displayed, and you can view, print, or download it.
- Important Note: If you cannot successfully verify your identity through this online process (e.g., you lack some of the required financial information or encounter an error), you will need to use one of the other methods.
Method 2: Get Transcript by Mail (For Transcripts)
This is a reliable option if online verification is not possible or preferred.
- Visit IRS.gov: Go to the IRS website.
- Find "Get Your Tax Record": Locate the "Get Your Tax Record" or "Get Transcript" section.
- Select "Get Transcript by Mail": Click on this option.
- Enter Information: You will need to provide:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Date of birth
- Street address
from your latest tax return filed with the IRS - Zip or postal code.
- Crucially, the transcript will be mailed to the address the IRS has on file for you. If you've moved since your last tax return, you might need to file Form 8822, Change of Address, first to ensure it's mailed to the correct place. Allow time for this form to be processed.
- Select Transcript Type and Tax Year: Choose the "Return Transcript" and the specific tax year you need.
- Submit Request: The transcript will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 calendar days.
Method 3: Requesting a Copy of Your Actual Tax Return (Form 4506)
This method is for obtaining an exact copy of your filed tax return, not just a transcript. There is a fee associated with this.
Sub-heading: 3.1 Completing Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return
- Download Form 4506: Go to
IRS.gov - Fill Out the Form Accurately:
- Line 1a & 1b: Your Name and Social Security Number (or ITIN). If it was a joint return, enter the primary taxpayer's name and SSN first.
- Line 2a & 2b: If a joint return, spouse's name and SSN.
- Line 3: Your current name and address.
- Line 4: Your previous address if different from line 3, and if it was the address on the last return filed.
- Line 5 (Optional): If you want the return mailed to a third party (e.g., a mortgage company), enter their name, address, and telephone number here. Be cautious when having sensitive documents sent to third parties.
- Line 6: Indicate the type of tax return you are requesting (e.g., Form 1040). You can only request one type of return per form.
- Line 7: Enter the ending date of the tax year or period you are requesting (mm/dd/yyyy format).
- Line 8: Check this box if you need a certified copy for court or administrative proceedings.
- Calculate Fee: The fee is $50 for each return/year requested.
- Prepare Payment: Make a check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury." Do not send cash.
- Sign and Date: The taxpayer (and spouse, if a joint return) must sign and date the form.
- Mail the Form and Payment: Mail the completed Form 4506 and your payment to the appropriate IRS address listed on the form for your area. The address depends on the state you lived in when that return was filed.
- Allow Processing Time: Expect to wait up to 75 calendar days for your request to be processed and the copy to be delivered. This is a significantly longer wait than for transcripts.
Method 4: Automated Phone Transcript Service (For Tax Return & Tax Account Transcripts)
You can also request a transcript by phone, and it will be mailed to you.
- Call the Automated Service: Dial 1-800-908-9946.
- Follow the Prompts: You will be asked to enter your Social Security Number (SSN) and the numbers in your street address (only the numbers).
- Select Transcript Type and Tax Year: Choose the option for a Tax Return Transcript or Tax Account Transcript and specify the tax year.
- Confirmation: If successfully validated, the transcript will be mailed to the address the IRS has on file for you within 5 to 10 business days. Again, if your address has changed, you must update it with the IRS first using Form 8822.
Method 5: Using Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ (For Transcripts by Mail or Fax)
These forms are used to request transcripts by mail or fax. Form 4506T-EZ is a simpler version for individual tax return transcripts only.
Sub-heading: 5.1 Using Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return)
- Download Form 4506-T: Go to
IRS.gov - Fill Out the Form: Similar to Form 4506, but it's specifically for transcripts. You'll need to specify the type of transcript (Tax Return Transcript, Tax Account Transcript, etc.) and the tax years.
- Sign and Date: Sign the form.
- Mail or Fax: Mail or fax the completed form to the appropriate IRS address or fax number listed on the form. Processing is usually within 10 business days, and the transcript will be mailed to the address the IRS has on file.
Sub-heading: 5.2 Using Form 4506T-EZ (Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript)
This form is for individual tax return transcripts only and is a bit more streamlined.
- Download Form 4506T-EZ: Go to
IRS.gov - Fill Out: Provide your SSN/ITIN, name, address from your last filed return, and the tax year for the return transcript.
- Sign and Date.
- Mail or Fax: Send it to the relevant IRS address or fax number provided on the form. Delivery is typically within 5-10 business days.
Step 3: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Online Account/Get Transcript Online: If you successfully download your transcript, save it to a secure location on your computer or cloud storage.
- By Mail/Phone/Form: Allow the stated processing time (5-10 business days for transcripts, up to 75 days for copies of returns).
- Checking Status: The IRS generally doesn't provide a way to track the status of transcript or copy requests made by mail or phone. You'll simply have to wait for it to arrive. If it doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, you may need to re-submit your request.
Key Considerations and Tips:
- Accuracy is paramount: Ensure all information you provide (especially your name, SSN, and address) exactly matches what the IRS has on file from your last tax return. Even minor discrepancies can cause your request to be rejected.
- Address Changes: If your address has changed since your last tax filing, update it with the IRS first by filing Form 8822, Change of Address. Allow time for this to process before requesting transcripts by mail or phone, or they will be sent to the old address.
- Identity Protection: The IRS partially masks personally identifiable information on transcripts (like SSNs) for your protection. Financial data, including Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), remains fully visible. If you need unmasked information, you might need to contact the IRS directly or provide additional verification.
- FAFSA Applicants: If you're applying for financial aid and need tax information for FAFSA, you can often use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) directly on the FAFSA website, which securely transfers your tax information. This is often the easiest method for FAFSA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about getting your tax returns from the IRS:
How to get a tax transcript if I can't verify my identity online?
If you're unable to verify your identity online, you can request a tax transcript by mail using the "Get Transcript by Mail" tool on IRS.gov, by calling their automated phone transcript service at 1-800-908-9946, or by submitting Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ by mail or fax.
How to get a copy of my tax return if I need it for legal purposes?
For legal or court proceedings that require an exact certified copy of your tax return, you must complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and check the box indicating you need a certified copy. Be prepared for the $50 fee per return and a processing time of up to 75 days.
How to check the status of my tax transcript request?
The IRS generally does not provide an online tracking system for transcript requests made by mail or phone. You will need to wait the estimated 5-10 business days for it to arrive. If it doesn't, you may need to re-submit your request.
How to get a business tax transcript from the IRS?
You can get a business tax transcript by logging into your business tax account online, requesting it by mail with Form 4506-T, or by calling the IRS business and specialty tax line.
How to update my address with the IRS before requesting a transcript?
To update your address, you must file Form 8822, Change of Address. It's crucial to do this before requesting a transcript by mail or phone, as the transcript will be sent to the address the IRS has on file, which can take 4-6 weeks to process.
How to get tax information for a deceased loved one from the IRS?
To request tax information for a deceased individual, you typically need to be the executor or administrator of the estate and provide documentation proving your authority. You'll likely use Form 4506 or Form 4506-T.
How to get a tax transcript if I filed a joint return?
For a joint return, either taxpayer can request a transcript. When requesting online or by phone, you'll need the primary taxpayer's information (SSN, date of birth, and address from the return). When using forms, either taxpayer can sign.
How to get a tax return or transcript for a prior year not available online?
While online transcripts are typically available for the current and three prior tax years (or nine for tax account/wage and income), older tax years might require submitting Form 4506-T (for transcripts) or Form 4506 (for copies) by mail.
How to know the difference between a tax transcript and a tax return copy?
A tax transcript is a summary of your tax return information (like line items from Form 1040), provided for free. A tax return copy is an exact photocopy of your original filed return and all its attachments, which costs $50 per return.
How to get my AGI if I don't have my prior year's tax return?
Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is crucial for e-filing your current year's tax return. You can easily find your prior year's AGI by signing into your IRS Online Account and viewing your tax records or by requesting a Tax Return Transcript or Tax Account Transcript by mail or phone.
