How to Access Your Previous Year’s Tax Return

Quick answer

• You can request a copy of your previous year’s tax return from the IRS.
• The most common way is by submitting Form 4506, “Request for a Copy of Tax Return.”
• There is a fee for each tax year requested.
• It can take several weeks to receive your copy.
• You can also try obtaining a transcript, which provides less detail but is often faster and free.
• Many tax software providers and tax preparers can also provide copies if they have your records.

What to check first (before you file or change withholding)

Filing Status

Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, Qualifying Widow(er)) significantly impacts your tax liability, standard deduction, and available credits. Ensure you are using the correct status based on your circumstances.

Income Sources

Gather all documents reporting income, such as W-2s from employers, 1099 forms for freelance work or investments, and statements for interest and dividends. Missing income can lead to penalties and interest.

Withholding or Estimated Payments

Review your W-4 form with your employer and any estimated tax payments you made. If too little was withheld or paid, you might owe taxes and face penalties. If too much, you’re missing out on money you could have used throughout the year.

Deductions and Credits

Understand which deductions and credits you are eligible for. These can significantly reduce your taxable income or the amount of tax you owe. This includes things like student loan interest deductions, education credits, or child tax credits.

Deadlines and Extensions (General)

The typical tax filing deadline is April 15th. If you need more time, you can file for an extension, but this only extends the time to file, not the time to pay any taxes owed. Missing deadlines can result in penalties.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Determine Why You Need Your Return:

• What to do: Identify the specific reason you need your prior year’s tax return (e.g., for a loan application, to amend a return, for financial planning).
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of the document’s purpose, which helps determine the best method for obtaining it.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming you need the full return when a transcript would suffice. Avoid this by first considering if you just need income and tax liability information.

2. Check with Your Tax Preparer or Software:

• What to do: If you used a tax professional or software, contact them to see if they have a copy of your filed return.
• What “good” looks like: Your preparer or software provider readily supplies a copy of your return, saving you time and effort.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Immediately going to the IRS without checking with your preparer. Avoid this by making a quick call to your tax professional first.

3. Consider Requesting a Tax Transcript:

• What to do: Visit the IRS website and look for the “Get Your Tax Record” tool to request a transcript. Transcripts provide summary information, not a full copy of your return.
• What “good” looks like: You can quickly access a free transcript online or via mail, which contains the necessary information for your needs.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Ordering a transcript when you specifically need a copy of the actual signed return. Avoid this by understanding the difference between a transcript and a full tax return copy.

4. Prepare to File Form 4506:

• What to do: If a transcript isn’t sufficient, download Form 4506, “Request for a Copy of Tax Return,” from the IRS website.
• What “good” looks like: You have the most current version of Form 4506 downloaded and are ready to fill it out accurately.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using an outdated version of Form 4506. Avoid this by always downloading the form directly from the IRS.gov website.

5. Complete Form 4506 Accurately:

• What to do: Fill in all required fields, including your name, Social Security number, address, and the specific tax year(s) you are requesting.
• What “good” looks like: All information is correct and matches your Social Security card and previous filings.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Incomplete or inaccurate information. Avoid this by double-checking every field against your records before submitting.

6. Specify the Tax Year(s):

• What to do: Clearly indicate which tax year(s) you need copies of. Note that there is a fee per tax year.
• What “good” looks like: You have precisely listed the tax year(s) needed, avoiding unnecessary charges for years you don’t require.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Requesting the wrong tax year or multiple years when only one is needed. Avoid this by carefully reviewing the year you need before filling out the form.

7. Include Payment:

• What to do: Form 4506 requires a fee for each tax return copy requested. Check the IRS website for the current fee amount and accepted payment methods.
• What “good” looks like: You have included the correct payment amount and method as specified by the IRS.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Incorrect payment amount or method. Avoid this by carefully reading the instructions on Form 4506 and the IRS website for payment requirements.

8. Mail Form 4506 and Payment:

• What to do: Mail the completed form and payment to the IRS address listed on Form 4506.
• What “good” looks like: The form is mailed to the correct IRS address, and you have kept a copy for your records.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Mailing to the wrong IRS address. Avoid this by verifying the correct mailing address on the official Form 4506.

9. Wait for Processing:

• What to do: The IRS will process your request. This can take several weeks.
• What “good” looks like: You have allowed ample time for processing and are patient.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Repeatedly contacting the IRS before the expected processing time has passed. Avoid this by noting the estimated processing time and waiting patiently.

10. Receive Your Tax Return Copy:

• What to do: Your copy of the tax return will be mailed to the address listed on Form 4506.
• What “good” looks like: You have received the correct tax return copies for the requested years.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: The return is mailed to an outdated address. Avoid this by ensuring the address on Form 4506 is current and correct.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Requesting a full return when a transcript suffices	Unnecessary fees and longer processing times.	First, try to obtain a free tax transcript from the IRS.
Using an outdated version of Form 4506	Your request may be rejected, causing delays.	Always download the latest version of Form 4506 directly from IRS.gov.
Inaccurate personal information on Form 4506	Your request will be rejected, delaying receipt of your return.	Double-check your name, Social Security number, and address against official documents.
Incorrectly specifying the tax year(s)	You may receive the wrong year’s return or pay for an unneeded copy.	Carefully verify the tax year(s) you need before filling out the form.
Not including the correct payment	Your request will not be processed until payment is received.	Check IRS.gov for the current fee and accepted payment methods; include the exact amount.
Mailing Form 4506 to the wrong IRS address	Significant delays in processing your request.	Verify the correct mailing address for Form 4506 on the IRS website or the form itself.
Not keeping a copy of your request	Difficult to track your request if issues arise.	Make a copy of your completed Form 4506 and proof of mailing before sending it.
Expecting immediate delivery	Frustration and unnecessary follow-up calls to the IRS.	Understand that processing can take several weeks; plan accordingly.
Providing a P.O. Box if the IRS requires a physical address	Rejection of your request.	Check the instructions for Form 4506 regarding acceptable mailing addresses.
Not verifying if your tax preparer has a copy	Wasting time and potentially paying fees to the IRS unnecessarily.	Always contact your tax preparer or software provider first.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need a summary of your income and tax liability for a loan application, then request a tax transcript because transcripts are free and faster to obtain than a full return.
• If you need to amend a prior year’s return, then you likely need a copy of the actual filed return, not just a transcript, because amendments require the original data.
• If you used a tax preparation service or software, then check with them first before contacting the IRS because they often retain copies of your returns.
• If you are requesting a copy for yourself, then you can use the IRS’s online transcript tool or mail Form 4506.
• If you are requesting a copy for someone else (e.g., a deceased spouse), then you will need to provide additional documentation, such as a death certificate or power of attorney, because identity and authorization are critical.
• If you filed your return within the last few years, then a transcript is usually available, but older returns might be more difficult to obtain.
• If you need a copy of a return from more than seven years ago, then be aware that the IRS may no longer have it readily available, and you may need to consult their specific policies for older records.
• If you need a copy urgently, then consider if a transcript will meet your needs, as they are processed more quickly than full return copies.
• If you are unsure whether a transcript or a full return is needed, then review the requirements of the entity requesting the document to determine the level of detail required.
• If you receive a rejected request, then review the reasons for rejection and resubmit with corrections, paying close attention to any specific IRS feedback.

FAQ

Q1: How long does it take to get a copy of my tax return from the IRS?

A1: It typically takes several weeks for the IRS to process a request for a copy of your tax return via Form 4506. Transcripts are usually faster.

Q2: Is there a fee to get a copy of my tax return?

A2: Yes, there is a fee for each tax year you request a copy of your tax return using Form 4506. Tax transcripts, however, are generally free.

Q3: Can I get a copy of my tax return online?

A3: You can get tax transcripts online through the IRS website’s “Get Your Tax Record” tool. Full copies of tax returns are typically mailed after requesting them via Form 4506.

Q4: What if I can’t find my Social Security number?

A4: You will need your Social Security number to request a copy of your tax return. If you’ve lost it, you’ll need to follow official procedures to retrieve or replace it.

Q5: What if the address on my old tax return is different from my current address?

A5: When filling out Form 4506, use your current mailing address where you want the copy sent. The IRS will use the address provided on this form for delivery.

Q6: Can my tax preparer get a copy of my return for me?

A6: Yes, if you authorize them and they have your consent, your tax preparer can request a copy on your behalf, often through their professional software or by filing Form 4506.

Q7: What information is on a tax transcript?

A7: A tax transcript provides a summary of your tax return information, including adjusted gross income, tax liability, and information from other tax forms filed. It does not include the full details or attachments of your original return.

Q8: What if I need a tax return from before 2000?

A8: Obtaining very old tax returns can be more challenging as the IRS may have different retention policies. You may need to contact the IRS directly to inquire about the availability and process for older records.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Amending a Tax Return: This page focuses on obtaining a copy. If you need to change a filed return, you’ll need to file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
• International Tax Filings: This guide pertains to U.S. federal tax returns. Rules and procedures for other countries differ significantly.
• State Tax Returns: While the IRS handles federal taxes, each state has its own tax agency with separate procedures for obtaining state tax return copies.
• Tax Law Interpretation: This page provides procedural guidance. For advice on specific tax laws, credits, or deductions, consult a qualified tax professional.