How can I get a copy of my prior years tax return?

Wayne · #1 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 02:50 PM

I need copies of my prior years tax return, and unfortunately, I seem to have misplaced my copies!

Could you please advise me how I can obtain these copies from the IRS?

Thanks a lot!

TaxGuru · #2 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 04:01 PM

How Can I get Copies of Prior Year Tax Returns?
There are a couple of ways of obtaining your prior years tax return. The IRS requires that a taxpayer complete Form 4506 "A Request for Copy of Tax Return," which is used to request copies of previously filed tax returns." You may click the following link to access a PDF file that will allow you to print Form 4506. "

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

Alternatively, the Form 4506 can also be ordered by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Charges and Fees
The IRS charges $39.00 for a copy of each tax return requested. But, the IRS provides tax return transcripts and copies of Form W-2 at no charge.

What is a Tax Return Transcript?
A tax return transcript shows most line items from the original tax return, including accompanying tax forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes you or the IRS made to the original tax return. Tax return transcripts of Form 1040, Form 1040A, or Form 1040-EZ are available for tax years after 1991. It is worth noting, that a tax return transcript will meet the requirements for lending institutions for mortgage verification purposes.

How can you request a copy of a tax return transcript?
You may request a tax return transcript by telephone, by personally visiting your local IRS office, or by using Form 4506. Upon completing the Form 4506, it is recommended that the taxpayer mail it to the IRS service center where you originally filed the tax return. The IRS allows you to use the same Form 4506 to request tax returns for up to four tax periods from the same IRS Service Center. However, you must use a separate Form 4506 for each IRS Service Center from which you are requesting information.

How Long before I can expect to get my tax return transcripts?
The IRS has estimated that a taxpayer should allow up to 60 days to receive copies of tax returns, or 10 work days for a tax return transcript. The Transcripts appear to be delivered much faster than the tax returns as the latter requires additional processing time to handle the payment.