1.6 IRS Procedures: Copies & Transcripts
How do I request a copy of my tax return for last year?
If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed return and
all attachments (including Forms W-2), you must complete Form 4506 (PDF) , Request for Copy of Tax Return and mail it to the IRS
address in the instructions along with a $23 fee (increases to $39 Jan. 1,
2004) for each tax year requested. Copies are generally available for returns
filed in the current and past 6 years.
In cases where an exact copy of the return is not needed, tax return and
tax transcripts my be ordered, to be sent to you at your address of record,
by calling (800) 829-1040 or completing and mailing Form 4506. Effective Jan.
1, 2004, use, Form 4506-T (PDF) , Request
for Transcript of Tax Return. The tax return transcripts shows most line
items contained on the return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying
forms and schedules. In most cases, a tax return transcript will meet the
requirements for lending institutions for mortgage verification purposes.
The transcript can be ordered by completing a Form 4506 (effective January
1, 2004, use Form 4506T to request all types of transcripts) or calling (800)
829-1040 and following the prompts in the recorded message. There is no charge
for the transcript and you should receive it in 10 business days from the
time we receive your request. Tax return transcripts are generally available
for the current and past three years. If you need a statement of your tax
account which shows changes that you or the IRS made after the original return
was filed, you must request a "Tax Account Transcript". This transcript shows
basic data including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross
income, taxable income, payments and adjustments made on your account. Tax
return and account transcripts are generally available for the current and
past 3 years.
Form 4506 can also be used to get proof from the IRS that you did not file
a tax return for a particular tax year (Effective Jan. 1, 2004, use Form 4506-T).
Forms can be downloaded at Forms & Pubs or ordered by calling (800)
829-1040.
References:
- Form 4506 (PDF) Request for
Copy of Tax Return
- Form 4506-T (PDF) Request for
Transcript of Tax Return
Is it possible to make the request for a copy of my return via the
Internet?
At the present time, it is not possible to request a copy of your return
via the Internet. If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed
Federal return, you must file Form 4506 (PDF), Request
for Copy of Tax Return. In cases where an exact copy of the return is
not needed, tax return and tax account transcripts may be ordered, to be sent
to you at your address of record, by calling (800) 829-1040 or completing
and mailing Form 4506 (Effective Jan. 1, 2004, use Form 4506-T (PDF) , Request for Transcript of Tax Return.) There is
a $23 (increased to $39 January 1, 2004) fee for copies of your previously
filed tax forms and all attachments (including Form(s) W-2) for each tax period
requested. You should allow 60 calendar days for a response. There is no charge
for tax return transcripts or Form W-2 information.
References:
- Form 4506 (PDF) Request for Copy of Tax Return
- Form 4506-T (PDF) Request for Transcript of
Tax Return
What form do I need to get a copy of a previous year's federal tax
return that I filed?
At the present time, it is not possible to request a copy of your return
via the Internet. If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed
Federal return, you must file Form 4506 (PDF), Request
for Copy of Tax Return. In cases where an exact copy of the return is
not needed, tax return and tax account transcripts may be ordered, to be sent
to you at your address of record, by calling (800) 829-1040 or completing
and mailing Form 4506 (Effective Jan. 1, 2004, use Form 4506-T (PDF), Request for Transcript of Tax Return. There is a $23
fee (increased to $39 January 1, 2004) for copies of your previously filed
tax forms and all attachments (including Form(s) W-2) for each tax period
requested. You should allow 60 calendar days for a response. There is no charge
for tax return transcripts or Forms W-2 information.
References:
- Form 4506 (PDF) Request for
Copy of Tax Return
- Form 4506-T (PDF) , Request
for Transcript of Tax Return
Can I get copies of my prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS?
The quickest way to obtain a copy of a prior year Form W-2 (PDF) is through your employer. If that is not possible, you can order
and pay for copies of your entire return (attachments include Form W-2) from
IRS, or order W-2 information at no charge from IRS. IRS can provide W-2 information
for the current and past 9 years. Complete and mail Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy of Tax Return and Form 4506-T (PDF) Request for Transcript of Tax Return. You should allow
60 calendar days for a response.
References:
- Form 4506 (PDF), Request for
Copy of Tax Return
- Form 4506-T (PDF) Request
for Transcript of Tax Return
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