How to Obtain a Copy of Past Tax Return
Step 1
Call or visit the tax firm or tax professional who prepared your previous year's tax return. They can provide a previous tax return copy for free or for a certain fee.
Step 2
Print and complete IRS Form 4506, if you want to have an exact copy of past tax return with all attachments and copy of W2 (see Resources 2). When done, mail it to the address given in the instructions together with the required fee. The check or money order for the fee should be payable to the "United States Treasury." You may receive the requested documents within 60 days. Copies of tax returns filed for the current and past six years are generally available.
Step 3
Contact the phone number provided on the IRS website, if you want to do IRS transcript request form for free (see References 3). A tax return transcript is a computer print-out that shows most of the line items from your originally filed tax return using Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ, including any forms and schedules used. It can be submitted when applying for a mortgage or a student loan. A tax account transcript is a computer print-out that shows any later adjustments done by you, your representative or the IRS after filing your tax return. According to irs.gov, "This transcript shows basic data, including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income. Both transcripts are generally available for the current and past three years and are provided free of charge."
Step 4
Send an IRS transcript request form by mail, if necessary. Print Form 4506-T and fill out all the required information before mailing it (see Resources 3). You may receive your requested copies within two weeks.
References:
1) How to Get a Copy of a Prior-year Tax Return and W-2
2) Copy of Your Tax Return - How to Get One
3) Requesting Transcripts
Resources:
1) Internal Revenue Service
2) Form 4506
3) Form 4506-T
Published by Kahlie Cannes
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