Did you know that you can get a copy of your tax return (also called a “tax return transcript”) from the IRS?

Free Copies (Transcripts)

If you cannot find a copy of your tax return, fortunately, you can obtain a transcript from the IRS.  A free tax return transcript shows most line items from your tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as you originally filed it, including any accompanying schedules and forms. Your transcript will  include all the information a lender or government agency needs, at least in most cases. Ask the requester (usually a mortgage company of student loan agency) or your tax return copy to make sure that this type of return transcript will meet their requirements. The tax return transcript is generally available for the current and past three years.

The IRS can also provide a tax account transcript. The tax account transcript is also free and shows basic data from your return, including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income. Like the tax return transcript, the tax account transcript is generally available for the current and past three years.

You can order your transcript(s) using the IRS’s Order a Transcript application. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946.

Exact Copies Not Free

If you need an exact copy of one of your tax returns, includes all attachments such as W-2′s, you will need to complete Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return).  Exact copies cost $57.00 and are generally available for returns filed in the current and past six years. Copies of jointly filed tax returns may be requested by either spouse and only one signature is required. Allow 60 calendar days to receive your copies.

Daniel Stoica Accounting Professional

How to Get Your Prior Year Tax Information from the IRS

Prior Year Tax Information is needed for a variety of reasons by taxpayers and their return preparers.

IRS Tax Tip 2011-13 January 19, 2011

Taxpayers who need certain prior year tax return information can obtain it from the IRS. Here are nine things to know if you need federal tax return information from a previously filed tax return.

1. There are three options for obtaining free copies of your federal tax return information – on the web, by phone or by mail.
2. The IRS does not charge a fee for transcripts, which are presently available for the current tax year as well as the past three tax years.
3. A tax return transcript shows most line items from your tax return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules.  It does not reflect any changes made after the return was filed.
4. A tax account transcript shows any later adjustments either you or the IRS made after the tax return was filed. This transcript shows basic data – including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income.
5. To request either transcript online, go to http://www.irs.gov and look for our new online tool called Order A Transcript. To order by phone, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts in the recorded message.
6. To request a 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ tax return transcript through the mail, complete IRS Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript. Businesses, partnerships and individuals who need transcript information from other forms or need a tax account transcript must use the Form 4506T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
7. If you order online or by phone, you should receive your tax return transcript within 5 to 10 days from the time the IRS receives your request. Allow 30 calendar days for delivery of a tax account transcript if you order by mail using Form 4506T or Form 4506T-EZ.
8. If you still need an actual copy of a previously processed tax return, it will cost $57 for each tax year that you order.  Complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your area.  Copies are generally available for the current year as well as the past six years. Please allow 60 days for actual copies of your return.
9. Visit http://www.irs.gov to determine which form will meet your needs. Forms 4506, 4506T and 4506T-EZ can be found at http://www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS forms and publications order line at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).