How can I get a copy of my tax return?

Written by: Lindsay VanSomeren
• Updated •4 min read
Asian-American college student, sitting on campus lawn, reviewing student loan paperwork and wondering how to get a copy of a tax return for his application.Image: Asian-American college student, sitting on campus lawn, reviewing student loan paperwork and wondering how to get a copy of a tax return for his application.

In a Nutshell

When you need proof of your income and other tax-related information, you can get either a tax transcript or a copy of a past tax return. A tax transcript is free. Copies of past tax returns, on the other hand, may cost you. Here’s how to get them.
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Keeping tabs on your old tax returns may not be your top concern in life — until a situation comes up when you need them.

For example, if you apply for a mortgage or student loan, you typically have to disclose your income — but lenders won’t always just take your word for how much you earn. That’s where your official tax records come in. They can serve as proof of your income when applying not only for loans but for things like rental housing, government benefits or other kinds of financial aid.

If you don’t have a copy of your tax return on hand when you need it, no problem! You can use a few different methods to get your past tax information.

The first big question: Do you need a full copy of your tax return, or can you get by with a transcript?

Tax transcripts vs. tax returns

The IRS supplies taxpayers with past tax information in two different formats: tax transcripts or copies of past tax returns.

What is a tax transcript?

A tax transcript is basically a printout summary of the major data on your tax return, including a particularly important one: adjusted gross income, or AGI.

The IRS doesn’t charge for tax transcripts, and you can get one online immediately (or within five to 10 calendar days, if it’s mailed). You’ll need to register online with the IRS before you can access the Get Transcript Online tool.

In most cases, when you need tax return info you can use a tax transcript. Ask whoever needs your tax information whether a tax transcript will be OK or if a copy of the return is required.

Copies of tax returns

A copy of your tax return is exactly that — a duplicate of the return you mailed or e-filed with the IRS. For a fee, the IRS can provide up to seven years back, plus the current year’s tax return, if you’ve already filed yours. You’ll need to fill out and mail Form 4506 to the IRS to request a copy of a tax return.

You might need a copy of your old tax return, rather than a tax transcript, if more-detailed information from prior tax returns (like the specific W-2s you filed) is required — or if older tax information is needed.

How to get a copy of your tax transcript

There are three ways to get a copy of your tax transcript.

  1. The easiest way is to use the IRS’s online transcript portal, Get Transcript Online.
  2. You can also fill out and mail in a copy of Form 4506-T or use the Get Transcript by Mail option through the Get Transcript portal.
  3. If you’re a phone person, you can also get a copy of your transcript by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-9946. Phone orders typically take five to 10 calendar days.

What tax years can I get a transcript for?

The IRS offers tax return transcripts for the current tax filing year, plus the most recent three tax years.

How to get a copy of your tax return

If you do need a copy of your tax return, you have a few options.

  • You can ask your tax preparer (if you used one) to send it to you.
  • If you used an online tax preparation and filing service to e-file your return, you may also be able to access a copy of your tax return directly through the program for the years you filed through the software. But be aware the service may limit the number of years you can access or charge a fee to allow you to access and download past years’ returns.
  • Finally, you can always request a copy directly from the IRS. You can’t request a past year’s return over the phone or online, so you’ll need to fill out Form 4506 and mail it in. It’ll also cost you $43 per copy, per tax year for which you’re requesting a return copy, and it could take 75 days for the IRS to process your request.

Bottom line

Big life changes like buying a house, going to college or moving into new digs often require proof of income.

If you’ve forgotten to store a copy of your tax return, or if you’ve lost it, first find out if you can use a tax transcript — this can be easier to get, and it’s free. If that won’t do, there are ways to get a copy of your old tax return. But doing so may take some time and money.

Relevant sources: Welcome to Get Tax Transcript | Transcript Types and Ways to Order Them | About Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return | Form 4506-T | Form 4506 | Definition of Adjusted Gross Income

About the author: Lindsay VanSomeren is a freelance writer living in Kirkland, Washington. She has been a professional dogsled racer, a wildlife researcher, and a participant in the National Spelling Bee. She writes for websites such a… Read more.