How to Get a Copy of Your Tax Return
The IRS allows you to request copies of your previous tax returns, wage and income statements, and verification of non-filing letters. You can request your personal tax records for up to 7 years online or by mail. If you need a copy of a previous tax return, find out how you can obtain your 1040 form by requesting your personal tax records from the IRS.
Key Takeaways
- To obtain copies of your tax return from the IRS, download file Form 4506 from the IRS website, complete it, sign it, and mail it to the appropriate IRS address.
- As of 2024, the IRS charges $43 for each return you request.
- If you filed a joint return for any of the years you are requesting copies, then you must provide your spouse’s name and Social Security number on Form 4506. It’s not necessary for your spouse to sign Form 4506 if you are requesting copies of a joint return.
- If you want your tax return sent directly to a third party, you can enter their name, address, and phone number on line 5 of Form 4506.
Copies of old returns
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can provide you with copies of your tax return from the most recent seven tax years. You can request copies by preparing Form 4506 and attaching payment of $43 for each one. Once the IRS receives your request, it can take up to 60 days for the agency to process it. If you filed your taxes with a TurboTax CD/download product, your tax return should be stored on your computer, so you can print a copy at any time. If you used TurboTax Online, you can log in and print copies of your tax return for free.
Step 1: Download Form 4506
The only way you can obtain copies of your tax return from the IRS is by filing Form 4506 with the IRS. You can download this form from the IRS website.
Step 2: Enter required data
Enter your name and Social Security number on line 1. If you filed a joint return for any of the years you are requesting copies, then you must also provide your spouse’s name and Social Security number on line 2.
Step 3: Enter address
Enter your current address on line 3. If your current address is different than the address you report on your past-filed returns, enter that previous address on line 4. If you want your tax return sent directly to a third party, such as a bank evaluating your mortgage application, you can enter their name, address and phone number on line 5. If you leave line 5 blank, the IRS will mail your tax return to your current address.
TurboTax Tip:
If you filed your taxes with a TurboTax CD/download product, your tax return should be stored on your computer, so you can print a copy at any time. If you use TurboTax Online, you can sign in and print copies of your tax return for free.
Step 4: Enter form used
Enter the form you used to file your federal income tax return on line 6. If you are requesting a personal income tax return, it’s likely you filed on Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040A or 1040EZ. You must also enter the tax years you are requesting copies for on line 7. For example, if you are requesting your 2020 tax return, enter “12/31/2020” and not just “2020”.
Step 5: Enter number of returns
Enter the number of returns you are requesting on line 8b. As of 2024, the IRS charges $43 for each return. Multiply the number of returns you are requesting on line 8b by the applicable fee on line 8a and enter the total fee on line 8c.
Step 6: Sign and mail
Sign the form and mail to the appropriate IRS address. Page 2 of Form 4506 requires you to mail your request to the address listed for the state you lived in when you filed the original return. Before mailing, insure you enclose full payment; otherwise, the IRS will not process your request.
Remember, if you filed your tax return with TurboTax, you can skip these steps and either print your tax return from your computer, or download it from your TurboTax Online account.
Things You'll Need:
- IRS Form 4506
Tips:
- If you are requesting copies of a joint return, it’s not necessary for your spouse to sign Form 4506.
With TurboTax Live Full Service, a local expert matched to your unique situation will do your taxes for you start to finish. Or, get unlimited help and advice from tax experts while you do your taxes with TurboTax Live Assisted.
And if you want to file your own taxes, TurboTax will guide you step by step so you can feel confident they'll be done right. No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund.
Get started now by logging into TurboTax and file with confidence.
