Video: How to Recover Past Tax Returns
If you need to recover a tax return from previous years, you have a few options. Watch this video to find how to recover past years' tax returns.
Video transcript:
Need a copy of a previous tax return? We’ll show you how to get it on this edition of Tax Tips by TurboTax!
Do you need a tax return from a prior year, but can’t find a copy?
Luckily, the IRS can give you copies of past tax returns. As long as you filed the original tax return on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, you can file Form 4506 with the IRS to request a copy. It can take up to 60 days to process, and the tax return you get back will include a copy of the original tax form along with all schedules and attachments.
The IRS typically destroys most tax returns after seven years. So, if you need a return you filed more than seven years ago, there’s no guarantee the IRS can locate it.
Also, the IRS charges a fee for each tax return you request. So you should include payment when mailing Form 4506. And if you want the returns sent directly to a third party, like a bank evaluating a mortgage application, you should include the bank's contact information on the form.
If you want to avoid paying fees, the IRS offers free tax return and tax account transcripts, but they are only available for the current and three prior years.
The tax return transcript reports the information from your original tax return, but doesn't include changes made after you filed, like IRS adjustments.
But the tax account transcript will reflect these changes, so ordering both types of transcripts should give you all the information you need.
You can request a tax return transcript by completing Form 4506T-EZ. But if you're also ordering a tax account transcript, you should use Form 4506-T instead.
If you filed prior-year taxes with TurboTax, getting a copy of your tax return is easy and free.
If you used our Desktop Download product, your return should be saved in the location you selected on the computer you used to file your taxes. If you used our online product, sign in to your TurboTax account using the same user ID as in previous years.
There are two ways to get your prior-year returns:
- Select Documents from the menu, choose the tax year you want, and select Download tax PDF.
- On Tax home, scroll down and select Your tax returns & documents. Choose the year you want and select Download, print return.
You can access returns for up to the past seven years.
Ready to get started? TurboTax can help you get your prior-year tax returns in just a few clicks!
Visit turbotax.com for more info to help you file your taxes with confidence!
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