Copy of Tax Return
There are two easy and convenient options for obtaining copies of your federal tax return information. If you did not file or efile your tax return or you need an old tax return you can contact the IRS to get a copy of a tax return or a transcript of the return. If you need a photocopy of a previously processed tax return and attachments, complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Form, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your area.
You have two easy and convenient options for getting copies of your federal tax return information--tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts--by phone or by mail.
How to Get Copies of Past Tax Returns
You can obtain photocopies of actual returns you have filed with the IRS. You'll get a copies of the return itself, all schedules you filed, plus copies of all W-2s.
- Obtain and complete an IRS Form 4506
- Form 4506 can also be used to order W-2 information only.
- There is a $23 fee for each tax year for which copies are requested.
- Mail the completed Form 4506 along with payment to the IRS office in your region.
- It can take up to 60 calendar days to get your copies.
- You can also order a "Tax Return Transcript" for returns in the 1040 series (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, etc.).
- Tax returns filed six or more years ago may not be available for photocopying.
- You can obtain a computer transcript of the information that was listed on the tax return that was filed with the IRS.
- The photocopy of the return would include the tax form itself, as well as all schedules that you submitted along with copies of the W-2 forms that were attached to the return.
- The computer transcript will give you a line by line listing of the return information from the form that was filed for the tax year requested.