How to get a transcript or copy of a prior year tax return?

As per IRS guidelines, taxpayers are required to keep copies of tax returns for at least three years. If you are unable to locate copy of your tax return you can either

1. Request a copy from your Tax Preparer OR
2. Request a copy from the Internal revenue service for a fee

If you are applying for a college financial aid or a mortgage, you may be required to also submit a copy of a tax transcript from the Internal revenue service.

Below are few basic steps to request a transcript :

To request a transcript, you can :

1. Request online :  The Get Transcript feature will allow you to request the transcript online
2. Request by postal mail : The request by postal mail will allow you to request the transcript by postal mail.
3. Complete form 4506-T and 4506T-EZ to the Internal Revenue service.

Few other points :

1. Transcripts are free and are available for the past 3 years.
2. Transcript usually has all line items that you may have submitted as part of your original tax return.
3. Average processing time of a tax transcript is 30 days if ordered by postal mail.

 

To request a copy of your past tax return, you can :

You can request a copy of the tax return for the current year and as far back as six years. You are required to mail a form 4506 to request a copy of the past year tax return. If you live in a declared disaster area you can get a free copy of the tax return. The fee per copy of the tax return is $50.

 

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