How to Request an Exact Copy of a Past Tax Return
There is a $50 fee for each tax return that you request from the IRS. Typically, you can request copies of Tax Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ for up to 6 years ago (before they’re destroyed by law). Copies of other types of tax forms may be available for longer than 6 years.
You can request a copy of a past tax return by using IRS Tax Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return).
See the following link https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf
Note that you can only order 1 type of tax return per request form, which means you must submit separate Forms 4506 if you need different types of returns. Make sure your full payment (of $50 per copy) is included with your request. Also keep in mind that it may take the IRS up to 75 days to process your request.
How to Request a Transcript of a Past Tax Return
If you don’t need an exact copy of a tax return, you should consider requesting a free Tax Return Transcript from the IRS instead. A transcript contains most of the information from the original tax return (which is usually enough for a mortgage lender if you’re applying for a home loan. Transcripts are available for the following IRS tax forms: Form W-2, Form 1099 series, Form 1098 series, or Form 5498 series. You can have copies of tax returns mailed directly to you or the IRS can send them to a third party for you.
To request a transcript, you can use IRS Tax Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return). Additionally, you can request a transcript online at the IRS website - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
by clicking on “Order a Transcript,” or using your telephone by calling 1- ***-***-**** .
In most cases, you can request a transcript for up to 3 years ago. Most requests are processed within 10 days after the IRS receives your request.
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