How to get copies of old tax returns

How do you get copies of prior filed tax returns? Do you need a copy of a past tax return? Can I get previous years copy of tax return? To get a transcript, people can: Order online.

Use the ‘ Get Transcript ’ tool available on IRS.

There is a link to it under the red TOOLS bar on the front page. How to Get Previous Tax Returns – From the IRS. The IRS offers two ways for you to receive your tax information via transcript free of charge – online or by mail with it’s Get Transcript service.

With either option, you’ll need to supply personal information, such as your SSN, date of birth and your mailing address. The method you used to file your tax return , e-file or paper, and whether you had a balance due, affects your current year transcript availability. The Get Transcript Service is for individual taxpayers to retrieve their own transcripts for their own purposes. The IRS recommends that you keep tax records for at least three years from the date you filed your original return , and longer for special situations.

If you paid someone to prepare them for you, they are required to keep copies.

You can get them from them. Contact the IRS and notify them of your situation immediately. Your old employer would only have your W2s - and even then only if they have a reliable filing system. Step 2: Enter required data. Generally, the IRS recommends keeping copies of tax returns and supporting documents at least three years.

Taxpayers should keep some documents — such as those related to real estate sales — for three years after filing the return on which they reported the transaction. Mail your request to the IRS office listed on the form for your area. If you live in a federally declared disaster area, you can get a free copy of your tax return. Your accountant or tax preparer can give you a photocopy of your old returns , usually at no charge.

Some accountants may charge a small processing fee or add the cost of copying old returns into the fee for filing your current return. Official Source For Old Tax Records. Quickly Find The Latest Forms. Make sure you send in your request as soon as possible, especially if you are in a hurry to get a copy of your old tax returns.

If you cannot find your old tax returns and need to order a tax return transcript from the IRS, you have several options. Copies of tax returns. You should keep copies of your tax returns as part of your tax records.

For a fee, you can request copies of old tax returns from the IRS. If you used TurboTax to file your tax returns , you can open and print previous tax returns for no charge. The process of accessing old tax returns differs based on whether you used TurboTax online or a Turbo Tax CD or software download to prepare the return. The online service you use will depend on whether you're a tax professional, legal practitioner, or individual or sole trader.

Most requests for copies of tax documents can be made using our online services. Access Tax Return Forms Free With SearchFormsOnline!