How to Get a Copy of Your Tax Return

You can request copies of your IRS tax returns from the most recent seven tax years.

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Key Takeaways

Copies of old returns

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can provide you with copies of your tax return from the most recent seven tax years. You can request copies by preparing Form 4506 and attaching payment of $43 for each one. Once the IRS receives your request, it can take up to 60 days for the agency to process it. If you filed your taxes with a TurboTax CD/download product, your tax return should be stored on your computer, so you can print a copy at any time. If you used TurboTax Online, you can log in and print copies of your tax return for free.

Step 1: Download Form 4506

The only way you can obtain copies of your tax return from the IRS is by filing Form 4506 with the IRS. You can download this form from the IRS website.

Step 2: Enter required data

Enter your name and Social Security number on line 1. If you filed a joint return for any of the years you are requesting copies, then you must also provide your spouse’s name and Social Security number on line 2.

Step 3: Enter address

Enter your current address on line 3. If your current address is different than the address you report on your past-filed returns, enter that previous address on line 4. If you want your tax return sent directly to a third party, such as a bank evaluating your mortgage application, you can enter their name, address and phone number on line 5. If you leave line 5 blank, the IRS will mail your tax return to your current address.

TurboTax Tip:

If you filed your taxes with a TurboTax CD/download product, your tax return should be stored on your computer, so you can print a copy at any time. If you use TurboTax Online, you can sign in and print copies of your tax return for free.

Step 4: Enter form used

Enter the form you used to file your federal income tax return on line 6. If you are requesting a personal income tax return, it’s likely you filed on Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040A or 1040EZ. You must also enter the tax years you are requesting copies for on line 7. For example, if you are requesting your 2020 tax return, enter “12/31/2020” and not just “2020”.

Step 5: Enter number of returns

Enter the number of returns you are requesting on line 8b. As of 2023, the IRS charges $43 for each return. Multiply the number of returns you are requesting on line 8b by the applicable fee on line 8a and enter the total fee on line 8c.

Step 6: Sign and mail

Sign the form and mail to the appropriate IRS address. Page 2 of Form 4506 requires you to mail your request to the address listed for the state you lived in when you filed the original return. Before mailing, insure you enclose full payment; otherwise, the IRS will not process your request.

Remember, if you filed your tax return with TurboTax, you can skip these steps and either print your tax return from your computer, or download it from your TurboTax Online account.

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The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

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TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Form 1040 Returns with Limited Credits

A Form 1040 return with limited credits is one that's filed using IRS Form 1040 only (with the exception of the specific covered situations described below). Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.

If you have a Form 1040 return and are claiming limited credits only, you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic or TurboTax Full Service at the listed price.

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