What do you do if you need a copy of your previously filed tax return? The starting point is to determine whether you need an exact copy of your return along with attachments (W-2) or can you make do with a computer transcript of your return, which gives most of the information as filed in your return.
What Do you Really Need?
If you need an exact copy of your tax return, you need to fill Form 4506.This form is known as ‘Request For Copy Of Tax Returns’. It is to be mailed to the address mentioned in the instructions along with a check or money order of $57 for each tax return requested. The check or MO should be in the name of ‘United States Treasury’. You should receive a copy of your return within 60 days. However, do keep in mind that copies of returns are available only for the previous six years.
In case you can make do with a transcript of your return, then you can ask for this by either calling 800-829-1040 and completing the request by following the voice recorded prompts or by filling Form 4506-T and mailing it to the address mentioned in the instructions. A transcript of a return, normally reaches you within ten business days. This is available free of cost and this information can be sought for the current and previous three years.
What Do You Need When You Ask For Tax Returns?
Generally, in most situations where you need to submit a copy of your tax return, a transcript of the return will suffice. This includes applications for student loans and applications for financial aid. Therefore, first verify what is required as it will save you both time and money.
What Do You Do Incase There Are Changes To Your Original Return
In a situation where changes have been made to the original return filed by you, which might have been made either by the IRS or by you, you will need to ask for a “Tax Account Transcript”. This too is available free of cost and is usually available for the current and the previous three years.
Exceptional Circumstances
As mentioned above, the normal time taken for a copy of a return to reach you is 60 days for an exact copy and 10 days for a transcript. However, if you have been impacted by a disaster declared as a federal disaster. And you need a copy of your returns to seek benefits offered or wish to file an amended return, so that you can claim disaster related losses, the IRS exempts the fees for applying for a copy of the return and expedites the request.