How to get copies of your federal (1040) tax forms

GETTING A TAX RETURN COPY IS FAST, EASY AND FREE!

By Telephone:  Internal Revenue Service: 1-800-829-1040

1. If you reach a customer service representative, tell the him/her that you wish to order a TRANSCRIPT of your
   tax return or account.  (Normal IRS business hours are 7:00 am-10:00 pm, M-F except Federal Holidays).
2. If you reach an automated voice message, you will hear a list of menu options.       

• Press 3 for “All other automated services.”    
• Follow the instructions given.    
• If you filed a joint return, use the first SSN entered on the return.

By Mail/Fax:  Internal Revenue Service:  www.irs.gov

1. Click on “More Forms & Publications”.   
2. You will see “Download forms and publications by:”  Click on “Form and instruction number”.
3. Scroll down until you find Form 4506T.  Highlight that form.
4. Click on “Review Selected Files”.
5. Click on 1105 Form 4506-T Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
   
6. Print and complete the Form 4506T.
   
7. Mail or fax the form to the Internal Revenue Service.
   

There is no charge for the TAX RETURN TRANSCRIPT and you should receive it within 10 business days from the time the IRS receives your request. Tax return transcripts are generally available for the current and past three years.

• Form 4506-T can also be used to get proof from the IRS that you did not file a tax return for a particular tax year.
• Forms can be downloaded at www.irs.gov and then click on Forms & Pubs or order by calling 1-800-829-3676.

Can I get copies of my prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS?

The quickest way to obtain a copy of a prior year Form W-2 is through your employer. If that is not possible, you can order and pay for copies of your entire return (attachments include Form W-2) from the IRS (see below), or order W-2 information at no charge from IRS. The IRS can provide W-2 information for up to 10 years. Information for the current year is generally not available until the year after it is filed with the IRS.

How do I request a copy of my tax return for last year?

If you need an EXACT COPY of a previously filed and processed return and all attachments (including Forms W-2), you must complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return and mail it to the IRS address in the instructions along with a $39 fee for each tax year requested. Copies are generally available for returns filed in the current and past 6 years.   However, for financial aid purposes a “Transcript” of your federal tax return is usually acceptable.