How to Get a Copy of my Income Tax Return from the IRS

From time to time, taxpayers have reasons to get a copy of their income tax returns from the IRS. Most people save a copy of their tax return before filing with the IRS but if you happen to lose your copy of your tax return, you can get a copy from the IRS. Below is how to get a copy of your income tax return from the IRS.

How to Get a Copy of my Income Tax Return from the IRS?

The IRS keeps all copies of tax return filed so whenever you want to get a copy of your tax return from the IRS, you have to fill out a tax form called IRS tax form 4506 titled Request for Copy of Tax Return and send to the IRS. How much does it cost to Get a Copy of my Income Tax Return from the IRS? It is not free to just get a copy of your tax return from the IRS any time.

When filing the tax form 4506, send in a check or money order with the form for $39 per tax year. Make the check payable to the "United States Treasury".

How long does it take to get a copy of my income tax return from the IRS?

It can take up to 60 days to receive your copy of tax return requested.

How to Get an Electronic Copy of my Income Tax Return from the IRS?

If you don't actually want a physical copy of your tax return sent to you from the IRS, then it is free. Most places will accept the electronic copy of your tax return. This is called a Transcript or a Return Transcript. A transcript is adequate when applying for a loan or a mortgage in place of an actual copy of income tax return.

To obtain a tax transcript:

• call: (800)–829–1040 or
• complete and mail Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, to the address listed in the instructions to request all types of transcript verification of non-filing, and wage/income information.

Transcripts will be mailed directly to the taxpayer requesting them. It can take up to 2 weeks to receive the transcripts. Transcripts can be mailed to a third party if you specify this on Form 4506-T, however, you must sign and date the form giving your consent for the disclosure.