How to Get Copies of Your Old Tax Returns

Where to get your old tax returns

You can get copies of tax returns you filed in past years from the IRS, from your tax preparer if you used one, or from your state tax authority if you need state returns. The IRS keeps records of returns it processed going back at least seven years, and often longer. The fastest route depends on whether you have the original documents and how quickly you need them.

If you filed electronically and kept your confirmation email or receipt, you already have proof the IRS received your return. If you need an actual copy of what you filed — the full return with all schedules and attachments — you will need to request it. The IRS does not automatically send copies; you have to ask.

State tax authorities work the same way. If you filed a state return in a year you also filed federal, you can request a copy from your state's tax department. Some states let you read copies online if you have an account; others require a written request by mail.

Key Takeaways

The IRS keeps records of processed returns for at least seven years, and you can request a copy by mail, phone, or through your online IRS account if you have one.
If you used a tax preparer, they are required to keep copies of your returns for at least three years and can usually send you one within days.
Requesting a copy by mail takes four to six weeks; calling the IRS takes longer but gives you a verbal confirmation you can reference.
State tax returns are requested separately from your state's tax authority, and some states offer online access if you have an account set up.
If you need the return urgently for a mortgage, loan, or court matter, tell the IRS or your preparer why — some can expedite or provide a transcript instead.

Requesting from the IRS by mail

To request a copy of a federal return you filed, complete Form 4506-C (Request for Copy of Tax Return) and mail it to the IRS address for your region. You can find the correct address and read the form at irs.gov. The form asks for your name, Social Security number, the year(s) you want, and what you need the copy for — this last part helps the IRS prioritize if you are requesting for a loan or legal matter.

Mail the completed form to the IRS service center that handles returns from your state. Processing takes four to six weeks. You will receive the copy by mail at the address you provide on the form. There is no fee for this request, but the IRS will not email or fax the copy to you — it comes by postal mail only.

If you need the return sooner, do not use Form 4506-C. Instead, use Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return), which the IRS can process faster and can send electronically. A transcript is not the original return itself, but it shows the key information from your return — income, filing status, deductions, tax paid — and is often accepted by banks, employers, and government agencies in place of the full return.

Getting a transcript instead of the full return

A tax transcript is a summary of your return prepared by the IRS. It includes your filing status, income, deductions, credits, and tax liability, but not the detailed schedules or attachments you filed. For most purposes — explore for a mortgage, proving income to a landlord, or responding to a government agency — a transcript is sufficient and faster to obtain.

The IRS offers three types of transcripts. The Account Transcript shows the most recent tax information and is what most lenders and employers ask for. The Record of Account Transcript includes any changes the IRS made to your return after you filed. The Verification of Non-Filing is used if you need to prove you did not file in a particular year.

You can order a transcript online through your IRS account at irs.gov if you have one set up. Online ordering is the fastest method — you can print it when ready or have it mailed. You can also order by phone by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-9946, or by mailing Form 4506-T. Phone requests take about two weeks; mail requests take four to six weeks.

Asking your tax preparer for a copy

If you paid a tax preparer — a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax preparation service — to file your return, they are required by law to keep a copy of your return and all supporting documents for at least three years. You can contact them and request a copy. Most will send it within a few days at no charge, though some charge a small fee for copies requested years later.

This is often the fastest route if you remember who prepared your return. Call or email them with the year you need and ask them to send a copy. If the firm has closed or you cannot locate them, you will need to request from the IRS instead.

If you used a tax preparation service like TurboTax, H&R Block, or Jackson Hewitt, you can often read your return directly from your account on their website. Log in, find the year you need, and read the PDF. If you no longer have access to that account, contact the company's customer service and they can help you retrieve it or send you a copy.

Requesting state tax returns

State tax returns are kept by your state's tax authority, not the IRS. Each state has its own process for requesting copies. Some states, like California and New York, let you read copies online if you have an account. Others require you to mail a written request or call a phone line.

Start by visiting your state's tax department website and searching for "request a copy of your return" or "transcript request." Most states have a form similar to the IRS Form 4506-C. Fill it out, include proof of identity, and mail it to the address listed. Processing times vary by state but typically range from two to six weeks.

If you filed a state return but not a federal return in that year, you still request from the state only. If you filed both, you request each separately — the IRS does not have your state return, and your state does not have your federal return.

What to do if you cannot find your preparer or account

If you used a tax preparer years ago and cannot locate them, or if the tax preparation company has closed, the IRS is your only option. You will need to request through Form 4506-C or 4506-T by mail or phone. This takes longer than asking a preparer directly, but the IRS will have a record of your return if it was filed and processed.

If you used an online tax service and lost access to your account, try resetting your password first. Most services let you log back in with your email and Social Security number. If that does not work, contact the company's customer service line — they can verify your identity and help you access your return or send you a copy.

If you filed your return yourself and kept no copy, the IRS is your only source. Request a copy or transcript as described above. This is why keeping your own records is important: you avoid the wait time and the need to prove your identity to a third party.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can I get a copy of my tax return?

The IRS keeps records of processed returns for at least seven years. You can request copies from any year within that window. If you need a return older than seven years, contact the IRS directly — they may have it, but it is not may provide. State tax authorities have similar retention periods, though some states keep records longer.

Do I need to pay a fee to get a copy of my return?

No. The IRS does not charge for copies or transcripts requested by mail, phone, or online. Your state tax authority also does not charge. If a tax preparer charges you a fee, it is usually small and covers their time to locate and copy the document. Do not pay anyone claiming to be the IRS or a government agency — that is a scam.

Can I get a copy of someone else's tax return?

No. The IRS will only release a return to the person who filed it, their spouse if they filed jointly, or someone with power of attorney. If you need a copy for a legal matter — a divorce, estate, or court case — you will need a court order or written authorization from the person who filed.

What if the IRS says they have no record of my return?

If the IRS cannot find your return, it may not have been processed or filed. Check your records to confirm you actually filed that year. If you did file, the return may have been rejected due to an error. Contact the IRS by phone at 1-800-829-1040 to ask why there is no record. They can tell you whether the return was received and what happened to it.

Can I get a copy faster if I need it for a mortgage or court case?

Yes. When you request a transcript or copy, tell the IRS or your preparer why you need it. If it is for a mortgage, loan, or legal proceeding, some services can prioritize your request. The IRS may not be able to speed up mail processing, but they can confirm over the phone that your return was filed and provide details. Your tax preparer can often send a copy within days if you explain the urgency.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.