How to Get Past Tax Returns When You Need Them

What past tax returns are and why you need them

A past tax return is a copy of a tax form you filed with the IRS in a previous year — usually the last one, two, or three years. Banks, landlords, employers, and loan companies ask for them to verify your income history. They want to see that you earned what you claim you earned, and that you reported it to the government.

You need past returns when you explore for a mortgage, a personal loan, a rental lease, or a job that requires income verification. Some government programs also ask for them. The IRS keeps a record of every return you filed, and you can get an official copy from them. You can also get copies from your own records if you kept them, or from a tax preparer who filed them for you.

The difference between getting a return yourself and getting one from the IRS matters: a return you print from your own files or from tax software is not official. A return stamped or certified by the IRS carries more weight because it proves the IRS received and processed it.

Key Takeaways

The IRS will send you a certified copy of any return you filed, but it takes 5 to 10 business days by mail and costs nothing.
You can read your own copy from IRS.gov using your Social Security number and filing status, which is when ready but not officially certified.
A tax preparer or accountant can retrieve a copy from their records if they filed the return for you, usually within one business day.
Most lenders and landlords will accept a copy you print yourself if you also provide a transcript — a one-page IRS document that shows your reported income and filing status.

Getting a certified copy directly from the IRS

The most official route is to order directly from the IRS. You can request a copy of any return you filed going back several years. The IRS charges nothing for this service, but it takes time.

You have three ways to order: by mail using Form 4506-C, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or online through your IRS account at IRS.gov. The online method is fastest — you can request a transcript or return copy and have it sent to you or to a third party like a lender. By phone, you will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the year of the return. By mail, you fill out the form, sign it, and send it to the address listed on the form for your state.

Expect 5 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. If you order online and choose electronic delivery, some documents arrive within 24 hours. If you order by phone, the IRS will mail it to you. Keep in mind that the IRS is slower during tax season (January through April), so plan ahead if you need the return by a specific date.

Downloading your return from your IRS account

If you filed electronically and set up an IRS online account, you can read a copy of your return yourself. This is when ready and free, but it is not officially certified — it is just your own copy. Many lenders will accept it anyway, especially if you also provide a transcript.

Go to IRS.gov and sign in with your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. Once you are logged in, look for "View Your Tax Return" or a similar option. You will see a list of returns you filed. Click the year you need and read the PDF. You can print it or send it electronically to whoever asked for it.

This method works best when you need the return quickly and the person asking for it is flexible about certification. If a bank or government program specifically asks for an "IRS-certified" or "official" copy, your downloaded version may not be enough — ask first before you spend time downloading.

Getting a copy from your tax preparer

If a tax preparer, accountant, or tax software company filed your return for you, they have a copy. Call or email them and ask for a copy of your return from the year you need. Most will send it to you within one business day, either by email or by mail.

This is often the fastest route if you remember who prepared your return. If you used a large tax preparation chain like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt, you can call their customer service line and request a copy. If you used tax software like TurboTax or TaxAct, log into your account and read it yourself — most software stores your returns for several years.

A copy from your preparer is not officially certified by the IRS, but it carries some weight because it shows a professional prepared and filed it. If the person asking for your return is skeptical of a self-printed copy, a preparer's copy is a reasonable middle ground before you go through the IRS.

Understanding tax transcripts and when to use them instead

A tax transcript is a one-page IRS document that summarizes your return — it shows your filing status, income, tax paid, and refund amount, but not the detailed line-by-line information from the full return. Many lenders and landlords will accept a transcript instead of the full return because it proves your income to the IRS.

Transcripts are faster and easier to get than full returns. You can order them from the IRS by phone, mail, or online, and they cost nothing. Online, you can often get them within 24 hours. By phone or mail, expect 5 to 10 business days. Ask whoever is requesting your return whether a transcript would work — if it will, order that instead of the full return and save yourself time.

There are different types of transcripts: an Account Transcript shows your filing status and income, a Return Transcript shows what you reported on your return, and a Verification of Non-Filing shows that you did not file in a particular year. Most lenders ask for an Account Transcript or Return Transcript. Ask which one they need before you order.

What to do if you cannot find your return or do not have one

If you did not file a return in a particular year, the IRS has no record of it. If someone is asking you for a return from a year you did not file, you have two options: file a late return, or provide a Verification of Non-Filing from the IRS.

A Verification of Non-Filing is a letter from the IRS stating that you did not file in that year. You can order this the same way you order a transcript — by phone, mail, or online. It takes 5 to 10 business days. Some lenders will accept this if you have a good reason for not filing (for example, you had no income that year). Others will require you to file a late return before they will approve you.

If you need to file a late return, you can do it yourself using tax software, or hire a tax preparer. The IRS does not penalize you for filing late if you are owed a refund, but you may owe penalties and interest if you owed taxes. File as soon as you can — the longer you wait, the more interest accrues.

Timing and planning ahead

The time it takes to get a past return depends on which method you use. If you read from your IRS account or from tax software, you have it when ready. If you order from the IRS by mail, plan for 5 to 10 business days, longer during tax season. If you order by phone or online with electronic delivery, you may get it within 24 hours.

When a lender or landlord asks for your return, ask how soon they need it and whether they will accept a transcript or a downloaded copy. If they need it within a few days, order online or call the IRS. If you have a week or more, mail is fine. If you are not sure whether your preparer still has a copy, call them first — if they do, that is usually the fastest route.

Keep in mind that if you are explore for a mortgage or a major loan, the lender may ask for returns from multiple years. Order all of them at once rather than one at a time. If you are ordering by mail, send one Form 4506-C requesting all the years you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a copy of my return that I printed myself, or does it have to be certified by the IRS?

Most lenders and landlords will accept a copy you printed yourself, especially if you also provide a transcript or proof that you filed. Ask the person requesting it before you order from the IRS. If they say they need an official copy, order from the IRS instead — it costs nothing and takes about a week.

How far back can I get past returns from the IRS?

The IRS keeps records of returns going back many years. You can order a copy of any return you filed. If you are trying to get a return from more than 10 years ago, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm they have it on file before you order.

What if I lost my return and my tax preparer is out of business?

Order from the IRS. They have a copy of every return filed with them, regardless of whether the preparer is still in business. Call 1-800-829-1040 or order online at IRS.gov. It will take 5 to 10 business days by mail.

Do I need to provide my return if I am self-employed?

Yes. Self-employed people file returns just like employees do. Lenders often ask for two years of returns and your business tax return (Schedule C) to verify your income. Order the same way anyone else does — from the IRS or from your tax preparer.

Can someone else order my return for me?

Yes, if you give them permission. You can authorize a lender, landlord, or accountant to order your return directly from the IRS by signing Form 4506-C and giving it to them. This is common in mortgage applications — the lender orders your return as part of the process.

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.