How to Get a Copy of Your Tax Return

Where to request your tax return

The IRS keeps a record of every tax return you file. You can request a copy in three ways: by mail, by phone, or through your IRS online account. The fastest route is usually your online account if you have one set up — you can read a transcript or full return copy in minutes. If you don't have an account, calling the IRS takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing. Mail is slowest but works if you have no phone or internet access.

You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year you're requesting. The IRS can provide returns from the current year and the past six years. If you need something older than that, you may need to contact a tax professional or the IRS Criminal Investigation division, though this is rare.

Key Takeaways

You can read a copy of your return through your IRS online account within minutes if you filed electronically and have set up login credentials.
Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 takes about 15 minutes and they will mail a copy to you at no cost, usually within two weeks.
Form 4506-C requests a transcript (a summary) rather than your full return, and transcripts are often what banks and lenders actually need.
The IRS keeps records of returns filed in the current year and the six prior years; older returns require a different process.
If you filed jointly with a spouse, both spouses must request the return together or one spouse must have power of attorney.

Using your IRS online account

If you filed your return electronically and created an IRS account, you can log in at irs.gov and view your return when ready. Click "View your tax account" and then "Tax returns" to see filed returns. You can read a PDF copy of your full return, which includes all schedules and attachments you filed with it.

To set up an account if you don't have one, go to irs.gov/account and select "Create an account." You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and either a credit card, bank account, or driver's license to verify your identity. The process takes about 10 minutes. Once verified, you can access your account when ready.

This method works only if you filed electronically. If you mailed in a paper return, your account will not show it, and you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

Calling the IRS to request by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year ready. Tell the representative you need a copy of your return. They will take your mailing address and send it to you at no cost, usually within two weeks.

Wait times can be long, especially during tax season (January through April). If you reach a busy signal, hang up and try again later or early in the morning. The IRS also offers a callback option — you can request a call back instead of waiting on hold, and they will call you within 24 hours during business days.

If you need the return urgently, ask the representative if they can email or fax it instead of mailing it. This is not may provide but is sometimes possible if you provide a fax number or email address.

Mailing Form 4506-C to the IRS

Form 4506-C is the official request form for tax return transcripts and copies. You can read it from irs.gov, fill it out, and mail it to the address shown on the form. The form asks for your name, Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year you need. Mail it to the IRS office for your state (the address is on the form itself).

Processing by mail takes 5 to 10 business days after the IRS receives it, plus mailing time both ways. So plan for two to three weeks total. If you need it faster, use the phone or online account method instead.

Note the difference between a transcript and a full return copy. A transcript is a one-page summary showing your income, deductions, and tax owed. A full return copy includes all the schedules and forms you filed. Most banks and employers asking for proof of income only need a transcript. If you're unsure which you need, ask the person requesting it before you order.

What to do if you filed jointly

If you filed a joint return with a spouse, both of you must request the copy together, or one spouse must have written power of attorney from the other. The IRS will not release a joint return to only one spouse without this authorization.

If you're divorced or separated and need a copy of a joint return you filed years ago, you can still request it, but the IRS may require both signatures on the request form or a notarized power of attorney. Call 1-800-829-1040 to ask what the IRS needs in your situation before you mail anything.

Getting a return older than six years

The IRS routinely keeps records for the current year and the six prior years. If you need a return from seven or more years ago, the IRS may not have it in their standard system. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain which year you need. They can check whether it's still available and direct you to the right process, which may involve the IRS Criminal Investigation division or the National Archives.

In most cases, if you filed the return, you should have kept a copy yourself. Check your files, email, or ask your tax preparer if they have a copy on file. This is usually faster than trying to retrieve it from the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a copy of my return?

There is no charge from the IRS. Whether you request by phone, mail, or online account, the copy is free. If you use a tax professional or document retrieval service to request it on your behalf, they may charge a fee, but the IRS itself does not.

Can I get a copy if I didn't file a return?

No. The IRS only has records of returns that were actually filed. If you didn't file, there is no return to copy. If you think you should have filed, contact a tax professional or call 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your situation.

What if I need the return for a bank or employer?

Ask them whether they need a full return copy or just a transcript. Most institutions only need a transcript, which is faster to obtain and shows your income and tax filing status. If they need the full return, they will tell you. Either way, you can request it using any of the methods above.

How long does it take to get a copy by mail?

If you call the IRS, they mail it to you within two weeks. If you mail Form 4506-C, add another week or two for mailing time each way, so plan for three weeks total. The online account is when ready if you have one set up.

What if I lost my password for my IRS account?

Go to irs.gov/account and click "Forgot password." You'll be asked to verify your identity again using your Social Security number and either a credit card, bank account, or driver's license. Once verified, you can reset your password and log in when ready.

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.