Where can I find my previous IRS tax return information?

Question

My previous IRS tax documentation was lost in a fire. How can I obtain a copy of my IRS tax files from previous years?

Answer 1

You can go to a nearby IRS office and request a transcript of your tax return or you can mail or fax form 4506-T to the IRS. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf

If you were in a presidentially declared disaster area (like where I live) you can get your copies expedited for free (from the IRS website):

"The IRS will provide an expedited tax return transcript free of charge. Expedited services are available to taxpayers or their authorized representative who call the IRS Disaster Assistance Hotline at [phone]. Also, Form 4506 –T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return (PDF), may be faxed or mailed to the appropriate IRS Campus found on the instructions. The Form 4506-T, if mailed, should be marked at the top of the form in red with the appropriate disaster information, such as “Hurricane XXXXX.”

If you had a person or firm prepare your taxes, they are supposed to keep copies for at least 3 years and should be able to provide a copy of the return.

Answer 2

If they were done by a tax preparer, they might be able to provide a copy.

You can contact the IRS and get a transcript (free) or actual copy ($39) of your returns from previous years - see http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc156.html

Answer 3

contact the irs and they will simply mail it out to you. i've had to do it before