How to Get Tax Return Transcript from IRS ?

There may be many reasons for your old tax return copies. For example , you may be asked by organization about proof of filing tax return or as a student applying for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form , you my be required to submit the tax return copies. Good News is that getting tax return transcript from IRS is quite easy as there are as online and off-line methods available . .  Watch the quick video for understanding how this facilities of exact copy of tax return works:

Video on How to Get Tax Return Transcript from IRS ?

Is there difference between  transcript and  copy of tax return ?

Yes, the copy of the tax return is provided by IRS if you fill Form 4506 and pay requisite fee of $50 , whereas you can ask for tax return transcript for free by applying in  IRS Form 4506T-EZ or IRS Form 4506-T.

Please also note the difference between the  forms- 4506T-EZ or IRS Form 4506-T.  .The Form 4506T–EZ is only used to request a transcript of the Form 1040 individual tax return. but Form 4506–T form can be used to request transcripts of a Form 1040 individual tax return along with a no-file verification or transcripts from Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 and 5498.

How many years tax return copy or  transcript can be requested from IRS?

You can ask only for six years tax return which may be 1040, 1040A & 1040EZ.

How to make the request  for tax return copy ?

The process of request for tax return copy  is as under :

1. Fill the IRS Form 4506.  for copy of the tax return
2. Attach $ 50 per return copy.

Send it to the address as per your residence . This is given in the Form itself. Please also note that there is online method to ask for tax return transacript. As per IRS , a total of 75  days is the expected time of processing.

How Can I obtain tax return transcript online ?

Absolutely ! For this you  register on the IRS online tool Get Transcript Online . After you register , you can  view, print, or download all tax return transcript types . You can obtain  transcript of your tax return for free !

There  are other ways to obtain return transcript  ?

You may get  tax return transcript and/or a tax account transcript by calling call 800-908-9946. or by mail also . You may also request transcript by faxing/mailing Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return as instructed on the form.

What are other types of transcript that I can get from IRS?

The transcript types  are

1. Tax Return Transcript – shows most line items including your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your original tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as filed, along with any forms and schedules. Usually one requires this transcriptions for mortgages and student loans. .
2. Tax Account Transcript – shows basic data such as return type, marital status, adjusted gross income, taxable income and all payment types
3. Record of Account Transcript – combines the tax return and tax account transcripts above into one complete transcript. This transcript is available for the current tax year and returns processed during the prior three years using Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T.
4. Wage and Income Transcript – shows data from information returns we receive such as Forms W-2, 1099, 1098 and Form 5498, IRA Contribution Information. Current tax year information may not be complete until July. This transcript is available for up to 10 prior years using Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T.
5. Verification of Non-filing Letter – provides proof that the IRS has no record of a filed Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ for the year you requested. You must use Form 4506-T if you need a letter for tax years older than the prior three years.

Can I ask for the return which I filed jointly  with my wife ?

Yes, you can ask for the joint return filed by you . The request can be made by any one of the couple- husband or wife . It is also not required that the request for IRS tax return transcript, the request form has be be signed by both. It can be signed by one person alone.

That is how you can get exact tax return copies as well as transcript of your return