Getting a copy of your tax return is easy and can be done online via the IRS website, through tax software or via your tax preparer’s client portal. Having a copy of a tax return for a mortgage application, for financial aid or for your own records is a lot of time and hassle saving if you know where to find it. This blog guides you step-by-step and simply through all available possibilities.
How can you access a copy of your Tax Return online?
Taxpayers can have their tax return sent to them via the IRS Get Transcript tool, their tax software account, or by contacting the person who prepared their tax return. The two options are marginally different and the one you choose is the one you need depending on the need for the document and the time you have.
Options for Accessing Past Tax Returns
- How to get an IRS transcript online? The IRS Get Transcript tool on IRS.gov allows taxpayers to get tax transcripts immediately for the current and previous year. Before they log in to the portal, the IRS requires identity verification.
- Tax software (e.g., TurboTax, TaxSlayer and H&R Block) save previously filed returns and enable download of documents in PDF format without IRS contact.
- Your tax preparer keeps records of the returns they filed and can give them to you, usually the quickest way to get a copy when you were taxed by a professional.
Can you download a duplicate of your Tax Return directly from the IRS?
Yes, but there is a big caveat. The IRS does not offer to download the original copy of your return on the IRS website. That’s all it offers is a tax transcript, which is a summary document that contains the same financial information found in your return, and is accepted by most lenders, agencies and institutions that request tax information for verification purposes.
Using IRS Online Tools and Tax Transcripts
- Steps to obtain an IRS transcript online include visiting IRS.gov, clicking on Get Transcript and then logging into your IRS account and requesting the transcript type you need or request.
- Most taxpayers can download their transcripts as soon as their accounts are verified online. How long does it take to get a tax refund? Tax refund status is a separate inquiry that also can be made online via the IRS account dashboard.
- The IRS provides several different types of transcripts: Tax Return Transcript, Tax Account Transcript and Wage and Income Transcript.Each of the IRS’s transcripts provides a different set of information according to the types of information the requester wants.
What is the difference between a Tax Return Transcript and an Exact Copy of a Tax Return?
These two documents are not identical and understanding the difference can make it easier to get the right one the first time with no need to exchange emails with the IRS or otherwise waste time.
Reviewing the documents that can be requested
Most lenders and government agencies will accept a tax return transcript, which displays most of the information on your tax return summarized. You must pay a fee and submit Form 4506 to receive an exact copy of your return and all original attachments which will take several weeks by mail instead of being available immediately online.
How to Obtain a Copy of a Tax Return Prepared with Tax Software or a Tax Preparer?
If software or a professional preparer is used, it’s often the quickest and easiest way to know how to get old tax returns from previous years through that method.
Records from your Filing Provider:
Some tax software companies keep returns stored in your account for several years; log in, click on tax history and download the PDF without IRS involvement. If you prepared your tax return yourself, get a copy of the tax return from any prior year you filed it, by contacting a tax professional who did prepare it.
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Conclusion
Once you know how and where to look, it is very easy to obtain a copy of your tax return online. Epicwayz Advisors is the trusted advisor for Plano, designed specifically for those who want to work with a professional to manage tax records and assist with tax filing all year long. It’s at this point that Epicwayz Advisors really comes into its own. Being organized in the way you handle your taxes, knowing what files to make sure you have and making sure that everything is filed correctly can be a major benefit. Individuals and business owners can rely on Epicwayz Advisors for Tax Services, Accounting Services, Fractional CFO Services and Business Advisory Services throughout the year. Seek professional assistance proper record-keeping and filing ensure smart financial management.
