How to request your tax return from the IRS

The IRS keeps a record of every tax return you file. You can request a copy by mail, phone, or online through their transcript system. The fastest method is ordering online through IRS.gov, which takes about five to ten business days. By phone or mail, expect two to four weeks.

You do not need to be audited or have a problem with your return to request a copy. The IRS sends copies routinely to people who need them for mortgage applications, student loan verification, or their own records.

There are two things you can request: a tax return transcript (a summary of what you reported) or a tax return copy (the actual pages you filed). Most situations only need the transcript, which is faster and costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • A tax return transcript shows your filing status, income, and deductions in summary form and is free from the IRS.
  • You can order a transcript online at IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, or by mail using Form 4506-C.
  • Online orders take five to ten business days; phone and mail orders take two to four weeks.
  • If you need the actual pages you filed (not just a summary), you must use Form 4506 and pay a fee, which varies by year requested.
  • You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year you are requesting.

Ordering a transcript online

Go to IRS.gov and select "Get Your Tax Transcript" under the Tools section. You will create or sign into your IRS online account. The system will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and street address from the return you are requesting.

The IRS will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a code to your phone. Once verified, you can view your transcript immediately on screen and request it be mailed to you. Mailed copies arrive in five to ten business days.

This method is free and works for returns filed in the past three years. If you need a transcript for an older return, you must call or mail your request.

Ordering by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the tax year ready. Tell the representative whether you need a transcript or a full copy of your return.

The IRS will mail your transcript to the address on file with your return. This takes two to four weeks. You cannot request a copy be sent to a different address by phone; if you need it sent elsewhere, use the online method or mail Form 4506-C yourself.

Ordering by mail

Complete Form 4506-C (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. The address depends on which state you lived in when you filed. You can download the form from IRS.gov.

Include your Social Security number, the tax year, and your signature. Mail takes two to four weeks. If you need the form sent to a third party (like a lender), write their name and address on the form; the IRS will send it directly to them instead of to you.

When you need the actual return pages, not a transcript

Most lenders, schools, and government programs accept a transcript. But some situations require the full return you filed: certain mortgage applications, some business loans, or IRS audits.

To get the actual pages, use Form 4506 (not 4506-C). This form costs money — the fee varies by tax year and ranges from roughly $15 to $50 per year requested. You must mail the form; there is no online or phone option for full copies.

Processing takes four to eight weeks. If you filed jointly and only one spouse signs the form, the IRS will not process it; both spouses must sign if both names are on the return.

What information you need before you request

Gather these details before you start: your Social Security number, date of birth, the tax year you are requesting, and your filing status from that year (single, married filing jointly, head of household, and so on). If you filed jointly, you will need both spouses' Social Security numbers.

If you are requesting a copy for someone else (as a power of attorney or executor), you will need Form 4506-C or 4506 signed by the taxpayer, plus a copy of your authorization document. The IRS does not send transcripts to third parties without written permission from the taxpayer.

If you cannot find your return year or have other problems

If you do not remember whether you filed in a particular year, the IRS can tell you. Call 1-800-908-9946 and ask them to check their records. They can see filing history for the past ten years.

If your return was filed under a different name (for example, you were married at filing but are now divorced), tell the IRS representative. They may need additional information to locate your return. If you filed from a different address, that can also slow the search — have all addresses you have used ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A transcript is free. A full copy of your return pages costs money — typically $15 to $50 per tax year, depending on the year. The IRS will tell you the exact fee when you request it by mail using Form 4506.

Can I get a transcript for a return I filed five years ago?

Online and phone requests work for returns filed in the past three years. For older returns, you must mail Form 4506-C. The IRS keeps records for at least ten years, so older transcripts are available by mail.

My spouse and I filed jointly. Can I request the return alone?

Yes, you can request it. But if you need the actual return pages (Form 4506), both spouses must sign the form. For a transcript (Form 4506-C), one spouse can request it alone.

How long does it take to get my transcript if I order online?

You can view it immediately on IRS.gov after you verify your identity. If you request it be mailed, it arrives in five to ten business days. Phone and mail requests take two to four weeks.

What if the IRS says they have no record of my return?

This usually means the return was not processed yet (if you just filed), was filed under a different name or Social Security number, or was not filed at all. Call 1-800-908-9946 to troubleshoot with a representative.