How to request your tax return from the IRS

The IRS keeps a record of every tax return you file. If you need a copy — whether for a mortgage application, proof of income, or your own records — you can request one directly from the IRS using Form 4506-C or Form 4506T-Z. The difference matters: Form 4506-C gets you an exact photocopy of what you filed; Form 4506T-Z gets you a transcript, which is a computer-generated summary that most lenders and agencies accept.

You do not need to go to an IRS office. You can request a copy by mail, phone, or online through the IRS website. The fastest method is online if you have a Social Security number and know your filing status and adjusted gross income from the return you want. By phone takes about the same time but requires you to speak to someone. By mail is slower — usually 5 to 10 business days — but works if you prefer a paper trail.

There is no cost to request a transcript. A photocopy costs $3 per page, though many people find a transcript sufficient and request that instead to avoid the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 4506T-Z (transcript) is free and works for most purposes like loans and income verification; Form 4506-C (photocopy) costs $3 per page but shows exactly what you filed.
  • You can request online at IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mailing Form 4506-C or 4506T-Z to your regional IRS office.
  • Online requests arrive in 5 to 10 business days; phone requests take about the same time; mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the IRS receives them.
  • You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the adjusted gross income from the return you are requesting.

Requesting online through IRS.gov

The IRS website lets you order a transcript immediately without waiting on hold. Go to IRS.gov, find the "Get Your Tax Record" section, and select "Order a Transcript Online." You will need to verify your identity using either your Social Security number and date of birth, or an online account you have already created with the IRS.

Once you log in, you choose the tax year, the type of transcript you want (usually "Account Transcript" for general proof of income, or "Tax Return Transcript" if you need more detail), and whether you want it mailed or delivered electronically. Electronic delivery is faster — usually 5 business days — but mailed copies take 5 to 10 business days.

This method works only if you have filed a return for the year you are requesting. If you have not filed yet, you cannot order a transcript of a return that does not exist.

Requesting 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 adjusted gross income from the return ready before you call. The representative will ask you to verify this information and then take your order.

You can request either a transcript or a photocopy. The representative will tell you the cost if you choose a photocopy and confirm your mailing address. Transcripts are mailed within 5 to 10 business days. Photocopies take the same time but cost $3 per page.

Wait times can be long during tax season (January through April). If you reach a busy signal, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Requesting by mail

Download Form 4506-C (for a photocopy) or Form 4506T-Z (for a transcript) from IRS.gov. Fill in your name, address, Social Security number, the tax year you want, and the number of copies. Sign and date the form.

Mail the form to the IRS office for your state. The IRS website lists the correct address for each state. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the IRS receives your form, plus mail delivery time both ways. This method is slower than online or phone but creates a paper record of your request.

If you need the copy urgently, do not use mail. Online or phone are both faster.

What to do if you filed jointly

If you filed a joint return with a spouse or partner, both people must sign the request form if you are requesting by mail. For online or phone requests, only the person whose Social Security number is listed first on the return needs to request it, but the IRS will mail the copy to the address on file for that return.

If you and your spouse have since divorced or separated and need separate copies, contact the IRS by phone to explain the situation. They can sometimes issue a copy to the non-filing spouse, but this requires verification and may take longer.

What to do if you cannot find your adjusted gross income

The IRS asks for your adjusted gross income (AGI) to verify your identity when you request online or by phone. If you do not remember it, check your prior year tax return, your bank records from when you filed, or any correspondence from the IRS.

If you truly cannot locate it, you can still request by mail using Form 4506-C or 4506T-Z. Leave the AGI field blank and write "unknown" next to it. The IRS will process your request, though it may take longer because they have to verify your identity another way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a copy of my tax return?

Online requests arrive in 5 to 10 business days if you choose electronic delivery, or 5 to 10 business days by mail. Phone requests take about the same time. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the IRS receives your form, plus time for postal delivery both ways — usually 2 to 3 weeks total.

Can I get a copy of someone else's tax return?

No. Only the person whose name is on the return, or their spouse if it was filed jointly, can request a copy. If you are a tax professional or attorney representing someone, you need a power of attorney form signed by the taxpayer and filed with the IRS first.

What is the difference between a transcript and a photocopy?

A transcript is a computer-generated summary of your return showing income, deductions, and tax paid. A photocopy is an exact image of the return you filed. Most lenders, landlords, and government agencies accept transcripts. Photocopies are rarely needed unless someone specifically asks for the original document.

Do I need to request a copy if I have my own records?

If you kept a copy when you filed, you can use that. However, many organizations and lenders require an official copy from the IRS because it proves the return was actually filed and accepted. Check with whoever is asking for the copy before assuming your personal copy will work.

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

This usually means the return was not processed yet, was rejected, or was filed under a different name or Social Security number. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to find out what happened. If you filed recently, wait a few weeks and try again — processing takes time.