So, you’re looking for a way to find that old paperwork. Maybe you’re applying for a mortgage and the bank is breathing down your neck, or perhaps you’re just trying to figure out why your refund hasn't hit yet. Whatever the reason, figuring out how to get last years tax return isn't always as straightforward as checking your email inbox. It should be easy. It's your data, after all. But between the IRS's ancient computer systems and the maze of tax prep software, things get messy fast.
Life happens. Files get lost. Computers crash.
If you’re panicking because you can’t find your 1040 from last year, take a breath. You aren't the first person to misplace a tax return, and you definitely won't be the last. Honestly, the IRS handles millions of requests for copies and transcripts every single year. You have a few different paths to take, depending on whether you need a literal photocopy of the original return or just the cold, hard numbers for a loan application.
The IRS Online Account is your best friend right now
Seriously. If you haven't set up an IRS Online Account yet, that is your first move. This is the fastest way to handle how to get last years tax return information without waiting weeks for the mail. The IRS has partnered with ID.me for verification. It’s a bit of a pain to set up—you’ll need your driver's license or passport and you'll likely have to do a video selfie—but once you're in, you're in.
Once you log in, you can view, print, or download your tax records. You won't get a "copy" of the actual form you mailed in, but you get a "Tax Return Transcript."
What’s the difference? A transcript shows most of the line items from your return. It’s usually exactly what lenders or financial aid offices want. It’s free. It’s instant. It’s way better than calling the IRS and sitting on hold for three hours listening to that grainy elevator music.
How to get last years tax return when you need the actual paper copy
Sometimes a transcript isn't enough. If you’re involved in a complex legal dispute or an audit, you might need an actual photocopy of the original Form 1040, including all those attachments like W-2s or Schedule C.
This is where things get slow and a little expensive.
You have to use IRS Form 4506. This is a Request for Copy of Tax Return. You fill it out, mail it in, and wait. And then you wait some more. The IRS currently charges $43 for each return requested. If you need returns from three years ago, that's $129.
Important Note: Do not confuse Form 4506 with Form 4506-T. The "T" stands for transcript. If you send the wrong one, you’re going to be very frustrated in about 60 days when the wrong paperwork shows up.
🔗 Read more: Are Target Funds Good? What Most People Get Wrong About Set-It-And-Forget-It Investing
The processing time for a full copy can be up to 75 business days. In "IRS time," that feels like an eternity. If you're in a rush, this is your last resort. Only use this if you absolutely cannot get what you need from your tax preparer or the online portal.
Checking with your tax software provider
Did you use TurboTax? H&R Block? TaxSlayer? Most of these big-name companies store your returns for at least several years. If you paid for their "Deluxe" or "Premium" versions, they often keep your records available for download indefinitely.
Log in to the site you used last year.
Usually, there is a section called "My Documents" or "Tax History." Look for a PDF link. It's often right there on the dashboard. One thing to watch out for: some services "lock" your old returns if you haven't paid for the current year yet. It's a bit of a sneaky tactic, but paying a $20 access fee is still cheaper and faster than dealing with the IRS directly.
What if you used a local CPA?
If you went to a local accountant, they are generally required by law to keep copies of your records for a specific period—usually three to seven years depending on the state and the type of filing. Just call them. Most offices can email you a secure, password-protected PDF within five minutes. They might charge a small administrative fee, but it's worth it for the convenience.
Understanding the different types of transcripts
When you're looking into how to get last years tax return, you’ll see a few different transcript options. It’s confusing.
- Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items. Good for mortgages.
- Tax Account Transcript: Shows basic data like marital status, taxable income, and payment types. It also shows if you or the IRS made changes after you filed.
- Record of Account Transcript: This is basically a combo of the two above.
- Wage and Income Transcript: This shows data from your W-2s, 1099s, and 1098s.
If you just need to prove your income for a big purchase, the Tax Return Transcript is the gold standard.
Why you might be having trouble finding it
Maybe you moved. Maybe you changed your name. If the information you provide to the IRS or your tax software doesn't match their records exactly, they won't give you the documents. Security is incredibly tight because of identity theft. If you’re trying to get a return from a year where you filed "Married Filing Jointly," you’ll usually need the Social Security number of the primary filer listed on that return.
If you can't verify your identity online, you can request a transcript by mail using Form 4506-T. It takes about 5 to 10 business days to arrive at the address the IRS has on file for you. If you've moved since you last filed, you need to submit a change of address form (Form 8822) first, or the transcript will be mailed to your old house.
Don't forget state taxes
Getting your federal return is only half the battle. If you live in a state with income tax, you might need that return too. Every state is different. For example, California’s Franchise Tax Board has its own online portal (MyFTB) where you can download past returns. In New York, you use the Department of Taxation and Finance website.
Search for your state's "Department of Revenue" or "Tax Commission." Most have a way to request old filings, though some still require a paper form and a small fee.
What to do if you never actually filed
This is the "elephant in the room." Sometimes people search for how to get last years tax return only to realize they never actually finished the filing process. If you think you filed but the IRS has no record of it, check your bank statements. Did a refund hit? Did you pay a balance?
If there's no record of a transaction, you might not have filed.
In this case, you can’t "get" a return because it doesn't exist. You’ll need to gather your old W-2s and 1099s (which you can get via a Wage and Income Transcript) and file that late return as soon as possible to stop penalties from racking up.
Actionable steps to get your documents today
Start with the easiest method and work your way down the list. Usually, the simplest solution is the one we overlook because we're stressed.
- Check your email archives. Search for "Tax Confirmation" or "Order Receipt" from last year to see which software you used.
- Log in to your IRS Online Account. Use ID.me to verify your identity and download a Tax Return Transcript immediately.
- Call your accountant. If you used a pro, they have the file. Don't be afraid to ask for it.
- Try the "Get Transcript by Mail" tool. If the online portal rejects you, use the IRS.gov mail tool. It’s slower but reliable.
- Submit Form 4506. Only do this if you need a literal photocopy and have the $43 to spare and 75 days to wait.
Once you finally get your hands on that return, do yourself a massive favor: save it in at least two places. Put a PDF on an encrypted cloud drive and keep a physical paper copy in a fireproof safe. Tax season is stressful enough without having to play detective for documents you already filed.