2003 Tax Help Archives  

Keyword: Financial Aid

This is archived information that pertains only to the 2003 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.


1.6 IRS Procedures: Copies & Transcripts


How do I request a copy of my tax return for last year?

If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed return and all attachments (including Forms W-2), you must complete Form 4506 (PDF) , Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form and mail it to the IRS address in the instructions along with a $23 fee (increases to $39 Jan. 1, 2004) for each tax year requested (Form 4506 changes Jan. 1, 2004 to Request for Copy of Tax Return. Copies are generally available for returns filed in the current and past 6 years.

In cases where an exact copy of the return is not needed, tax return and tax transcripts my be ordered, to be sent to you at your address of record, by calling (800) 829-1040 or completing and mailing Form 4506. Effective Jan. 1, 2004, use, Form 4506 (PDF)T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. The tax return transcripts shows most line items contained on the return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. In most cases, a tax return transcript will meet the requirements for lending institutions for mortgage vertification purposes.

The transcript can be ordered by completing a Form 4506 (effective January 1, 2004, use Form 4506T to request all types of transcripts) or calling (800) 829-1040 and following the prompts in the recorded message. There is no charge for the transcript and you should receive it in 10 business days from the time we receive your request. Tax return transcripts are generally available for the current and past three years. If you need a statement of your tax account which shows changes that you or the IRS made after the original return was filed, you must request a "Tax Account Transcript". This transcript shows basic data including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income, taxable income, payments and adjustments made on your account. Tax return and account transcripts are generally available for the current and past 3 years.

Form 4506 can also be used to get proof from the IRS that you did not file a tax return for a particular tax year (Effective Jan. 1, 2004, use Form 4506-T).

Forms can be downloaded at Forms & Pubs or ordered by calling (800) 829-1040.

References:

  • Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form
  • Form 4506 (PDF), Rev 1-1-2004, Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form
  • Form 4506 (PDF)T available January 1, 2004 - Request for Transcript of Tax Return

Is it possible to make the request for a copy of my return via the Internet?

At the present time, it is not possible to request a copy of your return via the Internet. If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed Federal return, you must file Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form (Form 4506 changes Jan. 1, 2004 to Request for Copy of Tax Return). In cases where an exact copy of the return is not needed, tax return and tax account transcripts may be ordered, to be sent to you at your address of record, by calling (800) 829-1040 or completing and mailing Form 4506 (Effective Jan. 1, 2004, use Form 4506 (PDF)T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.) There is a $23 (increased to $39 January 1, 2004) fee for copies of your previously filed tax forms and all attachments (including Form(s) W-2) for each tax period requested. You should allow 60 calendar days for a response. There is no charge for tax return transcripts or Form W-2 information.

References:

  • Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form
  • Form 4506 (PDF), Rev. 1-1-2004, Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form
  • Form 4506 (PDF)-T, Rev. 1-1-2004, Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form

What form do I need to get a copy of a previous year's federal tax return that I filed?

At the present time, it is not possible to request a copy of your return via the Internet. If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed Federal return, you must file Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form (Form 4506 changes Jan. 1, 2004 to Request for Copy of Tax Return). In cases where an exact copy of the return is not needed, tax return and tax account transcripts may be ordered, to be sent to you at your address of record, by calling (800) 829-1040 or completing and mailing Form 4506 (Effective Jan. 1, 2004, use Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.) There is a $23 fee (increased to $39 January 1, 2004) for copies of your previously filed tax forms and all attachments (including Form(s) W-2) for each tax period requested. You should allow 60 calendar days for a response. There is no charge for tax return transcripts or Forms W-2 information.

References:

  • Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form Form 4506 (PDF), Rev. 1-1-2004, Request for Copy of Tax Form
  • Form 4506 (PDF)-T, Rev1-1-2004, Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form

Can I get copies of my prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS?

The quickest way to obtain a copy of a prior year Form W-2 (PDF) is through your employer. If that is not possible, you can order and pay for copies of your entire return (attachments include Form W-2) from IRS, or order W-2 information at no charge from IRS. IRS can provide W-2 information for the current and past 9 years. Complete and mail Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax For (Effective Jan. 1, 2004, use Form 4506 (Rev. 1-1-2004, Request for Copy of Tax Return, for a copy of a return and Form 4506-T Rev. 1-1-2004, Request for Transcript or Tax Return, for W-2 information. You should allow 60 calendar days for a response.

References:

  • Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form
  • Form 4506 (PDF), Rev. 1-1-2004 Request for Copy of Tax Form
  • Form 4506 (PDF)-T Rev. 1-1-2004 Request for Transcript of Tax Form

Tax Topics & FAQs | 2003 Tax Year Archives | Tax Help Archives | Home