Get a Copy of a Past Tax Return
There are two options here, and most people only need the free one.
Option 1: Free Transcript (Usually Enough)
A tax return transcript is a free summary of your return, it shows almost everything a lender, school, or landlord needs to see. It's available for the current year plus the last 3 years. See our Tax Transcript guide for how to get one.
Option 2: Full Exact Copy (When You Really Need It)
1
When you'd need this
Some legal or immigration situations require the actual, complete return exactly as filed, not just a summary.
2
Fill out Form 4506
This is the "Request for Copy of Tax Return." It's different from the transcript request form.
3
Pay the fee and mail it in
There's a fee per return requested (the IRS site lists the current amount), and it can take up to 75 days to arrive.