How To Get A Copy Of Your Tax Return

For some, preparing taxes may be worse than getting a tooth pulled, but learning how to get a copy of your tax return is not. There are methods to request an exact copy of your tax return and methods to request a transcript of your tax return. Don't worry, it's a painless process.

1. Complete form 4506: Request for Copy of Tax Return.  Unfortunately, you need to pay Uncle Sam $57 for each tax return requested. Mail the completed form to the address listed on the instructions listed near the bottom of the form. Be sure to mail Form 4506 to the appropriate mailing address. The address that you mail the form to varies according to the state in which you live.
2. Complete form 4506-T: Request for Transcript of Tax Return. This is the form that you use to request a transcript of your tax return. Requests for tax return transcripts are free. They also arrive more quickly, within two weeks of request date. A tax return transcript often meets the needs of a lender when applying for a mortgage or student loan and is generally considered an acceptable substitution. The tax return transcript will show most line by line items that were filed on the original tax return. Since a tax return transcript meets many of the same needs as a copy of the tax return, many taxpayers use this method since it is free.
3. Call 1-800-829-1040.  You can obtain a free transcript of your tax return by calling this IRS phone number. Follow the prompts to obtain the instructions for obtaining a copy of your tax return transcript for free.

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