IRS Tax Tip 2025-21, March 27, 2025
Taxpayers can access their personal tax records in several ways. Those records are useful and can help with future tax filing. People should generally keep copies of their federal tax returns and any related documents for at least three years after they file.
If a taxpayer wants a copy of their previous tax returns or a transcript of their tax account, they can ask their tax software provider or tax preparer, or they can request their records directly from the IRS.
Get tax records from IRS Online Account
The fastest and easiest way for taxpayers to view their tax records is by logging on to their IRS Online Account. There, they can:
- View, print or download their tax transcripts.
- Find out how much they owe.
- Look at their payment history.
- See their prior year adjusted gross income (AGI).
- View other tax records.
If taxpayers don’t have an IRS Online Account and can’t create one, they still have a few options to get the information they need.
Ask the software provider or tax preparer
Individuals that used a software provider or tax preparer to file should contact them for a copy of their tax return.
Request a transcript from the IRS
If a taxpayer can't get a copy of a prior year federal tax return, they can order a tax transcript from the IRS. The tax transcript shows their basic filing information as well as any changes made after the taxpayer filed. These are free and available for the for up to three years after the IRS has processed the tax return.
People can get their tax transcripts by mail or by phone.
- By mail: Taxpayers can complete and send either Form 4506-T or Form 4506-T-EZ to the IRS to get one by mail. They use Form 4506-T to request other tax records: tax account transcript, record of account, wage and income and verification of non-filing.
- By phone: Taxpayers can call 800-908-9946 to request a transcript by phone. Transcripts requested by phone are mailed directly to the taxpayer.
To protect taxpayers' identities, tax transcripts partially hide personally identifiable information such as names, addresses and Social Security numbers. All financial entries, including the filer's adjusted gross income, are visible.
Request a copy of a tax return
Prior year tax returns are available from the IRS for a fee. Taxpayers can request a copy of a tax return by completing and mailing Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, to the IRS address listed on the form. There's a $43 fee for each copy. These are available for the current tax year and up to seven years prior.