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You're applying for a mortgage. The loan officer asks for your last three years of tax returns. You look through your files. Nothing. You check your computer. Can't find them. You search your email. It isn't there either. They want to see what you reported three years ago. But you have moved twice since then. Your old tax return forms 1040 disappeared somewhere between apartments.
While you might think the IRS automatically sends you copies when you need them. They don't. You need to request them. And depending on what you need and how fast you need it, there are different ways to get past 1040 forms.
Most people don't know the difference between a "transcript" (free, quick, but limited info) and an actual "copy" (costs money, takes longer, but complete). They request the wrong one, wait weeks, and then find out they need the other version.
According to the IRS, they process over 5 million requests for tax transcripts and copies each year. The Treasury Inspector General found that 30% of taxpayers requesting copies don't realize free transcripts would work for their needs, wasting $30-50 per return unnecessarily. This guide shows you exactly how to get copies of your past individual tax return form 1040 with simple explanations of your options, step-by-step instructions, and strategies that get you what you need as fast as possible.
Understanding Your Options: Transcript vs Copy
Before you request anything, understand what's available and what you actually need. You have two main options: free tax transcripts or paid return copies.
Tax Transcript (Free)
A tax transcript is a summary of your tax return forms 1040 information, showing most line items from your 1040. It's free from the IRS, available online instantly or by mail in 5-10 days, goes back 3 years online (10 years by mail), and is accepted by most lenders, schools, and government agencies.
The transcript includes your filing status, Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), taxable income, tax payments and credits, and most key numbers from your return. However, it doesn't show everything you wrote, doesn't include attached schedules or forms, and some information is redacted for security.
Tax Return Copy (Costs $43 per return)
An actual tax return copy is a photocopy of what you filed, showing the exact copy of your original individual tax return form 1040 with everything, including attachments. It costs $43 per return for 2025, takes 60-75 days to receive, and is available for the current year plus the last 7 years. The copy includes your complete Form 1040, all schedules (A, B, C, D, etc.), all forms (W-2, 1099, etc.), and everything you submitted to the IRS.
Which One Do You Need?
Use the free transcript if you're:
- Applying for a mortgage or loan (most lenders accept transcripts)
- Applying for college financial aid (FAFSA)
- Verifying income for government benefits
- Need proof you filed
- Want to see AGI for current year filing
- Just need basic tax information
Use the paid copy if you're:
- Facing an IRS audit (they want the exact return)
- Involved in a court case or legal proceeding
- Need to see specific details not on the transcript
- Need attachments and schedules
- Your state tax department requests the actual return
- A lender specifically requires an actual copy (rare)
How to Get Your Past Tax Returns: Key Methods
There are five primary methods to obtain your past 1040 tax return form records, each with different timelines and requirements.
Method 1: Get Free Transcript Online (Fastest)
This is the quickest way to get your tax information for free through the IRS online account.
What You Can Access Online
Your IRS online account shows Tax Return Transcript (summary of your 1040 tax return form), Tax Account Transcript (payments, penalties, adjustments), Record of Account Transcript (combination of both), and Wage & Income Transcript (W-2s, 1099s reported to IRS). These are available online for the current year and 3 prior years. For example, in 2025, you can get 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Step 1: Go to IRS.gov/account
Visit the IRS website by going to IRS.gov, clicking "Get Your Tax Record," or going directly to IRS.gov/account.
Step 2: Create Account or Sign In
First-time users must create an account by clicking "Create New Account," providing an email address, creating a username and password, and verifying your identity.
Step 3: Identity Verification
The IRS needs to verify it's really you by requiring your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and mailing address on file. Then verify identity using an ID.me account (facial recognition) or by answering questions about your financial history. This is the hardest part as IRS security is strict. You may need to wait for an activation code by mail if online verification fails.
Step 4: Access Your Transcripts
Once logged in, click "Tax Records," select the year you need, choose transcript type (Tax Return Transcript most common), view online or download PDF, and save or print immediately.
Key Tip: This process is instant once logged in. If you already have an IRS account, it takes 2 minutes. If creating an account for the first time, identity verification can take 5-10 minutes to several days. Data shows this is the fastest method—95% of users get transcripts within 10 minutes if they already have an IRS online account.
Method 2: Request Free Transcript by Mail
If you can't access online, request a transcript by mail using IRS Form 4506-T. This free service takes 5-10 business days and can request up to 10 years of transcripts.
Step 1: Download Form 4506-T
Go to IRS.gov, search "Form 4506-T," download the PDF, or call 800-TAX-FORM to have one mailed.
Step 2: Fill Out Personal Information
On Lines 1-3, enter Line 1a (your name exactly as filed), Line 1b (your Social Security number), Line 2a (spouse name if filed jointly), Line 2b (spouse SSN if filed jointly), and Line 3 (current address where IRS should mail transcript).
Step 3: Specify What You Need
On Line 6, check the box for the type of transcript: Box 6a for Tax Return Transcript (most common, shows your 1040 tax return form info), Box 6b for Tax Account Transcript (shows payments, adjustments), or Box 6c for Record of Account (combination of both). On Line 7, enter tax form number (enter "1040" for personal income tax). On Line 9, enter years needed (example: 2023, 2022, 2021) separated by commas—you can request up to 10 years.
Step 4: Sign and Date
At the bottom of the form, sign your name, enter the date, and have your spouse also sign if filing a joint return. Unsigned forms are not processed—the IRS sends them back.
Step 5: Mail to Correct IRS Address
Different addresses apply by state, so check form instructions, find your state, and use the address listed for your state. Don't use a generic IRS address.
Step 6: Wait for Mail
The IRS mails the transcript to the address on Line 3, usually within 5-10 business days, though it could take longer during busy season (January-April). There's no fee—this is completely free.
Key Tip: Anyone can request by mail—you don't need a computer, don't need to verify identity online, it works for any year (up to 10 years back), and works from outside the U.S.
Method 3: Request Free Transcript by Phone
This is a quick phone option if you need a transcript mailed to your address on file.
Call the IRS automated line at 800-908-9946, which is available 24/7. The transcript will be mailed to your address on file.
Step 1: Call the Number
Dial 800-908-9946 and have paper and pen ready. Prepare your information before calling.
Step 2: Follow Automated Prompts
The system asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address.
Step 3: Specify What You Need
Tell the system which transcript type (Tax Return Transcript most common) and which year(s) you need, then confirm the address where it should be mailed.
Step 4: Wait for Mail
The transcript is mailed to the address the IRS has on file within 5-10 business days. You can't specify a different address by phone, and it must go to the address on your last return.
Key Tip: This only works if the IRS has your current address, you can verify identity with the information they request, and you don't need it sent somewhere else. If you moved since filing, use the mail method (Form 4506-T) so you can specify a new address.
Method 4: Get Paid Copy of Actual Return
If you need an actual photocopy of your complete return to get past 1040 forms, you must pay using Form 4506 (not 4506-T). It costs $43 per return for 2025, takes 60-75 days, and is available for the current year plus 7 prior years.
Step 1: Download Form 4506
Go to IRS.gov, search "Form 4506," download the PDF, and fill it out on computer or by hand.
Step 2: Fill Out Lines 1-5
Enter personal information: Line 1a (your name as filed), Line 1b (your SSN), Line 2a (spouse name if joint), Line 2b (spouse SSN if joint), Line 3 (current address), Line 4 (previous address if moved since filing those returns), and Line 5 (leave blank unless requesting business return).
Step 3: Complete Lines 6-7
Specify what you need: Line 6 (enter "1040" for individual tax return form 1040), Line 7 (enter year(s) needed in format "12/31/2023" not just "2023"). Example: 12/31/2023, 12/31/2022, 12/31/2021. Check box 8a if you need the copy mailed to a third party (lender, attorney, etc.).
Step 4: Sign and Date
At the bottom of page 1, both spouses must sign if filing a joint return, enter phone numbers, and date when you sign.
Step 5: Include Payment
Pay $43 per return by check or money order only made out to "United States Treasury." For example, if you need 3 years, that's $129 ($43 × 3). No cash or credit cards accepted. Write your SSN, form number (1040), and tax years on your check.
Step 6: Mail Everything Together
Mail Form 4506 (completed and signed) and payment (check or money order) to the address listed on the form. Use certified mail for tracking. Note that this is a different address than transcript requests.
Step 7: Wait 60-75 Days
IRS processing time is a minimum of 60 days, up to 75 days during busy periods, longer if there are issues with your request. There's no way to expedite this process. The IRS mails copies to the address you specified on Line 3.
Key Tip: This takes so long because the IRS must pull your original return from archives, make photocopies, process payment, and mail to you—all done manually. This is not automated like transcripts.
How NSKT Global Can Help Get Your Past Tax Returns
NSKT Global helps individuals and businesses obtain past tax return forms 1040 and transcripts quickly and correctly.
Determine What You Need
We help you determine what you need by assessing why you need old returns, recommending a transcript versus a copy, saving you money if a transcript works, and avoiding waiting for copies you don't need.
Obtain Records for You
We obtain records for you by completing Form 4506-T or 4506 correctly, submitting to the right IRS address, following up on delays, and getting your records faster when you need to get past 1040 forms.
Access Tax Software Records
We access your tax software records if you filed with software by helping you log into old accounts, recover forgotten passwords, download past returns, and print and organize copies.
Prepare Records for Specific Needs
We prepare records for specific needs, formatting them properly for mortgage applications, legal proceedings, business acquisitions, immigration applications, or whatever your specific need for your individual tax return form 1040 records.
Whether you need one transcript for a mortgage or copies of 7 years for legal proceedings, our expertise ensures you get what you need quickly and correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far back can I get copies of tax returns?
Transcripts go back up to 10 years by mail and 3 years online. Actual copies are available for the current year plus 7 prior years (8 years total). Returns older than that are generally destroyed by the IRS.
Q: How long does it take to get old tax returns?
Online transcripts are instant. Mail transcript takes 5-10 business days. Phone transcripts take 5-10 business days. Paid copy takes 60-75 days. Tax software download is instant for your tax return forms 1040.
Q: Can I get a copy if I never filed that year?
No. The IRS only has returns you actually filed. If you never filed, they have nothing to send you. You'll need to prepare and file that year's 1040 tax return form now.
Q: What if I filed but the IRS says they have no record?
This could mean the return was lost, not processed, or there's identity theft. Request a "Verification of Non-Filing" letter. If you did file, you'll need proof (cancelled check, certified mail receipt, old copy). Work with a tax professional to resolve.
Q: Will requesting old returns trigger an audit?
No. Simply requesting transcripts or copies doesn't trigger an audit. The IRS processes millions of these requests yearly to get past 1040 forms. It's a normal administrative function.
Q: Can someone else request my tax returns?
Not without your permission. To authorize someone (attorney, accountant, spouse), you must sign Form 4506 or 4506-T authorizing release, or complete Form 2848 (Power of Attorney).
Q: What if I moved since filing—which address should I use?
Use your current address on Line 3 (where you want it mailed). But put the old address on Line 4 so the IRS can find your individual tax return form 1040 in their system.
Q: I filed jointly but now divorced—can I still get copies?
Yes. Either spouse can request a transcript or copy of a joint return. Both spouses don't need to sign unless requesting the copy be sent to a third party.
Q: Can I get copies of W-2s or 1099s from past years?
Yes, through a Wage & Income Transcript. This shows W-2s, 1099s, and other income documents reported to the IRS. Available the same ways as tax return forms 1040 transcripts.
