HOW TO GET COPIES OF YOUR PREVIOUSLY FILED TAX RETURNS
As a US Expat, you will need a lot of important tax documents in order to file your tax return. Top on the list is a copy of your last year’s tax return. The chore of finding any past tax documents can be discouraging as an American overseas. The IRS makes it easy… you can obtain a copy right from them if you are unable to find yours.
The best thing about requesting a copy of your federal tax return from the IRS is that it is FREE! You can request transcripts for current, and up to the past three tax years of your filed returns. The transcript will show most line items as it was originally filed, which includes any forms and schedules. If changes were made after the return was filed, the changes will not be on the transcript.
You can also request a tax account transcript if you would like more detail, this will show any adjustments you or the IRS made after you filed the return. These transcripts consist of basic data, marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income.
Requesting your transcript is as easy as 1, 2, 3
Three simple ways to request your transcript from the IRS:
- By Web: IRS.gov and use the online tool called Order A Transcript
- By Phone: Call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts in the recorded message
- By Mail: Complete IRS form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript. Businesses, partnerships and individuals who need transcript information from other forms or need a tax account transcript must use Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
By ordering online or by phone you will receive your transcript within five to ten days from the time the IRS obtains your request. By mail, allow thirty calendar days for delivery of your tax returns.
If you are required to have an actual copy of a previous tax return, it will cost you $57 for each tax year you order. To obtain an actual copy you must complete Form 4506, Request Copy of Tax Return, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. You may request the current year or the past six years. To receive the copy, please allow for sixty days for delivery.
The $57 fee may be waived if your area was acknowledged as a federal disaster by the President.
Please contact us if you need a list of the other documents we need to prepare your federal and state tax returns.
