Where to get your 1040
You can get a copy of your 1040 from the IRS, from your tax preparer if you used one, or from your state tax agency if you filed a state return. The fastest route depends on when you filed and whether you need it right away.
If you prepared your return yourself using tax software, check your computer or email first — most programs save a copy automatically. If you used a tax preparer or CPA, call their office and ask them to send you a copy; they keep records for at least three years. If neither of those works, the IRS can send you one, but it takes two to four weeks by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Your tax preparer or software provider can usually send you a copy within days, which is faster than requesting one from the IRS.
- The IRS will mail you a copy if you request it by phone, mail, or online, but the process takes two to four weeks.
- You can view your return information online through IRS.gov if you filed electronically and have an account set up.
- Bring a photo ID and proof of address if you pick up a copy in person at an IRS office, though most people request by mail or phone instead.
- State tax agencies can provide copies of state returns separately from federal returns.
Requesting a copy from the IRS by phone or mail
To request a copy from the IRS, call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year ready. The IRS will mail the copy to the address on file, which usually takes two to four weeks. You can also request by mail using Form 4506-C, which you mail to the IRS address for your region (listed on the form itself).
If you need the return faster, Form 4506-C-Z is a shorter version for the same purpose and may process slightly quicker, though both routes use mail delivery. The IRS charges a small fee for copies — currently $43 per return, though this may vary. Payment is usually collected when you call or included with your mailed request.
Viewing your return online through IRS.gov
If you filed electronically, you can view your return information online without waiting for a copy in the mail. Go to IRS.gov and sign in to your account using your Social Security number and either a username and password or an identity verification method. Once logged in, you can see your filing status, refund information, and a summary of what you reported.
This online view does not give you an official IRS transcript or a signed copy suitable for submitting to a lender or employer, but it lets you confirm what you filed and see the details. If you need an official document to show someone else, you will still need to request a copy by phone or mail, or ask your tax preparer for theirs.
Getting a copy from your tax preparer
If you paid someone to prepare your return — a CPA, tax attorney, or tax preparation service — they are required to give you a copy. Call their office and ask them to email, mail, or have you pick up a copy. Most can do this within a few days. If you used a large chain like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt, you can often request through their website or by calling the location where you filed.
Tax preparers keep copies for at least three years, so even if you filed several years ago, they should still have it on file. If your preparer has closed or gone out of business, you will need to request from the IRS instead.
Getting a copy from your state tax agency
If you filed a state return, your state tax agency keeps a copy separate from your federal return. Contact your state's department of revenue or taxation (the name varies by state) and request a copy of your state return for the year you need. Most states process these requests by mail and charge a small fee, similar to the IRS.
Some states allow you to view your return online through their website if you have an account set up. Check your state's tax agency website to see if this option is available where you live. You will need your Social Security number and either a username or identity verification to log in.
What to do if you cannot find your return
If you do not know whether you filed a return for a particular year, you can ask the IRS to search their records. Call 1-800-829-1040 and provide your Social Security number and the tax year in question. The IRS can tell you whether they have a return on file for you. If they do not, you may need to file a late return, though that is a separate process.
If you filed but lost your copy and your preparer is no longer available, the IRS is your only option. The phone route is usually faster than mail, even though the copy itself arrives by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a copy from the IRS?
The IRS typically mails copies within two to four weeks of your request. Calling 1-800-829-1040 and mailing Form 4506-C both use the same timeline. Online viewing through IRS.gov is when ready if you have an account, but that shows a summary, not an official copy.
Can I get a copy the same day?
No, not from the IRS. Your fastest option is to contact your tax preparer or check your tax software — both usually have copies ready when ready. If you used neither, you will need to wait for mail delivery from the IRS.
Do I need to pay to get a copy?
The IRS charges a fee (currently $43 per return) when you request by phone or mail. Your tax preparer may or may not charge for providing a copy — ask when you call. Viewing online through IRS.gov is free.
What if I filed electronically but do not remember my IRS.gov password?
Go to IRS.gov and select the option to reset your password or verify your identity. You will need your Social Security number and other personal information. If you cannot reset it, call 1-800-829-1040 and request a copy by phone instead.
Can someone else pick up my copy for me?
If you request by mail, the IRS will send it to the address on file. If you want someone else to receive it, you can update your address before requesting, or ask your tax preparer to send it to that person instead. The IRS does not typically release copies to third parties in person without written authorization.