How to Get a Copy of Your 1040 Tax Return

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 authority if you filed a state return. The fastest route depends on whether you need it right away and whether you have your filing records.

If you filed your return yourself through tax software, check your email for a confirmation or read link — most software companies keep your return in your account for several years. If a tax preparer filed it for you, contact their office first; they usually have a copy on file and can send it to you within days.

If you cannot find your copy and need one from the IRS, you have three options: order it online through your IRS account, request it by mail, or call the IRS directly. Each method takes different amounts of time and requires different information.

Key Takeaways

Your tax preparer or tax software company is usually the fastest source for a copy of your 1040, since they filed it and keep records.
The IRS will send you a transcript or a copy of your return if you request it, but processing takes one to two weeks by mail or up to 24 hours online.
You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year you are requesting to order from the IRS.
A transcript (which shows your income and tax paid) works for most purposes like loans or financial aid, and is faster than getting the full return.

Ordering online through your IRS account

The IRS allows you to order a transcript or a copy of your return through your account on IRS.gov. This is the fastest method if you have already set up an account.

Go to IRS.gov and sign in with your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one. Navigate to the "Get Your Tax Record" section and select the year you need. You can choose between a transcript (a summary of your return) or a full copy of your return itself. Transcripts arrive within 24 hours; full copies take longer.

The IRS charges no fee for this service. You will receive the document by mail at the address on file with your return, or you can view and read it when ready in some cases.

Requesting by mail

If you do not have an IRS account or prefer to request by mail, you can use Form 4506-C (Request for Copy of Tax Return) or Form 4506T-Z (Request for Transcript of Tax Return). The form you use depends on whether you want the full return or just a transcript.

read the form from IRS.gov, fill it out with your name, Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year you need, then mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. You do not need to sign the form if you are mailing it, but you must include your signature if you are faxing it.

There is no fee for transcripts. Copies of your full return cost $50 per year requested. Mail your form to the address shown in the instructions — it varies by state.

Calling the IRS directly

You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a transcript or copy. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year ready before you call.

The IRS will mail the document to you within one to two weeks. They cannot email or fax it to you directly, but they can arrange for it to be sent to a third party (like a lender or school) if you provide written authorization.

Wait times to reach the IRS are often long, especially during tax season. If you have internet access, ordering online is usually faster.

What to do if you cannot find your filing information

If you do not know which year you filed or cannot remember your filing status, the IRS can still help. When you call or order online, you can provide your name and Social Security number, and the IRS will search their records for returns filed under that name.

If you filed jointly with a spouse, both of you will need to sign any request for a copy. If you are requesting a return filed by someone else (for example, a deceased parent's return), you will need to provide proof of your authority to request it, such as a power of attorney or court order.

Using a transcript instead of the full return

For most purposes — loans, financial aid, proof of income — a transcript works just as well as the full return and is faster to get. A transcript shows your adjusted gross income, taxable income, tax paid, and filing status, but not the detailed schedules and deductions.

Banks, employers, and schools often ask for a transcript rather than the full return because it contains the information they need. Ask whoever requested the document whether a transcript will work before you order the full return, since it will save you time and money.

The IRS offers several types of transcripts: Account Transcript (shows tax account history), Record of Account Transcript (shows the return as filed plus any changes), and Verification of Non-Filing (shows you did not file in a particular year). The type you need depends on what the document will be used for.

What happens if the IRS cannot find your return

If you request a copy and the IRS cannot locate your return, they will send you a notice explaining why. This can happen if you filed under a different name, if the return was filed under the wrong Social Security number, or if the IRS has no record of receiving it.

If you believe you filed but the IRS has no record, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your filing information. They can search their records more thoroughly. If you filed through a tax preparer, ask them to check their records and contact the IRS on your behalf.

If you never received a confirmation that your return was accepted, you may need to file an amended return or refile the original year. The IRS can advise you on the next step once they confirm whether they have a record of your filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a copy of my 1040 from the IRS?

Online ordering through your IRS account takes up to 24 hours. Requesting by mail or phone takes one to two weeks. If you need it faster, contact your tax preparer or tax software company — they usually have your copy when ready.

Do I have to pay to get a copy of my return?

Transcripts are free. Full copies of your return cost $50 per year. Ordering through your IRS account online is free regardless of which type you request.

Can I get a copy of someone else's return?

Only if you have legal authority. If you are a spouse on a joint return, you can request it. If you are an executor of an estate or have power of attorney, you will need to provide documentation. Otherwise, the IRS will not release another person's return to you.

What if I filed my return through a tax preparer — where do I get a copy?

Contact your tax preparer's office first. They keep copies of returns they filed and can usually send you one within a few days at no cost. If you cannot reach them or they are no longer in business, you can request a copy from the IRS using the methods above.

Is a transcript the same as my actual 1040?

No. A transcript is a summary that shows income, tax, and filing status. Your actual 1040 includes all schedules, deductions, and supporting forms. For most purposes like loans or financial aid, a transcript is sufficient and faster to obtain.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.