| A financial situation as come up where you need | | | | The tax return transcript will show line items from any |
| copies of your federal income tax return and it's of the | | | | of the three types of forms for filing a federal return. |
| utmost importance you get the information as soon as | | | | They are the 1040 EZ, 1040A and the Form 1040. |
| you can. | | | | Usually the tax return transcript would be sufficient if |
| Unfortunately you have no idea where you or your | | | | you need proof to apply for a bank loan. |
| spouse placed the "important papers" of the | | | | You can request either type of transcript by mail or by |
| household. You called your tax accountant and he just | | | | phone. The phone number is 1-800-829-1040. If you |
| happens to be on vacation. | | | | wish to request a transcript by mail you'll need the IRS |
| What do you do? | | | | address that pertains to your specific area. If you need |
| There are a couple of options that are available to | | | | a photocopy of a previously processed tax return |
| you. There are tax account transcripts and tax return | | | | request Form 4506 which is a Request for Copy of |
| transcripts. | | | | Tax Form. |
| The tax account transcript is the best of the two | | | | As with most things, there is a fee of about $40 you'll |
| because it will include any adjustments that were | | | | need to pay for each tax period you request. |
| made after you filed. The type of information included | | | | Of course to avoid having to go through all of this, |
| are your adjusted gross income, taxable income, your | | | | please keep your income tax papers in a safe location |
| marital status and whether you filed a long or short | | | | where you're able to retrieve them when you need |
| form 1040. | | | | them. |