Lost Last Year's Tax Return?

It happens every year. Just when you get motivatedtranscript is your original return as modified by any
to get rolling on your taxes, you realize you can't findchanges made by the IRS or you. Which one is the
the return you filed last year. Aaaarrrrggg!correct one? If the IRS has not contacted you about
First off, don't panic if you can't find the return. Yes,an issue with the return, it is the tax return transcript. If
you need it to know what you claimed last year andthey have, it the tax account transcript.
how those claims relate to this years return. All is notThe IRS will give you any return for the past three filing
lost, however. The IRS will provide you with a copy ofyears. The service is free. To get the copy, you can
your past tax returns if you ask nicely. Here is how tocall the IRS at 800-829-1040. Alternatively, you can get
go about it.a copy by filling out and mailing in IRS Form 4506-T. It
The IRS will not send you the actual tax return. Thetakes two weeks to a month for the agency to get
agency, however, will send you their version of it. Thisthe copy to you. If you discover you have a problem
is known as a tax return transcript and is a layout ofjust before the relevant filing deadline, file for an
the information you provided. It is essentially yourextension so you don't run afoul of filing laws.
return, but doesn't look like it. You can rely on theRemember, you have to pay any taxes due
transcript as though it was your original return.regardless of the extension, so try to guesstimate
When you contact the IRS to get the transcript, it iswhat you will owe.
important to understand there are two types available.If you lose a past tax return, there is no need to panic.
As is usual with the IRS, there are two choices just toThe IRS will be happy to send you a copy. After all, an
confuse you. The first is the tax return transcript that isaudit agent probably has the file on their desk as we
essentially the return you filed. The tax accountspeak!