Get Prior Year Tax Information from the IRS

There are many reasons to keep a copy of a tax return from a prior year. The IRS urges all taxpayers to keep copies of their tax returns for at least three years.

Taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.

Those who need a copy of their tax return should check with their software provider or tax preparer. Prior year tax returns are available from IRS for a fee.

Tax Transcripts

Taxpayers who cannot get a copy of a prior year return may order a tax transcript from the IRS. A transcript summarizes return information and includes AGI. They are free and available for the most current tax year after the IRS has processed the return. People can also get them for the past three years.

In applying for home mortgages or college financial aid, transcripts are often necessary. Mortgage companies, however, normally arrange to get one for a homeowner or potential homeowner. For people applying for college financial aid, they should use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the Department of Education website. This tool will easily import the tax transcript onto the financial aid application.

Taxpayers can get two types of transcripts from the IRS:

Tax Return Transcript.  A return transcript shows most line items on a tax return as originally filed. People who need their 2015 adjusted gross income for filing purposes will select this type of transcript and look for “adjusted gross income.”
Tax Account Transcript.  This type of transcript shows adjustments or amendments made by taxpayers or by the IRS to a filed return.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999