Taxpayers often need copies of their prior year returns for various reasons, one reason would be that you are applying for a loan. If you do not have a copy of your return there are a few different options that you have to get one:
• Ask your tax preparer – if you have your taxes professionally prepared the firm should have copies of your prior year’s returns.
• Ask your software provider for a copy.
• Get a transcript of your return from the IRS – you have a few different options to obtain this from the IRS:
1) Online: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
2) By phone: 800-908-9946
3) By mail, you can fill out Form 4506-T or Form 4506T-EZ:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506tez.pdf
If you would like an actual copy of your tax return from the IRS, you can mail in Form 4506 but there is a $50 fee per copy. The IRS has available the current year and the six years prior.
Please consult your tax advisor on all the above information.