Tax Forms | Tax Codes

How to Obtain, Download a Tax Return Copy

Keeping a copy of your tax return has many benefits. Your IRS and State Tax Return(s) are stored on eFile.com if you prepared and e-filed or downloaded/printed/mailed your return(s) via eFile.com. As an existing eFile.com user, you can access your previous year's tax returns for up to 7 years for free.

Attention: Depending on why you need a tax return copy, you might get a tax transcript instead, as it's easier to obtain than a tax return copy.

Tax Return copies serve as proof of your income for:
- Previous Year Adjusted Gross Income or AGI - required by the IRS in order to e-File a tax return unless you did not file the previous year
- Mortgage applications
- College applications
- Medical related payments
- Social Security Benefits
- IRS audit
- And more!
Tax Withholding. When you plan your W-4 Form or tax withholding, refer to your previous year's return to balance your tax withholding accurately. eFile.com has free W-4 tools to help you keep your money during the year.
In case you receive a letter from the IRS or you get audited by the IRS and/or state, you will need to refer to last year's return.

1. Tax Return Copies of Returns PREPARED via eFile.com

Step

Description

1. You DID prepare Returns via eFile.com

Step 1: Sign in to eFile.com
Step 2: Click on My Account

2. Your My Account and a List of PDF files

The last three years of your returns are stored here for free.
Click on the PDF icon for the respective tax year. Based on your browser settings, the PDF will either open in a tab or prompt you to download the PDF.
Android and iPhone users: Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of your device or follow these mobile user download instructions.

My Account

3. Returns Older Than 3 Years

Contact us for returns prepared on eFile.com that are older than three years. For existing customers, returns remain accessible for up to 7 years for free. For customers who are not using eFile.com during the current tax year, a small fee might apply, which is contingent on account history.

Archived return copies which can be obtained at $9.95/per return copy. In comparison, the IRS charges $43.00/per return copy for any return, no matter what year. The IRS only provides copies for the current tax year and six previous tax years, 2016-2022.

After October 15 of each year, archived returns for tax years 2016-2019 can be obtained for $9.95 per copy, while 2020-2022 are in your account for free. Archived returns for Tax Years 2013-2015 can be obtained for $29.00 per copy since these cannot be obtained from the IRS.

4. State Tax Return

State Tax Returns are stored together with the Federal Tax Return in your My Account as outlined above and are included in the PDF file.

2. Tax Returns Copies of Returns NOT PREPARED via eFile.com

Step

Description

1. Copies of Tax Returns NOT prepared on eFile.com

Contact the online platform, tax app provider, or professional office where you prepared or had your tax returns prepared.

2. Return Transcript Based by Tax Year

Learn more about free Tax Return Transcript Types and
Steps to Obtain an IRS Tax Transcript
Order a free tax return transcript by phone by calling the automated Internal Revenue Service Transcript Order Line at 1-800-908-9946.

C: IRS Return Copy/Paid IRS Copy

Here's an overview of how to obtain a tax return copy. Complete Form 4506 now and download, print, and mail it to the address on the form. The IRS fee is over $40 per tax return copy for ANY year's return.

C: State Return Copy By State

Contact your state tax agency by state for your state tax return copies.

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