Start with what you already have: your own saved copy, or your tax software account. If neither works, a tax return transcript shows most lines of the return and is enough for most needs, including last year's AGI. You can view it online or get it by mail in 5 to 10 calendar days. An exact copy takes Form 4506, costs $30 per return and can take up to 75 days.
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Four places to look, fastest first
| Where | How fast | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Your own copy (paper or a saved PDF) | Right away | Everything |
| Your tax software or last year's preparer | Right away, once you sign in or ask | Most software keeps past returns in your account, and preparers keep copies of returns they filed |
| Tax return transcript | Online once you verify your identity, or 5 to 10 calendar days by mail | Last year's AGI, and proof of income for most uses |
| Exact copy (Form 4506) | Up to 75 days, $30 per return | When someone needs the full return with its schedules and attachments |
Transcript or exact copy: which do you need?
Most people only need a transcript. It lists most line items from your return as you originally filed it, including your adjusted gross income, and there's no fee.
An exact copy is a photocopy of the return you filed, with its schedules and the W-2s you attached. You usually only need it when someone specifically asks for the complete return.
There are a few kinds of transcript, so ask for the one that fits:
- Tax return transcript: most lines from your return as filed
- Tax account transcript: payments, penalties and changes made after you filed
- Wage and income transcript: the W-2s and 1099s reported for you
- Verification of non-filing letter: shows that no return was filed for a year
How to request a transcript
- Online. Sign in to your individual online account at IRS.gov. You'll need to verify your identity the first time. Once you're in, you can view and download transcripts.
- By mail. Use the transcript-by-mail request online, or send Form 4506-T (every transcript type) or Form 4506-T-EZ (the tax return transcript only). It goes to the address on your last return and arrives in 5 to 10 calendar days.
How to request an exact copy
Fill out Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and mail it with the $30 fee for each year you want. Allow up to 75 days. If you used a tax preparer last year, ask them first: they may have a copy and can usually get it to you much faster.
When a call helps
- Your old software account is gone and you need last year's numbers
- You're not sure whether a transcript is enough
- You need last year's AGI to e-file this year's return
- You'd like a tax pro to prepare this year's return, as a paid service
Quick answers
Is a transcript the same as a copy?
No. A tax return transcript is a printout of most of the lines on the return you filed. An exact copy is a photocopy of the return itself, with its schedules and attachments. Most people only need the transcript.
Does it cost anything?
There's no fee for a transcript. An exact copy requested with Form 4506 costs $30 for each return.
Can you get it for me?
No. We can't get or send tax records. A tax pro can tell you which one you need and the fastest way to request it.
I only need last year's AGI to e-file. Do I need the whole return?
No. You only need that one number. See where to find last year's AGI.
Have a different question?
Call and ask a tax pro. Open 8 AM to 10 PM Eastern, January through April.
No appointment needed.
More questions
Sources
Checked November 12, 2026.