How to Replace a Lost Income Tax Return

It happens to the best of us. Records become lost, destroyed or misplaced due to fire, flood, moving mishaps or just plain organizational inefficiency. Then one day when you are facing a loan, or heaven forbid, an audit, and need a tax return from some previous year, you realize you don't have it anymore. No need to tear your hair out just yet. It's not difficult to get a copy of a past return, although it may take a little time.

Instructions

1. Check with your tax preparer, if you used one. She should be able to provide you with a copy of your return for the years you used the service.

2. Check your computer if you used tax-preparation software. Some software gives you the option of backing up your return online for your future salvation in such a crisis.

3. Obtain a copy of IRS form 4506. It's a simple form that you can download from the IRS website.

4. Fill out the 4506 form and enclose the appropriate payment.

5. Mail this form and the payment to the address listed in the form's instructions. In no more than 60 days, you should receive the copy of your return.

Tips & Warnings

• If you only need the information from a return, as opposed to an actual copy, you can file form 4056-T, which is a request for a "transcript." It's as good as the return for most purposes, and it's free.

• If you can't wait for 60 days, try a private service that can access your tax records quickly, often within 24 hours. While documents provided by these companies may not have the official weight of documents from a U.S. Government agency, they will provide the information you need.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• IRS form 4506
• Credit Technologies, Inc.