How to Get Copies of My 2005 Federal Income Tax

It's a good idea to keep copies of your federal tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service says that keeping a copy helps when it comes to preparing future tax returns and when making computations if you file an amended return. If you failed to keep or misplaced a duplicate of your 2005 return, you may get a copy of your return and attachments through 2011 from the IRS.

Instructions

1. Download Form 4506 from the IRS website in Resource 1. You can also request that Form 4506 be mailed to you by calling the IRS at [phone].

2. Complete and sign Form 4506. The IRS says that copies of jointly filed tax returns may be requested by either spouse and only one signature is required.

3. Make a check or money order payable to "United States Treasury" for the fee listed on the form. As of late 2009, that fee was $57.

4. Mail the completed, signed form and check to the address indicated on Form 4506. This address will vary depending on which state you lived in when you filed your 2005 tax return.

5. Allow 60 calendar days to receive the copy of your 2005 tax return.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the IRS, lending institutions and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services may accept a transcript of your 2005 tax return as a substitute for an exact copy. Transcripts are provided for free and can be mailed to a third party. Download Form 4506T-EZ from the IRS website in the Resources section or call [phone].

References

• IRS: How long should I keep records?
• IRS: Getting A Copy of Your Return
• Interview with Mrs. Campbell, IRS I.D. #0548953