There are 4 ways you can get a copy of your tax return information or transcripts. If you are filing bankruptcy, you will need a copy of the last 2 (two) years filed tax returns regardless of whether you owe(d) taxes or receive(d) a refund. Example – if you were filing bankruptcy in March 2015 and had not filed taxes yet for 2014 (not due until April 2015), you would need a copy of 2012 & 2013 tax returns. If you were filing bankruptcy in May 2015, you would need a copy of 2013 & 2014 tax returns (unless you had filed an extension for 2014). Unless you are exempt from filing (click here to see who is exempt), you must have filed all the tax returns that are due prior to filing for bankruptcy.
If you have lost your copy, there 4 ways to gain another copy of your tax return or transcript for whichever years you are in need of:
- Online – go to www.irs.gov and click on “Order a Tax Return or Account Transcript”.
- Call 1-800-908-9946 and follow the voice instructions.
- Mail – IRS Form 4506-T or Form 4506-T-EZ “Request for Transcript of Tax Return”. The forms are available online (see #1 above) or by calling 1-800-829-3676. The transcripts will be mailed to your home address, at no charge. You must allow 5-10 days delivery time.
- Go to IRS office – There is an IRS Tax Department office located at 100 W Capitol Street, Jackson, MS. You may have to wait in line, etc, but if you are in a rush and do not have online access, it is possible to go to the IRS office and obtain a copy on the spot. There may be other office locations that can assist you. Look online or call the nearest IRS office and see if they provide this service. Not all locations provide the same services.
Tax return transcripts are acceptable documents for bankruptcy. You do not have to have an actual copy of the return. However, should you need an exact copy of a processed return including attachments, you can complete Form 4506 “Request for Copy of Tax Return”. Mail the completed form with the appropriate fee (go to www.irs.gov) for each tax year being requested to the address on the form. Generally copies are available for the current year and the previous 6 years. If you filed jointly, either spouse can sign and submit the form. You must allow 60 days for delivery.