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The Daily Insight

How do I get a copy of my original Tax Return?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published May 14, 2026

To get a transcript, taxpayers can:

  1. Order online. They can use the Get Transcript tool on IRS.gov.
  2. Order by mail. Taxpayers can use Get Transcript by Mail or call 800-908-9946 to order a tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts.
  3. Complete and send either 4506-T or 4506T-EZ to the IRS.

How do I get a copy of my 2008 Tax Return?

To request either transcript online, go to and look for our new online tool, Order a Transcript. To order by phone, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts in the recorded message.

How can I get a copy of my 2017 tax return?

Your previous returns are in Your tax returns & documents on Tax Home (the first screen when you sign in). Select Show next to Your tax returns & documents. Under 2017, select Download/print return, choose why you need the copy, then select Download my return.

How to obtain a copy of your prior year tax return?

To request a transcript or a copy of your tax return from the IRS: Note. If you need to file a prior year return, see Previous Year’s TaxAct Products for a list of available Online and Desktop programs. If you used TaxAct in a prior year and need to access your account, see Accessing Prior Year Returns.

Where can I Find my 2018 tax return?

If you have already filed your 2018 tax return using the Free Edition without PLUS, then you need to upgrade to PLUS and pay first to access your prior year return. Please follow the instructions below: On the Tax Home screen click “show” to see all your tax returns & documents. Under 2018 click on “Add a State.”

Where can I get a copy of my tax return for financial aid?

If you are applying for financial aid, you can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA website to import your tax return information to your financial aid application. In both of these cases, you won’t have to request a transcript directly from the IRS.