Best ways to retrieve tax return documents from previous years after losing scanned copies?

Yes, you have several options to retrieve tax return documents from previous years! The most direct way is to request a tax transcript from the IRS, which contains most of the information from your original tax return. You can get this for free. You can request tax transcripts online through the IRS "Get Transcript" tool at IRS.gov. You'll need to create an account if you don't already have one, and you'll need to verify your identity. Once logged in, you can download your transcript immediately. Alternatively, you can call the IRS at 800-908-9946 to request a transcript by mail, or submit Form 4506-T. If you need the actual, complete tax return (not just a transcript), you'll need to complete Form 4506 and pay a $43 fee per tax return. This takes longer - usually up to 75 days to process. Since you mentioned TurboTax and H&R Block, you might also be able to log into your accounts with them and download copies of returns you filed through their services, which would be much faster than waiting for the IRS.

After struggling with a similar situation last year when I needed past returns for a student loan application, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was seriously a game-changer. They have a tool that can analyze your tax documents and help recreate information from past returns. I was skeptical at first but uploaded what partial information I had, and they were able to help reconstruct what I needed. Their system works with the IRS transcript data too, so once you get your transcript using the method the previous commenter mentioned, you can upload it to taxr.ai and they'll help extract and organize the information in a more readable format than the raw IRS transcript. The interface guides you through everything step by step.

Just wanted to follow up - I took the plunge and tried taxr.ai after posting my question, and wow, it actually worked great! I couldn't get through the IRS verification online, so I used their guided process to request transcripts by mail instead. Once I got them, I uploaded the documents to taxr.ai and their system organized everything in a way that made sense. The best part was they formatted the information exactly how my lender needed it. They even have templates specifically for mortgage applications that extract the exact data points mortgage underwriters look for. Saved me hours of stressing about this. Definitely recommend for anyone who's struggling with getting old tax docs together!

If you're struggling to get through to the IRS to get your tax transcripts (which you'll definitely need for your mortgage), I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). The IRS phone lines are IMPOSSIBLE right now - I tried for 2 weeks straight and kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Claimyr basically holds your place in line with the IRS and then calls you when an actual human agent is on the line. I was super skeptical but you can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I needed my transcripts for a home refinance and was getting desperate after multiple failed attempts to get through. Used Claimyr and they connected me with an IRS agent within about 40 minutes. The agent was able to verify my identity over the phone and mail my transcripts right away.

I have to eat my words and apologize to the folks recommending Claimyr. After dismissing it as a probable scam in my earlier comment, I was getting nowhere with the IRS on my own and decided to try it as a last resort. I'm genuinely shocked at how well it worked. After trying to call the IRS myself for 3 days (and never getting through), Claimyr connected me with an actual IRS agent in about 35 minutes. The agent verified my identity and is sending me all my transcripts for the last 3 years. The best part is I was able to explain to the agent that I needed these urgently for a mortgage application, and they were able to expedite sending them. Definitely wouldn't have gotten that option from the automated system. Consider me a convert!

Just adding another option - if you used a tax preparer for any of those years (not just the software, but an actual accountant or tax preparation service), they keep copies of returns they prepare for at least 3 years, sometimes longer. Might be worth contacting them too! My husband and I had a similar issue when applying for our mortgage last year. We couldn't find our 2021 return anywhere, but our accountant had a copy that she emailed us within minutes of asking. Way faster than dealing with the IRS!

Has anyone actually tried getting their transcripts directly from the IRS website recently? I keep reading horror stories about identity verification problems.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when I was refinancing my home! Here's what worked for me: First, definitely try logging into your TurboTax account - they keep copies of your returns for several years and you can download them immediately as PDFs. Since you used them for the last 3 years, this should cover your 2022 and 2023 returns that your lender specifically requested. For the older H&R Block returns, if you filed at a physical location, definitely call them first before going the IRS route. When I called my local H&R Block office, they were able to email me copies of my 2019 and 2020 returns the same day for $25 each. If those options don't work out, the IRS transcript route that others mentioned is solid. I had to do this for one year where my tax preparer had gone out of business. The online system worked fine for me, but if you run into ID verification issues, you can always request by mail using Form 4506-T - it's free and took about 2 weeks when I did it. Pro tip: Call your mortgage lender and explain the situation. Many will accept tax transcripts instead of full returns, and some will even give you a short extension on document deadlines if you can show you've already requested the transcripts. Good luck with your closing!