Can anyone tell me if previous tax returns before 2020 are visible on the IRS website? Trying to access older filings

The IRS online account system only shows tax returns from 2020 and forward - this is completely normal and not a cause for concern! The IRS began offering this feature in 2021, and they only provide access to returns filed in 2020 and later years. For returns filed before 2020, you would need to request tax transcripts through a different process. You can request a "Tax Return Transcript" or "Tax Account Transcript" for previous years by using the "Get Transcript" tool on the IRS website, calling their transcript request line, or submitting Form 4506-T. These transcripts will show whether returns were filed and basic information about them. If you're concerned about whether your ex actually filed in previous years, ordering these transcripts is the best way to verify. They're free to request and will show whether returns were submitted for those years, along with information like your reported income and any balance due.

I went through something similar last year when I was trying to confirm if my partner actually filed our taxes. I used taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it saved me so much stress! Their system analyzed my situation and helped me figure out exactly which years were filed and what was missing. They connected me with past tax transcripts I couldn't find on the IRS site and walked me through what each document meant. The best part was I didn't have to wait on hold with the IRS for hours. They checked if my returns were actually filed for previous years and explained the next steps when I found out two years were completely missing. Before finding them, I was completely lost trying to navigate the IRS website and couldn't figure out what was showing up and what wasn't.

I finally gave taxr.ai a try after posting my question here, and wow - it actually helped! I was skeptical at first but desperate to figure out what happened with my 2018 and 2019 returns. Their system guided me through requesting the right transcripts and explained all those confusing codes the IRS uses. Turns out my 2018 return WAS filed but had an amendment I didn't know about, and 2019 showed a different address than I expected. The analysis tool helped me understand exactly what was going on without having to interpret all the IRS jargon myself. I'm now working on getting everything straightened out without the panic I had before. Definitely worth checking out if you're trying to piece together old tax situations!

If you need to talk to the IRS directly about those missing returns (which I recommend), try using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in the exact same situation last year - my ex claimed to have filed our taxes for years but I couldn't find any record. I spent DAYS trying to get through to the IRS on the phone with no luck. Finally tried Claimyr after seeing it mentioned on Reddit, and they got me a callback from the IRS in about 45 minutes when I had been trying for weeks on my own. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent confirmed my ex hadn't filed for 2019, despite telling me he had! I would have been facing serious penalties if I hadn't figured this out. Sometimes you really need to talk to a human at the IRS to sort these things out.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I tried Claimyr after posting my skeptical comment... and it actually worked. After waiting on hold with the IRS for 3+ hours on three separate days and getting disconnected each time, I was pretty much at my wit's end. Using the service, I got a call back from a real IRS agent in about an hour. She confirmed that my ex had only filed our joint returns for 2 of the 5 years he claimed he did. Now I'm working with a tax professional to get caught up without having to pay the massive penalties that would have accumulated if I'd waited longer. I'm still annoyed that this service has to exist (the IRS should just hire more people!), but I'm grateful I didn't have to waste another day on hold.

One thing to consider is pulling your Wage and Income transcripts too, not just your Return transcripts. This will show all W-2s and 1099s reported under your SSN, which can help you recreate returns for any unfiled years. If your ex didn't file in some years, you'll need this info to file correctly. Also, since you mentioned being married filing jointly previously, be aware that you're both equally liable for any joint returns - even if he was the one who prepared them. If there are unfiled years or issues with past returns, you might want to look into Innocent Spouse Relief if he did anything shady on those returns.

While waiting for Friday to call the IRS, you might want to check your credit report too. If the IRS filed liens for unpaid taxes from previous years, they would show up there. It's a quick way to see if there might be serious issues with unfiled/unpaid taxes.