How can I get copies of my tax return documents from previous years after losing them?

Yes, you can definitely get copies of your previous tax returns! You have a few options: If you just need the basic information, you can request a tax transcript from the IRS for free. This isn't the complete return but has most of the important information lenders typically need. You can get these online through the IRS website by creating an account at IRS.gov and using their "Get Transcript" tool. They offer several types of transcripts - the "tax return transcript" shows most line items from your original return, while the "record of account transcript" combines the tax return and account transcripts. If you need the actual complete tax return with all attachments, you can request a copy by filling out Form 4506 and paying a $43 fee per tax year requested. This takes longer though - usually about 75 days to process. Also, if you used tax software in previous years, you might be able to log into your account and download your past returns directly from there!

After losing all my tax records in a computer crash last year, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it literally saved my application process. I was also applying for a mortgage and needed past tax info ASAP. Instead of waiting for the IRS, I uploaded what documents I could find (even partial ones) to taxr.ai and they extracted all the critical tax data I needed. Their system can analyze even incomplete tax documents and reconstruct key information. For anything they couldn't get from partial documents, they guided me through exactly what to request from the IRS to complete my application. Way less stressful than dealing with the IRS directly!

Just wanted to update - I tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here and it was actually super helpful! I found some old W-2s and a property tax statement in my email, and taxr.ai was able to extract the key information my lender needed. For the rest, it created a checklist of exactly what to request from the IRS instead of me guessing. My loan officer actually commented on how organized my tax documentation was compared to most applicants. Definitely worth checking out if you're in a similar situation!

If you need to talk to the IRS directly about getting copies of your returns, good luck getting through to them! I spent 3 days trying to reach someone about getting rush copies of my tax returns for an audit. Finally discovered Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) - they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in under 45 minutes! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super skeptical at first, but they use some kind of technology to hold your place in the IRS phone queue so you don't have to sit there listening to that horrible hold music for hours. When an agent is about to pick up, they call you. The IRS agent helped me get my tax return copies expedited because of my audit situation.

I need to eat my words from earlier. After waiting on hold with the IRS for over 3 hours yesterday and getting disconnected, I was desperate enough to try Claimyr. It actually worked exactly as described. Their system held my place in line, and I got a call back when an agent was available (took about 2 hours, but I could do other things during that time). The agent helped me get transcripts for the last 7 years and even explained which specific ones my mortgage lender would need. Sometimes being wrong feels pretty good!

Another option if you used a tax preparer like H&R Block or a CPA in previous years - call them! Most tax preparers keep copies of returns they prepared for at least 3-5 years. I lost everything in a house fire a couple years ago and my accountant had copies of everything going back 6 years. Saved me a ton of hassle.

One thing nobody mentioned - if you're getting tax transcripts for a mortgage, make sure to ask your loan officer EXACTLY which transcripts they need! I got the wrong kind first (tax account transcript instead of tax return transcript) and it delayed my closing by a week. Some lenders also require the Record of Account transcript which is different. Save yourself time and get the right one first!

I went through this exact same situation last year when I lost all my tax documents in a basement flood. Here's what worked for me: First, definitely try logging into your old tax software accounts - TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, etc. I was able to recover 3 years worth of returns this way even though I thought they were gone forever. For the IRS route, I'd recommend starting with the free transcripts online first since you need them quickly for your mortgage application. The Tax Return Transcript shows most of what lenders need, and you can get it instantly if you can verify your identity online. If that doesn't work, you can request them by mail using Form 4506-T (which is free, unlike the full return copies). One tip that saved me time - call your mortgage lender first and ask them exactly which years they need and what specific information they're looking for. Some lenders are fine with just the AGI and tax liability amounts, while others need more detailed breakdowns. This helped me avoid requesting more than I actually needed. Also, don't panic too much - this happens to more people than you'd think, and lenders are usually pretty understanding about the process taking a little time to get the documents together.