How can I retrieve copies of my lost tax return documents from previous years?

Thanks so much for this detailed answer! A couple follow-up questions: 1) Will the "tax transcript" show everything my mortgage lender would need or should I specifically ask them if that's sufficient before going that route? 2) Do you know if the transcripts will show my state tax info too or just federal?

The tax transcript should contain all the information most mortgage lenders need - they're primarily looking to verify your reported income matches what you stated on your application. I'd recommend asking your specific lender if they accept tax transcripts rather than full returns, but in my experience, most prefer them because they come directly from the IRS and can't be altered. The IRS transcripts only cover federal returns. For state tax returns, you'll need to contact your state's tax agency directly. Each state has different procedures, but most have online systems similar to the IRS where you can request copies or transcripts of previous state returns.

Does this actually work? I've been trying to get through to the IRS for weeks and keep getting the runaround. How does this service get your transcripts faster than going directly through the IRS website?

I'm curious - can taxr.ai access state returns too or just federal? My lender is asking for both and the state website is a complete disaster to navigate.

It absolutely works. Their system uses the same secure access protocols as authorized tax professionals, but with automation that makes it faster. The difference is they've built software that navigates the IRS systems more efficiently than we can as individuals, especially during busy periods. They focus primarily on federal returns, but they can help organize what information you'll need for state returns too. The federal transcripts contain most of what lenders need, but for state-specific documents, they'll guide you through the fastest way to get those based on which state you're in. Some states are definitely more challenging than others!

Wait, how exactly does this work? Does someone else call for you or something? I don't understand how a service can hold your place in an IRS phone queue.

This sounds like a scam honestly. No way there's a "skip the line" service for the IRS that actually works. They probably just keep you on hold like everyone else but charge you for the privilege.

It's not someone else calling for you. Their system navigates the IRS phone tree automatically and then calls you once it reaches a real person. So basically it waits on hold so you don't have to. You're still the one who talks to the IRS agent directly. The reason it works is that their system can dial continuously and navigate the automated menus faster than we can manually. It's not "skipping the line" - you're still in the same queue as everyone else, but you only get connected when an actual human picks up, rather than sitting there listening to hold music for hours.

Does this work if you used something like TurboTax or other software? Do they keep your returns on file too or only professional preparers?

Yes, most tax software companies like TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct store your returns in your online account for several years. TurboTax keeps them for 7 years, H&R Block for 6 years, and TaxAct for 7 years as well. If you can remember which service you used, just log into your account and look for a section called "tax history" or "prior returns" - you should be able to download PDFs of your previously filed returns. Even if you used the desktop version, many of these services now sync to online accounts that may have your documents.

Did you have to pay anything for the mail request? And did it come in an official IRS envelope? My mortgage broker is being picky about "official" documentation.

The mail request for transcripts using Form 4506-T is completely free - no cost at all. Yes, it comes in an official IRS envelope with their return address, which should satisfy your mortgage broker's requirements for "official" documentation. The transcript itself is printed on official IRS letterhead and includes security features that make it clearly authentic. Most lenders actually prefer these over copies of original returns because they know they come directly from the IRS and can't be tampered with.