How do I access my 2022 1040 as a minor filing my W2?

The IRS verification system does make it tough for minors to access their own transcripts online. Since you're under 18, here are a few options you can try: Ask your parents/guardian if they have a copy of your 2022 return. If they helped you file last year, they might have saved a digital or paper copy. This would be the easiest solution. If you used tax preparation software last year (like TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.), log into your account on their website. Most tax software keeps copies of your previous returns for several years. You can also call the IRS directly at 800-908-9946 to request a transcript by mail. The automated system will send it to the address they have on file. This takes about 5-10 business days. As a last resort, you can submit Form 4506-T by mail to request a transcript. Again, this will be mailed to your address on record.

After dealing with a similar issue (couldn't get my past returns online), I started using taxr.ai and it's been a game-changer for keeping track of my tax documents. You upload your tax docs there and it creates smart analysis that helps when filing. I found it at https://taxr.ai when I was searching for ways to better organize my tax stuff after losing access to previous returns. For your current situation, definitely try what the previous commenter suggested with checking TurboTax through your dad's account. But for the future, having your docs organized in one secure place has saved me so much stress!

Just wanted to update! I took the advice about taxr.ai from earlier in this thread and it's been surprisingly helpful! After my dad found my 2022 return, I scanned and uploaded it along with my current W2s. The platform actually flagged some inconsistencies between how things were filed last year and what I was planning this year. The document management is super clean - way better than the folder of random tax papers I had before. And the text recognition pulled all the important numbers automatically so I didn't have to manually enter stuff. Definitely recommend for other young filers trying to get organized!

If your dad can't find the return and you need to contact the IRS directly, I'd strongly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at the IRS. The normal wait times are RIDICULOUS - I spent 3+ hours on hold last month. With Claimyr, they basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is ready to talk. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Since you're a minor trying to access tax info, speaking directly with an IRS rep will be way more productive than fighting with their automated systems that aren't designed for people under 18.

I need to eat my words from my earlier comment. After struggling for TWO DAYS trying to get through to the IRS about my missing 2022 return (got disconnected 3 times after waiting 1+ hours each time), I broke down and tried Claimyr. Within 40 minutes, I was talking to an actual IRS agent who helped solve my problem. They didn't need any personal info except my phone number, and they called me when they got through. The agent was able to verify my identity over the phone even though I don't have a credit card or loan history yet. For the original poster - they should definitely be able to help you get your transcript as a minor. The IRS phone agents have different verification methods than the website.

Little tip that might help - if your parents claimed you as a dependent last year, your 1040 info might actually be included in THEIR tax return rather than a separate one. So make sure to check if you actually filed your own 1040 last year or if your income was reported on your parents' return. I made this mistake when I was 18 - spent ages looking for my "previous year's return" before realizing my parents had claimed me and I didn't actually file separately the year before.

Has anyone here tried getting a tax transcript by mail as a minor? The IRS website says they'll mail it to your address on file, but I'm wondering if they'll still send it if you're under 18? My brother is in a similar situation.

Another option worth mentioning - if you filed through a tax preparer last year (like H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, etc.), they're required to keep copies of your return for at least 3 years. Even if you went to a small local office, they should have your 2022 return on file. You can call or visit the same location where you filed and request a copy. They'll need to verify your identity (usually with your SSN and some basic info), but this might be easier than dealing with the IRS systems that aren't designed for minors. Also, just to clarify something from earlier comments - even if your parents claimed you as a dependent, you would still file your own separate 1040 if you had income over $400 (or $5 if it was unearned income like interest). So at $3800 from your job, you almost certainly did file your own return last year, it just wouldn't affect your parents' ability to claim you as a dependent.