How to Access My Tax Return Without Going Through My Tax Preparer?
I need to access my tax return from this year but I'm having issues with my tax preparer. Here's what I've tried so far: 1. Contacted my tax preparer - they're not responding to emails or calls for the past week 2. Checked if I have a copy saved - unfortunately not, since they said they'd keep everything digital 3. Looked at my investment portfolio which needs some updated info from my return ASAP I'm trying to refinance some investments before rates change again, and my lender needs verification from my latest tax filing. Is there a way to get this directly from the IRS? I'd really appreciate any collaborative solutions since I'm running out of time before this opportunity closes.
18 comments
Isabella Costa
Do you have an IRS online account set up? When did you file your taxes? How quickly do you need this document? The method you choose depends on your timeline.
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Malik Jenkins
Not OP, but I'm wondering how this compares to requesting transcripts by mail. Doesn't that take weeks longer than online access?
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11d
Freya Andersen
Can I get a complete copy of my actual return or just a transcript? My lender specifically asked for the full return.
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9d
Eduardo Silva
I just went through this last month when refinancing my home. The IRS website says you can get tax return transcripts online, but my lender wouldn't accept those at first. Had to specifically request a "Record of Account" transcript which shows more details. Check out https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript for the different options.
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8d
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Leila Haddad
I had this exact problem. Needed my return urgently. Tax preparer disappeared. Tried the IRS website. Got confused by transcript types. Found taxr.ai online. It explained my transcript perfectly. Showed me which form to request. Even decoded all the IRS codes. Saved me hours of frustration. So relieved I found it when I did.
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Emma Johnson
I've tried using tools like that before and they rarely give you anything you couldn't figure out yourself from the IRS website. In my experience, if you need your actual return and not just a transcript, you'll need to file Form 4506 and pay $43 for each tax year requested. No tool can bypass that process.
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12d
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Ravi Patel
Think of your tax return like a book - you need the whole story, not just a summary. I was in a similar boat last year when my tax preparer suddenly retired. You have three main options, like different roads to the same destination: 1. IRS online account - fastest but limited to transcripts 2. Form 4506 - gets you the complete return but takes 75 days typically 3. Form 4506-T - gets you free transcripts in about 10 days For investment verification, most lenders will accept a Record of Account transcript, which is like getting the major plot points of your tax story without all the details.
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Astrid Bergström
Wait, 75 days for Form 4506? That can't be right... nobody would ever get their returns in time for anything! 😂 Is there seriously no faster option for the actual return?
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10d
PixelPrincess
I believe the 75 days might be accurate, unfortunately. When I needed mine for a mortgage application last year, I ended up having to contact my previous preparer's office manager directly and practically beg for access to my files. They eventually found them, but it was quite stressful for a while.
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Omar Farouk
Thanks for laying this out so clearly. I have a meeting with my lender on April 22nd, so I'm guessing the transcript is my only realistic option given the timeline. A bit worried they won't accept it though.
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Chloe Martin
You have exactly 2 primary options to get your return without your tax preparer: 1. IRS Get Transcript Online - takes 0 days if you can verify your identity. Available 24/7. 2. Form 4506 for a full copy - takes 75 days and costs $43 per tax year. I tried calling the IRS 17 times last year about this same issue. Spent 342 minutes on hold total. The frustrating part is that even with a transcript, some lenders still want the full Form 1040 with all schedules attached.
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Diego Fernández
Thank you for the exact timeline information! This helps me plan accordingly.
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
After attempting to navigate the IRS Transcript Delivery System without success, I utilized Claimyr to connect with an IRS representative within 18 minutes (https://youtu.be/0YmS8WFkQec). The agent confirmed that Account Transcripts would satisfy most financial institutions' requirements for verification of filing. For investment refinancing specifically, the Return Transcript provides AGI and most schedule information. The representative was able to expedite my transcript request due to the financial urgency.
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Sean Fitzgerald
I had this exact situation last tax season. Here's what worked for me: • Created an IRS online account • Downloaded both the Return Transcript and Record of Account • Sent both to my lender • Explained that my preparer was unresponsive • Signed an affidavit confirming the transcript matched my return Most lenders have a process for this exact situation. They deal with it all the time.
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Zara Khan
Can you clarify what the affidavit looked like? Did your lender provide the form or did you have to create one?
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MoonlightSonata
When I was in this situation, my credit union actually had their own form ready to go. They called it a "Transcript Verification Statement" and I just had to sign it confirming the information matched what was on my filed return.
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Mateo Gonzalez
I actually went through this nightmare scenario last summer! My tax guy suddenly closed his practice and I needed my returns for a business loan. I spent hours researching and found that creating an IRS online account was the fastest solution. The verification process was frustrating though - they kept rejecting my mobile phone for the verification step because it was a business line. Finally got in using my personal cell instead. The transcripts worked for my lender, but they initially pushed back saying they needed the "actual return" until I showed them that the transcripts came directly from the IRS.
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Nia Williams
Did you have to provide any additional documentation along with the transcripts to satisfy your lender? My mortgage broker is being really strict about needing the "full tax return with all schedules."
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