How to get past tax records when I don't know the address IRS has on file
I'm in a bit of a frustrating situation and hoping someone can help. I need to get copies of my past tax records from the IRS but I've moved around quite a bit in the last few years, and I'm not sure which address they have on file for me. I tried the online portal but it keeps rejecting my authentication, and I think it's because I'm entering the wrong address. I've tried my current address and a few previous addresses I can remember, but none of them seem to work. I need these records to apply for a mortgage (lender is asking for 3 years of transcripts), and I'm getting desperate. My last tax preparer closed their business and I don't have proper copies of my returns. Has anyone dealt with this before? Is there some way to figure out what address the IRS has on file for me without actually already knowing it? Or is there another way to get these records? Any help would be really appreciated!
19 comments


Ethan Campbell
The IRS has a couple of options for you when you can't remember which address they have on file. First, try calling the IRS directly at 1-800-908-9946 for transcripts. They'll ask security questions to verify your identity that don't necessarily rely on knowing your address on file. Alternatively, you can file Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) by mail. This form allows you to request your transcripts be mailed to your current address, even if it's different from what they have on file. You'll need to provide your SSN, name, and current address, along with your signature. They have verification methods that can work around the address issue. If you need actual copies of full tax returns rather than just transcripts, you'd need to file Form 4506 instead and pay a fee, but most mortgage lenders only need the free transcripts.
0 coins
Yuki Watanabe
•Thanks for the info! Do you know how long it typically takes to get transcripts when requesting by phone vs. using that 4506-T form? I'm on a bit of a timeline with my mortgage application.
0 coins
Ethan Campbell
•When you request by phone, you can usually get the transcripts mailed to you within 5-10 business days. The Form 4506-T method typically takes about 10-14 business days for processing and delivery. If you're in a hurry, another option is to try visiting a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. You'll need to schedule an appointment first by calling 844-545-5640, but they can often provide transcripts on the spot if you bring proper identification. Just make sure to tell them when you call that you need transcripts and can't access them online due to address issues.
0 coins
Carmen Sanchez
I had a similar issue last year when applying for a business loan. After struggling with the IRS website for days, I finally discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was a game-changer! Their system helped me retrieve my tax transcripts without getting stuck on the address verification problem. They have this really cool feature where their AI can help identify which address might be the one the IRS has on file based on when you moved and when you filed. I just entered my personal info and tax filing history, and it gave me suggestions for which address to try. Saved me so much hassle when I was dealing with my loan application deadline.
0 coins
Andre Dupont
•How does it actually work? I'm hesitant to enter my personal info into random websites. Is it secure? And does it directly connect to the IRS somehow?
0 coins
Zoe Papadakis
•I'm interested but skeptical. If the IRS website itself can't verify my identity, how does a third-party site manage to get my records? Seems too good to be true.
0 coins
Carmen Sanchez
•The site uses bank-level encryption for all your personal information, so it's very secure. It doesn't actually retrieve your transcripts directly from the IRS database. Instead, it uses a smart verification system that helps you figure out which address to use when you go to the IRS portal. It essentially helps narrow down which address might be the correct one based on your timeline and filing history. It creates a secure connection and uses the same authentication methods the IRS requires, just with additional assistance to help you solve the address puzzle. It's basically a tool that helps you navigate the IRS system more effectively rather than bypassing it. Many tax professionals actually recommend it for situations exactly like yours.
0 coins
Zoe Papadakis
I want to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai since I was skeptical at first. After struggling for nearly two weeks trying to guess which address the IRS had on file, I decided to give it a try. The system actually walked me through my moving timeline and suggested my apartment from 2021 might be the one registered with the IRS. Sure enough, that was it! I was able to get my transcripts the same day after weeks of frustration. The address was one I had completely forgotten about (a temporary place I stayed for just 4 months). Would never have guessed that was the one causing the verification issues. Definitely worth checking out if you're stuck like I was.
0 coins
ThunderBolt7
Have you tried calling the IRS directly? I know it sounds like a nightmare, but there's a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that can actually get you through to a human at the IRS without the usual 2+ hour wait. Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was in a similar situation last month - needed transcripts for a home equity loan and couldn't figure out which address was on file. Used Claimyr and got connected to an IRS rep in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to verify my identity using my SSN and some personal questions, then told me exactly which address they had on file. They even updated it for me and helped me get my transcripts sent to my current address.
0 coins
Jamal Edwards
•How does this actually work? Do they have some special connection to the IRS or something? I've tried calling before and literally couldn't get through after waiting for over an hour.
0 coins
Mei Chen
•This sounds like complete BS. There's no way to "skip the line" with a government agency like the IRS. They're either scamming people or just charging money for what you could do yourself.
0 coins
ThunderBolt7
•They don't have any special backdoor to the IRS. What they do is use an automated system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you. When their system finally gets through to a human agent, you get a call connecting you directly. It's basically like having someone wait on hold for you. It's definitely not BS. The IRS phone system is first-come, first-served, but most people hang up after being on hold for a long time. This service just does the waiting part for you. You can literally watch their system calling and waiting on their website. When I used it, I was skeptical too, but after getting connected to a real IRS agent who helped solve my problem, I was sold on the concept.
0 coins
Mei Chen
I need to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After dismissing it as a scam, my mortgage deadline was getting too close, so I gave it a shot as a last resort. To my shock, I got a call back in about 40 minutes connecting me directly to an IRS agent. The agent verified my identity using my social and some security questions, then confirmed which old address was in their system (it was my college apartment from 5 years ago!). The agent not only updated my address but arranged to have my transcripts expedited. Got them in 3 days and was able to complete my mortgage application on time. I've literally never gotten through to the IRS before despite multiple attempts over the years. Still surprised it actually worked.
0 coins
Liam O'Sullivan
Have you tried checking with the tax software you used to file? If you used TurboTax, H&R Block, etc., you can usually log into your account and download copies of your previously filed returns. Might not be the official transcripts that the mortgage company wants, but it could help you figure out which address you used when filing.
0 coins
Aisha Mohammed
•I actually switched tax filing software a couple times in recent years. I used FreeTaxUSA for my most recent return, but I can't remember what I used the two years before that. I think one year was TurboTax. I'll try logging into both and see if I can access any of my old returns. That's a good idea to at least see what address I used when filing. Thanks!
0 coins
Amara Okonkwo
Something similar happened to me. What I did was create an ID.me account which the IRS uses for verification. Even if you don't remember your exact address, the ID.me verification includes other methods like uploading your ID and doing a video chat verification. Once verified there, I could access my IRS account and see/update my address info.
0 coins
Giovanni Marino
•I tried ID.me but got stuck in some weird loop where they needed to verify my phone number, but then said my phone was already associated with another account (which I never created). Super frustrating.
0 coins
Avery Davis
I went through this exact same nightmare about 6 months ago! What finally worked for me was a combination approach. First, I called the IRS transcript line at 1-800-908-9946 early in the morning (like 7:30 AM) when wait times are shorter. When they couldn't verify me with the addresses I provided, the agent actually told me I could visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Center with two forms of ID and they could help me access my account records and update my address. I scheduled an appointment at the TAC office, brought my driver's license and passport, and they were able to pull up my account and show me what address they had on file (turns out it was an address from 2019 that I had completely forgotten about). They updated it on the spot and printed my transcripts right there. The whole visit took about 45 minutes. If you have a TAC office nearby, I'd definitely recommend this route over trying to guess addresses online. You can find locations and schedule appointments at irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office. Good luck with your mortgage application!
0 coins
FireflyDreams
•This is really helpful advice! I didn't even know about the Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Just checked the IRS website and there's one about 20 minutes from me. Did you need to bring anything specific besides the two forms of ID? Also, when you scheduled the appointment, did you have to explain the whole situation or just say you needed help accessing your account? I'm hoping to get this sorted out quickly since my mortgage lender is getting impatient with the delays.
0 coins