Need help downloading my full tax return from IRS website, not just transcript

Thanks for explaining this! So there's no way to get the actual return online? I specifically need Schedule C from my return and I'm not seeing that on the transcript. The mortgage lender specifically asked for the full return because I'm self-employed. Is the Form 4506 something I can do online or do I need to mail it?

The Form 4506 can't be completed entirely online. You'll need to download it from IRS.gov, fill it out, and mail it with the payment. For your mortgage situation, ask your lender if a Wage & Income Transcript plus a Tax Return Transcript would work instead. These should show your Schedule C information. Many lenders accept these transcripts because they come directly from the IRS and contain the key information they need to verify your income. Waiting 75 days for Form 4506 processing could significantly delay your mortgage application.

Does this tool actually get your returns for you? Or does it just help you understand the transcripts? I'm in a similar situation but also need proof of some charitable donations I made that I'm not seeing on the transcript.

I'm skeptical about using third-party services for sensitive tax information. How secure is this? And can it really help if your lender is specifically asking for the full return with all schedules?

The tool doesn't retrieve your returns - you still need to get your transcripts from the IRS directly. What it does is analyze those transcripts and translate them into something more understandable, showing you exactly where to find specific information like self-employment income, deductions, etc. Regarding security, I completely understand the concern. They don't store your actual tax documents - you just upload what you already have to their analysis tool. They're basically providing the translation service from "IRS language" to normal human language, and helping you understand which documents have the information you need.

How does this even work? I thought it was literally impossible to get through to the IRS phone lines. Last time I tried I waited for 3 hours and then got disconnected.

This sounds too good to be true. You're telling me this service somehow magically gets you to the front of the IRS phone queue? I've tried calling dozens of times over the last few months and can never get through. What's the catch?

It works by using their system that continuously calls the IRS using their algorithm until it gets through, then it connects you once an agent is on the line. It's basically doing the hold time for you. The catch is that it's a paid service, but considering I wasted entire days trying to call myself, it was totally worth it. They don't have special access to the IRS or anything - they're just using technology to handle the frustrating part of waiting on hold. When I used it, I got the text that they were connecting me to an agent while I was out grabbing coffee, and I just had to rush back to my computer.

I tried talking to three different people at H&R Block and kept getting transferred around. The last person said that because I filed more than 12 months ago, they don't keep the returns in their "active system" anymore. They offered to retrieve it from their archives but said it would take 4-6 weeks and cost $50. I was hoping there was a faster way through the IRS since I need this pretty urgently.

That's frustrating! H&R Block's policy must have changed. When I used them, they kept returns accessible for 3 years in their system. One thing to try - if you remember the email address you used when you filed with them, try the "forgot password" option on their premium client portal (not the regular one). Sometimes your account exists there but they don't tell you about it. If that doesn't work, the Form 4506 might be your only option, unless the transcript suggestions from other commenters work for your situation.

I went in person to H&R Block and had them prepare everything. I didn't use any software myself, just handed them all my documents and they did it all. I don't think I have access to any software portal, just their customer website which isn't showing my complete return. I think I'm going to try the transcript route first before paying for the Form 4506, since several people mentioned that the transcripts might actually have all the info I need.

This is a really good point! I always recommend people file using one of the major software programs themselves rather than going to tax prep services. Not only do you save money, but you maintain access to your full returns typically for 5-7 years depending on the service. I've been using FreeTaxUSA for years and can still download complete returns with all schedules from 2016!

This is really helpful advice! I'm actually in a similar situation - just started the mortgage process and I'm self-employed with multiple 1099s. Quick question: when you got your transcripts, did they show all the details from your Schedule C like individual expense categories, or just the summary numbers? My lender specifically mentioned wanting to see the breakdown of business expenses, so I'm wondering if the transcript will be detailed enough or if I'll definitely need the full return.