Requesting tax information
If you need a copy of your current or prior year tax return it’s best to reach out to your preparer or log into the software you filed with for a copy. If you’re not able to get a copy there you can get a transcript with your tax return information from the IRS here.
You can request a few different types of transcripts depending on what information you need:
Tax return transcript - this will show most line items from your original tax return. This transcript is available for current and prior tax years. This will not include any changes after your original return was filed.
Tax account transcript - this will show basic data such as filing status, taxable income, and payments types. Changes made after you filed your original return will also be shown. Generally, this transcript is available for the current and nine prior tax years through Individual Online Account, and the current and three prior tax years through Get transcript by mail.
Record of account transcript - this is a combination of the tax return and tax account transcripts into one complete transcript. This transcript is available for the current and three prior tax years.
Wage and income transcript - this transcript will show data from income forms received by the IRS such as Forms W-2, 1098, and 1099 issued to you.
Note: A transcript isn’t a photocopy of your return. If you need an original return you can request a copy from your preparer, software provider you filed with, or submit Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
I have not received my W-2, 1098, or 1099
Companies have until January 31st to send you your income forms, so keep an eye on your mailbox! Some companies let you download these forms online, and that is a great option to get these forms if you can log in and download them when ready.
If you invested in stocks or crypto your brokerage house may be putting together a consolidated 1099 statement for you, which gives them a little extra time, since consolidated statements must be mailed out by February 15th. But if you’re still left waiting by mid to late February and your forms haven’t arrived or you’ve misplaced them, don’t hesitate to reach out to find out where your document is. Every W-2, 1098, or 1099, or 5498 generated for you has a copy sent straight to the IRS by the issuer so if you haven’t received a copy of any of these forms to file your taxes yet, and the issuer isn’t being responsive, you can potentially pull this data from the IRS’s site. You can request a wage and income transcript which may include the data from those forms so you can file your taxes.
Just a heads up, though—the transcript can only show up to 85 income forms, and it might not be available until after the usual filing deadline of April 15th. So, if you’re in a bit of a crunch, it’s good to plan ahead and reach out to your issuer as soon as possible as a first step.
If you decide to go the transcript route, you might see a message that says "No Record of Return filed." That means your transcript has not been generated yet even if your income forms have been received by the IRS so you’ll want to check back later. The IRS usually suggests looking again around late May.
Note: If you do not have this documentation or information by the filing deadline, you may need to file an extension if you think you may owe on your tax return.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.
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