Reconstructing Tax Records

Life’s unexpected twists and turns can sometimes lead to the loss or destruction of important tax records. In this guide, we’ll provide you with valuable insights on how you can request copies of previously filed tax returns.

General Guidelines Around Missing Tax Records

General Best Practices for Managing Tax Records

• Keep Multiple Copies: If you file through a tax preparer, make sure you don’t leave without a copy of your return. Consider scanning a digital copy for your records and making an extra printed copy. If you self-file, make sure you save a PDF copy in a secure digital location and print a hard copy to keep in your files.
• Revisit Your Filing Method: If you’ve lost a previous tax return, start by checking with your tax preparer or logging back into your tax software. Many providers allow access to past returns for a limited time.
• Understand the Difference Between Copies and Transcripts: A tax return copy includes all original forms and attachments, while a tax return transcript summarizes key financial information and is available for free.

Having a copy of a previous year’s tax return is always helpful as a reference point when filing for the current tax year.

If you file in person or virtually with the help of a tax preparer, ask for two copies of your tax return or see if you can receive an additional digital copy to have for your records. If you self-file, you can print a copy of your return for your records, and also save a PDF digital copy in a secure digital location for your records.

If you have lost the copy of your previous year’s tax return, the first step should be to revisit the filing method you used to file your taxes to request a copy of your tax return.

If you self-filed, you can log in back to the software and print or save a PDF copy of your tax return for future reference. If you visited a VITA site or went to a paid tax preparer, ask first to see if they can provide you with a copy of your tax return. When filing, make sure to always ask your tax preparer if you can request free copies of previous year tax returns, and what the time limitations are to request them in case you lose your copy. Depending on how much time has passed since you filed, they may no longer have access to a copy of your tax return.

Please note that a tax return copy is different from a tax return transcript. Tax return transcripts are available for free, and contain the most important line items from your return. A replacement copy of the tax return will have all information and forms submitted with the original return.

Requesting a Tax Transcript

You may request a tax transcript for free any time from both the IRS and the FTB for any tax year. A tax transcript will show income sources and the amounts earned. It will not look exactly the same as a copy of your original tax return.

Visit the IRS and the FTB websites to order or immediately view and download a previous year tax transcript. You may also have a copy mailed to you free of cost.

If you need help creating an IRS online account to view these records, check out our step-by-step video tutorial here.

Requesting an Original Copy of Your Tax Return

If you prefer an original copy of your tax return, there is normally a fee associated, whether you request this through the IRS or FTB.

The FTB charges a $20.00 fee for each tax year tax return; there is no charge from the FTB for a copy of your return if you’re requesting a return for a tax year in which you reside in a designated California state disaster or federal disaster.

Disaster Relief and Waived Fees

At the federal level typically, there is a $50 fee for each copy of a tax return, but this fee is waived for disaster-affected taxpayers. At the state level in California, there is a $20.00 fee for each tax return year you request. There is no charge for a copy of your return if you’re requesting a return for a tax year in which you reside in a designated California state disaster or federal disaster. 

For copies of previously-filed federal returns, taxpayers should put the assigned Disaster Designation, “California, severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides,” in bold letters at the top of Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, or Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, as appropriate, and submit it to the IRS. For copies of previously-filed state returns, taxpayers should use form FTB 3516 and write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of the request. The IRS and FTB have yet to issue guidance regarding when disaster relief replacement returns will no longer be offered for no cost. We recommend requesting a replacement as soon as possible if one is needed.

To learn more about requesting a copy of a previous tax return if you live in a disaster area at the federal level, click here. To learn more about requesting a copy of a previous tax return if you live in a disaster area in California, click here.

Please note for the 2022 tax year due to the winter storms, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the state’s tax agency, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), are waiving the usual fees when requesting copies of previously-filed tax returns for tax filers residing in counties declared as disaster areas.