Reconstructing Tax Records

Having a copy of a previous year’s tax return is always helpful as a reference point when filing for the current tax year. To avoid future challenges with a missing tax return, follow these practices:

1. Keep Multiple Copies: 
   • If you file through a tax preparer, ensure you leave with both printed and digital copies of your return. Consider scanning your return to create a digital copy and making an extra printed copy. 
   • If you self-file, save a PDF copy in a secure digital location and print a hard copy to keep in your files.
2. Create Online Accounts with the IRS and FTB for Easy Access:
   •  Set up an online IRS account and a MyFTB account to quickly access your transcripts and other important documents whenever needed. 
   • These accounts can save you time if you misplace your tax records.

If you’ve lost your tax return, start by revisiting how you originally filed. Access may depend on how much time has passed since you filed.

If you filed using MyFreeTaxes.org, below is some additional guidance.

• Prepare Taxes for Me In-Person Option: VITA sites are not required to archive and issue additional copies of filers’ tax returns. If you have a VITA appointment scheduled, you can ask at that time if they can provide an additional copy of your return.
• File on my own option: Log back into the tax software to access the return you filed through the self-filing software.
• Prepare Taxes for Me Online Option: Contact support@getyourrefund.org to request a copy of a return filed through Get Your Refund.

You can request a tax return transcript for free from both the IRS and the FTB for any tax year. A tax return copy includes all original forms and attachments, while a tax return transcript summarizes key financial information from your tax return and is available for free. A tax return transcript is not an exact replica of your return but will list line items from your original tax return. 

• From the IRS: Request, view, or download your transcript online through the IRS website here. Mailed copies are also available.
• From the FTB: Access a free Account Transcript through the FTB website here.

Need help creating an IRS online account? Check out our step-by-step video tutorial here. 

If you need a copy of your tax return, fees typically apply:

• IRS Fee: $50 per tax year.
• FTB Fee: $20 per tax year.

Disaster Relief Exception: Fees are waived if you are requesting a return for a tax year during which you lived in a designated disaster area in California or under federal disaster designation.

Income Forms

If important tax-related forms, such as W-2s, 1099s, or other income documents, are missing, your first step should be to contact the employer or entity (e.g., bank, state agency) that issued them. Request a copy of the missing document, ask for a replacement, or seek a correction if the information is incorrect. Many issuers offer digital access or reprints upon request.

Forms such as W-2s (Wage and Tax Statement), 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income), 1099-INT (Interest Income), 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation), and 1099-G (Certain Government Payments, such as unemployment compensation or state tax refunds) are typically issued by the end of January.

If the employer or payer is unresponsive, you can contact the IRS for assistance. The IRS can contact the issuer and request the missing or corrected form on your behalf. Call 800-829-1040 and be prepared to provide the following details:

• Your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and dates of employment.
• The employer’s or payer’s name, address, and phone number.

For more details, visit the IRS website: What to Do When a W-2 or Form 1099 Is Missing or Incorrect.

Identification Documents

If you’re missing other vital documents, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or state-issued ID, visit USA.gov’s Replace Vital Documents page for guidance. 

In the event of a federally or state-declared disaster, relief measures often include waived fees for requesting copies of tax returns. Here’s how to apply:

• Federal Returns: Write the assigned Disaster Designation, “4758-DR” 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. 
• CA State Returns: Use form FTB 3516 and write the name of the disaster in blue or black ink at the top of the request.

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.