How to Print a Prior-Year Tax Return

Need a copy of a past tax return? Where you get it depends on how recent the return is. Returns from the last three tax years are usually still available in your account, but anything older has to come directly from the IRS.

Returns Available in Your Account (2023, 2024, or 2025)

If the Return Was E-Filed and Accepted

1. Log in to your account.
2. On the Tax Home page, scroll to the Tax Returns section near the bottom.
3. Select the three-dot menu next to the tax year you need and choose View.
4. Select Print in the upper-right corner.
5. Choose the return you want to print, either Federal or State.
6. A PDF version of your return will open in a new window.
7. Use the print icon (or press Ctrl + P) to print the return, or use the save icon (or press Ctrl + Shift + S) to save a copy to your device.

Your PDF includes Form 1040 along with any required schedules and worksheets associated with that return.

If the Return Was Not Filed, Not Accepted, or Was Rejected

1. Log in to your account.
2. On the Tax Home page, locate the Tax Returns section.
3. Select the three-dot menu next to the desired tax year and choose View.
4. Select Access Return. If the return was rejected, select Fix Return instead.
5. From the left navigation menu, select Summary/Print.
6. Select Print and choose the federal return, state return, or both.
7. When the PDF opens in a new window, use the print icon (or Ctrl + P) to print it, or use the save icon (or Ctrl + Shift + S) to download a copy.

Returns Older Than 3 Years (2022 and Earlier)

We only keep returns on file for three years. After that, the return is removed from our servers and can't be retrieved through your account — this includes returns originally filed with our software. For anything from tax year 2022 or earlier, you'll need to go directly to the IRS.

You have two options:

1. Get a free tax transcript (recommended) A transcript summarizes most line items from your original return — enough for most purposes like loan applications, mortgage verification, or income proof. It's free and, if you register for an IRS Individual Online Account, available to view or download immediately. Transcripts are available for the current tax year and the past several years (generally up to 10 years back, depending on transcript type).

→ Get an IRS transcript online

If you can't verify your identity online, you can also request one by mail or by calling the automated line at 800-908-9946; mailed transcripts typically take 5–10 calendar days.

2. Get an exact copy of your full return If you need an actual photocopy of the return as filed (not just a summary), file Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, with the IRS. This option charges a fee per return and can take longer to process than a transcript — usually several weeks.

→ Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return

For most situations — proof of income, verifying prior-year AGI, loan or FAFSA applications — a free transcript is sufficient and much faster than ordering a full copy.

If you need further help, you can also reach the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 for taxpayer assistance.