Lost Last Year's Tax Return?
First off, don't panic if you can't find the return. Yes, you need it to know what you claimed last year and how those claims relate to this years return. All is not lost, however. The IRS will provide you with a copy of your past tax returns if you ask nicely. Here is how to go about it.
The IRS will not send you the actual tax return. The agency, however, will send you their version of it. This is known as a tax return transcript and is a layout of the information you provided. It is essentially your return, but doesn't look like it. You can rely on the transcript as though it was your original return.
When you contact the IRS to get the transcript, it is important to understand there are two types available. As is usual with the IRS, there are two choices just to confuse you. The first is the tax return transcript that is essentially the return you filed. The tax account transcript is your original return as modified by any changes made by the IRS or you. Which one is the correct one? If the IRS has not contacted you about an issue with the return, it is the tax return transcript. If they have, it the tax account transcript.
The IRS will give you any return for the past three filing years. The service is free. To get the copy, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Alternatively, you can get a copy by filling out and mailing in IRS Form 4506-T. It takes two weeks to a month for the agency to get the copy to you. If you discover you have a problem just before the relevant filing deadline, file for an extension so you don't run afoul of filing laws. Remember, you have to pay any taxes due regardless of the extension, so try to guesstimate what you will owe.
If you lose a past tax return, there is no need to panic. The IRS will be happy to send you a copy. After all, an audit agent probably has the file on their desk as we speak!
Related Tags: tax, taxes, return, account, irs, form, lost, mail, extension, transcript
Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals to preserve your travel experiences. Great Gifts! Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Guide To Finding The Right Irs Debt Help Solution For Your Situation
Finding the right IRS debt help for your situation is crucial. Where you turn for assistance will de - The Basic Function Of Accounting
Accounting is a profession as old as the hills. It was a well known practice in the Roman, Ancient E - The Fundamental Concepts Of Accounting
The Federal Election was held in Australia on 21st of August 2010. During the rather boring election - Higher Earners Warned Over Tax Relief
Those that fall into the higher earners bracket have been warned that the government may impose furt - Procter & Gamble Wins R&d Credit Case Against The Irs
On June 25, 2010, the U.S. District Court in Procter & Gamble Co. and Subsidiaries (P&G) v. United S - 3 Ways To Settle Irs Tax Debt For Less
You can settle IRS tax debt for less if you know your options. There are several ways that you can s - Five Steps To Finding The Best Tax Lead Company For Your Business
The lead buying business has become an efficient and proven form of outsourcing marketing efforts to - Truly Effective International Tax Advice
A big concern for the public and corporate business units is to deal with the international tax at t - How To Avoid Making The Common Tax And Bookkeeping Mistakes?
Even though who consider themselves in the financial loop may fall prey to some of the most common t - How To Appeal Your Property Tax Bill
The responsible homeowner will want to do a thorough check of their property tax bill to ensure they
Most viewed articles in this category:
- New Tax Rules for the Poor
New tax rules for 2007 will bring about a good year for the poorest of tax-filers in Maryland. Tax-f - The Best LEGAL Tax Shelter in the World-- Your Home-Based Business!
Welcome to the best legal tax shelter in the world-- you home-based business! As long as you keep go - IRS Alert: Tax Payers Need to be on the Look out for Fraud
Tax-Definition.org (http://www.tax-definition.org) is reporting on the second part of the tax - Income Tax Questions Answered Because of Radio - The World Is a Client of "Better Business"
Having hosted a financial radio program over several years has exposed me to many questions. Some of - 2007 Brings Tax Relief for N.Y. Residents
As of January 1, 2007, New York residents have been benefiting from a decrease in hospital bills, an - IRS Is Focusing on Schedule C Filers
In the last few tax years IRS has been paying more attention to taxpayers who file a schedule C. The - Figuring Out Your Tax Return Filing Status
When you are ready to plop down and start preparing that tax return, one of the first questions is y - Energy Efficient Home Tax Credits
Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 you can get a tax credit if you installed energy efficient win - Taxes: How To Dramatically Reduce Your Taxes With One Simple Step
How to Make It, Keep It, Protect It. Did you know the federal government may keep up to 65.9% of eve - Deductions Missed In Taxes
The deductions which are often missed by tax payers are as follows: Old points on refinancing: The
