obtaining old tax documents?

[lele]

Hello.

 

If you are a forgetful person, like myself, and you do not retain copies of your old tax documents, is there a way to obtain copies of the forms filed from 2 and 3 years ago (clearly, I have copies of the one that I am filling out right now for this year (2004))?

 

It seems that on the i-864 they require this.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Guest Long_strider]

.6 IRS Procedures: Copies & Transcripts

 

How do I request a copy of my tax return for last year?

 

If you need an exact copy of a previously filed and processed return and all attachments (including Forms W-2), you must complete Form 4506 (PDF) , Request for Copy of Tax Return and mail it to the IRS address in the instructions along with a $39 fee for each tax year requested. Copies are generally available for returns filed in the current and past 6 years.

 

In cases where an exact copy of the return is not needed, tax return and transcripts may be ordered. The tax return transcript shows most line items contained on the return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. In most cases, a tax return transcript will meet the requirements for lending institutions for mortgage verification purposes.

 

The transcript can be ordered by completing a Form 4506-T (PDF) or calling (800) 829-1040 and following the prompts in the recorded message. There is no charge for the transcript and you should receive it in 10 business days from the time we receive your request. Tax return transcripts are generally available for the current and past three years. If you need a statement of your tax account which shows changes that you or the IRS made after the original return was filed, you must request a "Tax Account Transcript". This transcript shows basic data including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income, taxable income, payments and adjustments made on your account. Tax return and account transcripts are generally available for the current and past 3 years.

 

Form 4506-T can also be used to get proof from the IRS that you did not file a tax return for a particular tax year.

 

Forms can be downloaded at Forms & Pubs or ordered by calling (800) 829-1040.

 

 

References:

 

Form 4506 (PDF) Request for Copy of Tax Return

Form 4506-T (PDF) Request for Transcript of Tax Return

 

 

you can go to irs.gov and obtain copies of these forms in PDF format.

 

 

long_strider

[Dan R]

If you have a tax service do your taxes they should have it in the computer. For future reference you are required to keep any tax records and supporting records for 7 years in case of an audit.

 

For your W-2 record you can request to your employer who also must keep employee records going back 7 years. At work I am getting files out of storage because an employee is being audited for the 98-99 tax years.

[lele]

Ok! Thanks! That is good information to have.

 

Now, to link the information to the i-864, it seems to state that they *want* w2 forms and other forms (such as 1099-int) forms. If this is the case, then would I be able to get the w2's and the 1099's from the responsible employers/banks and the tax forms from the free service, or would the pay service be better, since it includes ALL of the information.

 

I just want to meet the requirements of the i-864 (I will re-read it another 10 times too right now).

 

Thanks everyone!!!

[lele]

Wow! So this may be dependent on the route. I read through the i-485 and the i-864 forms. It seems to say that they want a copy of the tax statements from the past 3 years, and the w2's. However, for me to be in compliance with the 125% of the minimum, at least for 2 years ago and 3 years ago, I also need to include the income on the 1099's (from this year I will not need that extra bonus).

 

I am in one of the myriad of states that is supposed to mail to the Chicago lock-box location.

 

Thanks for the help everyone!!!

 

[Feathers268]

Now that I am about to get my 2004 refund, I was planning to order the transcipts from IRS for 2000-2004. This is sufficent I hope. 2000 was a rough year being laid off and jumping jobs, and 2001 started 3 months into it. I can't imagine that would cause trouble. Especially since my income is quite a bit higher than the 125% above poverty for a 2 person household. Imagine if this was required to marry in the US reguardless of circumstance.

[Dan R]

Imagine if any of what is required of us was required for 2 U.S. citizens. this would either be the last generation of Americans or there'd be a revolution

[Feathers268]

Imagine if any of what is required of us was required for 2 U.S. citizens. this would either be the last generation of Americans or there'd be a revolution

Or maybe the divorce rate would drop since you couldn't marry as easy.