If you need your prior-year tax records to complete your 2018 return or to validate your income, the IRS has a transcript service available on their website where you can request a copy online or request delivery by mail. The days around President’s Day are when the IRS is the busiest, so utilizing online options is typically faster and more convenient for all parties involved.

From the IRS, “It’s always a good idea to keep copies of previously-filed tax returns. That recommendation is more important this year because, for some taxpayers, certain data from the 2017 tax return – the adjusted gross income -- will be required to validate their electronic signature on their 2018 tax return due April 15 for most filers. This is especially true for taxpayers who have switched tax software products this year.

Generally, for returning users, the commercial tax software product will carry over the prior-year information and make for an easy, seamless validation process. However, taxpayers using a new tax software product for the first time may be required to enter the information manually.”

To Request by Mail

What You Need

To use this service, you need your:

• SSN or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN),

• date of birth, and 

• mailing address from your latest tax return

What You Get

• Return or Account transcript types delivered by mail

• Transcripts arrive in 5 to 10 calendar days at the address we have on file for you

To Request Online

What You Need

To register and use this service, you need:

• your SSN, date of birth, filing status and mailing address from latest tax return,

• access to your email account,

• your personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit or car loan, and

• a mobile phone with your name on the account.

What You Get

• All transcript types are available online

• View, print or download your transcript

• Username and password to return later