Request a Transcript for Tax Return

• 1). Go to the IRS website and download Form 4506-T. The form is in PDF format. You won't receive an official W-2 form but will receive a transcript of all of the information that was obtained on the W-2.
  
  
• 2). Fill out the form completely to request a transcript of previous years' tax returns. In Section 9, enter in the years for the transcripts you are requesting. The form allows you to request up to four years' worth of transcripts. Sign and date the form at the bottom.
  
  
• 3). Send the completed form to your area IRS office. The mailing addresses are listed on Page 2 of the downloaded form. Locate your state and send the form to the address listed next to your state. Allow 10 business days to receive your transcripts.
  
  

Request a Copy of Tax Return

• 1). Go to the IRS website and download Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. With a copy of past tax returns, you will receive a copy of the W-2 that you attached with your tax return.
  
  
• 2). Fill out the form completely, including the year of the tax return copy that you are requesting. The form allows you to request up to eight years' worth of tax return copies. There is a fee for each year.
  
  
• 3). Send in the form with the full payment of the fee. In 2011, the fee was $57 for each year's tax return. Calculate the payment based on how many years you are requesting. The IRS takes a check or money order as a form of payment for the fee. Look on the second page of the downloaded form to find the address to which you should send the form based on your state.