You can get a transcript or a copy of a tax return to prove your income for a loan, housing, or benefits. Learn the difference between transcripts and copies and how to get them.
Transcripts are print-outs of the most important highlights from a tax return. In many cases, you may only need a transcript and not a full copy of your tax return. Besides transcripts of your tax return, find out what other types of transcripts you can request from the IRS.
Copies of tax returns are exact replicas of your tax return and all the attached forms you submitted. In most cases, you will need a transcript rather than a copy of your tax return. But you may need a copy of your tax return for other reasons, like filing an amended tax return.
For copies of state tax returns, contact your state's department of revenue.