During your divorce, you may need to obtain copies of prior tax returns from the IRS. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will let you know which years’ tax returns may be necessary for your case. The IRS provides copies of tax returns from the current tax year and the three years prior. There is no charge to get these from the IRS.
Your lawyer will let you know why they need copies of your previous tax returns, which you can obtain online, by phone, or by mail. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need copies.
Why Your Divorce Lawyer May Need Copies of Your Tax Returns
Your lawyer may request copies of your prior tax returns to help verify income. Taxed income can be used to help determine support amounts, as well. If you do not have them, but your attorney needs them, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain them.
Getting Your Tax Returns
The IRS will give you what’s called a “tax return transcript,” which includes most of the line items as you originally filed them. However, if one or more of your returns was adjusted after you filed, you’ll need a “tax account transcript.” You may request either transcript online, by phone or by mail.
Ordering Tax Returns Online
To order copies of past tax returns for your divorce lawyer online, visit IRS.gov’s Transcript Order Form. Enter your Social Security number or Individual Tax ID Number, your date of birth, and your street address. On the next screen, select whether you would like a tax return transcript or a tax account transcript and the year it was filed. If you need more than one document, you’ll need to repeat the process for each year.
The IRS will mail your transcript and you should receive it within five to ten business days.
Ordering Tax Returns by Phone
If you are unable to order copies of your tax returns online, but your divorce lawyer needs them, you may call the IRS at (800)908-9946. A recorded message will guide you through the process.
Ordering Tax Returns by Mail
You may order copies of your tax returns by mail. However, keep in mind that they may not arrive very quickly – so if your Raleigh divorce lawyer needs them immediately, ordering them online or by phone may be your best option.
Complete an IRS Form 4506T-EZ to order copies of your tax returns by mail. Mail the completed form to the IRS at the address specified for your location on Page 2 of the form. You may also fax IRS Form 4506T-EZ to the fax number listed for your location.
If your lawyer asks for copies of your previous tax returns, find out how quickly they need them. You can best assist your lawyer with your case by providing the copies in a timely manner, so choose an option that works for both you and your divorce attorney.
