The IRS recommends that people ought to keep copies of their tax returns. Still, if you cannot find your copies or you would like to have extras on hand, you have the right to ask for them from the government. Before you get in touch with the IRS to ask for a copy of any of your tax records, however, you should understand why you have the right and what process the IRS asks that you abide by when making your request.
The Freedom of Information Act
You and other taxpayers have the right to access copies of your tax returns. This was made possible through the Freedom of Information Act of 1996, or FOIA. The purpose of this act was to increase government transparency and to emphasize the fact that the government and its information belongs to the people.
This Act now implies that you can legitimately access your present and prior years’ tax returns and tax transcripts by following a precise procedure outlined by the IRS. You also must fill out and submit the appropriate IRS forms and pay any applicable fees before being allowed access to your records.
Documents You Can Access
The FOIA also offers you access to a wide variety of tax records that were once either off-limits or only made available to you under exceptional circumstances. You can now contact the IRS in writing, by phone, or online to request records like:
✔ Tax refund transcripts
✔ Tax forms
✔ Tax publications
✔ Tax account transcripts
✔ Tax-exempt or political organization returns and other public documents
✔ Tax court opinions
✔ IRS revenue code
As earlier stated, you must fill out and submit either in writing or online the appropriate IRS forms required for each type of document that you request. For instance, if you want a copy of your present year’s 1040A tax return, you must use IRS Form 4506. Many of these records, including your own tax returns and transcripts for this year and three years prior, are available to you at no cost.
The Process for Accessing Your IRS Records
While you legitimately have the right to access your records from the IRS, you are asked to follow an instructed process so that you get the exact documents quickly and easily. First, you should settle on the kind of document of which you would like a copy.
Many people, for instance, order their tax refund transcript when they actually need a copy of their account transcript. A tax refund transcript shows most of the lines of your tax return as well as your attached forms and schedules. It will not show any changes that you or the IRS made after you filed, however, a tax account transcript reflects details like:
✔ Marital status
✔ Filing status
✔ Adjustments made by you or the IRS after you filed your taxes
✔ Adjusted gross income
✔ All taxable income
You can ask for copies of both your refund and account transcripts for the current year as well as the past three years at no cost. You can have your transcripts mailed to you, which usually takes between five to 10 days to receive. You can also have a copy emailed directly to you if you would like to have the record sooner.
If you require tax records from more than three years ago, you can still request them from the IRS by paying a $57 fee and filling out the IRS Form 4506 for each applicable tax year. The IRS has up a period of 60 days to mail those records to you.
The Freedom of Information Act of 1996 grants you access to your tax records and other vital documents from the IRS. You can make the process simpler by knowing what records you can order and what process you are requested to follow online, by phone, or in writing.
Application for the IRS Fresh Start Program for Beginners
● Gather Information
First, put all of the tax documentation you can find together from the years in question. Armed with this information you will be able to efficiently handle your tax liability. Having all the evidences and circumstances in order makes it easier for a tax attorney to understand how much income tax is due.
● Consult with a Tax Attorney
Secondly, getting a tax attorney makes it much easier for taxpayers or small businesses to settle tax liability. Figure out your options and pick a repayment method.
This is because dealing with the IRS alone is like standing for yourself in court; it leaves you at risk and increases your likelihood of losing big time. Wage garnishment, property seizures, IRS agent pays a visit to your home and workplace, these happen every day. Property tax can be hard to remember to pay, and that can cause tax problems too.
When it comes to repaying back taxes there are a lot of negotiations involved and showing up to an IRS negotiation without an attorney is an experience you don’t wish for.
While you can technically do it alone, you should consider at least scheduling an appointment with a tax attorney to talk about your plan of action and listen to their advice. You should be assured it will make all the difference.
Mail Documentation
Thirdly, send off all the documentation you can. You can have your lawyer do it if you can’t and make sure to send it not only online but also by USPS, because the post office slips is an evidence of the date you sent them.
Get Those IRS Forms Filled Out
Getting IRS forms filled out can feel frightening, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds. You can find these forms on the IRS website. In Addition, the Installment Agreement Request Form (Form 9465) and many others are easily available to fill out.
Get Ready to Negotiate
Next, prepare for negotiations, and to prepare for negotiations mean you will be working with a particular IRS agent during this time and it is their duty to get as much money as possible from you in as short of a time as possible. Therefore, you need to provide your lawyer as much information as possible about your current financial situation, including bank statements, paychecks, donation receipts, etc.