Tips and Tricks to Download 2020 Tax Return Records Faster and Easier
How to Download Your 2020 Tax Return
If you need a copy of your 2020 tax return for any reason, such as applying for a loan, filing an amended return, or verifying your income, you have several options to get one. Depending on what type of copy you need and how quickly you need it, you can request a transcript or a copy of your tax return from the IRS, or download it from the tax software you used to file your taxes. In this article, we will explain how to download your 2020 tax return using different methods.
Why You Might Need a Copy of Your Tax Return
There are many situations where you might need a copy of your tax return from a previous year. Some of the most common reasons are:
download 2020 tax return
Reasons to get a copy of your tax return
To file an amended return if you made a mistake or forgot to claim a credit or deduction
To verify your income for financial aid, mortgage, or loan applications
To prepare your current year's tax return by using the information from the previous year
To respond to an IRS notice or audit
To keep a record of your tax history for personal or business purposes
Types of tax return copies
Depending on what type of information you need and how detailed it is, you can request either a transcript or a copy of your tax return from the IRS.
A transcript is a summary of the information on your tax return, such as your income, deductions, credits, and payments. It is usually sufficient for most purposes, such as verifying your income or filing an amended return. A transcript is free and available for the last 10 years.
A copy is an exact replica of your tax return and all the attachments you filed with it, such as W-2s, 1099s, and schedules. It is more comprehensive than a transcript and may be required for some purposes, such as applying for a mortgage or resolving a complex tax issue. A copy costs $43 per year and is available for the last 7 years.
How to Get a Transcript of Your Tax Return
The easiest and fastest way to get a transcript of your tax return is to request it online from the IRS website. You can also request it by mail or phone, but it will take longer to receive it.
What is a transcript and how to request one online
A transcript is a computer printout of the highlights from your tax return. It shows your filing status, adjusted gross income, taxable income, tax liability, credits, payments, and refund or balance due. It also shows any changes made by you or the IRS after you filed your return.
To request a transcript online, you need to create an account on the IRS website using your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and phone number. You also need to verify your identity using either an existing IRS username or ID.me account, or by providing photo identification. Once you log in to your account, you can view, print, or download your transcript for any year.
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How to request a transcript by mail or phone
If you prefer to request a transcript by mail or phone, you need to have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, and address from your latest tax return. You can either fill out Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) and mail it to the IRS address for your state or call the IRS automated phone service at 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts. You can request either a tax return transcript, which shows most line items from your tax return, or a tax account transcript, which shows your personal information and any adjustments made by you or the IRS. You can expect to receive your transcript by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
How to Get a Copy of Your Tax Return
If you need a copy of your tax return that includes all the forms and schedules you filed, you can request it from the IRS using Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return). However, this option is more expensive and time-consuming than getting a transcript.
What is a copy and how to request one using Form 4506
A copy is a photocopy of your tax return and all the attachments you filed with it. It shows the same information as a transcript, but in more detail and with the original layout. It also includes any corrections or amendments you or the IRS made after you filed your return.
To request a copy of your tax return, you need to fill out Form 4506 and mail it to the IRS address for your state along with a check or money order for $43 per year. You can request up to 8 years of tax returns on one form. You need to provide your name, Social Security number or ITIN, address, and phone number. You also need to specify the type of return (such as Form 1040) and the year you are requesting.
How much it costs and how long it takes
The fee for requesting a copy of your tax return is $43 per year. If you are requesting copies for multiple years, you need to pay the fee for each year separately. For example, if you want copies of your tax returns for 2018, 2019, and 2020, you need to pay $129 in total.
The processing time for requesting a copy of your tax return is about 75 days from the date the IRS receives your request. You can expect to receive your copy by mail within that time frame.
How to Download Your Tax Return from Tax Software
If you filed your taxes online using a tax software provider, such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or another service, you can download a copy of your tax return from their website or app. This is usually the fastest and easiest way to get a copy of your tax return, as long as you have access to your account and remember your login information.
TurboTax
If you used TurboTax to file your taxes online, you can download a PDF copy of your tax return from their website or app. Here are the steps to do so:
Go to and sign in to your account.
Select Tax Home from the left menu.
Scroll down to Your tax returns & documents.
Select 2020 and then select Download/print return (PDF).
Enter your TurboTax password if prompted and then select Download my return.
Save the PDF file to your computer or device.
H&R Block
If you used H&R Block to file your taxes online, you can download a PDF copy of your tax return from their website or app. Here are the steps to do so:
Go to and sign in to your account.
Select My Account from the top right corner.
Select Tax History.
Select 2020 and then select View Return PDF.
Select Download PDF.
Save the PDF file to your computer or device.
Other tax software providers
If you used another tax software provider to file your taxes online, such as TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, or Credit Karma Tax, you can also download a PDF copy of your tax return from their website or app. The steps may vary slightly depending on the provider, but they are generally similar to the ones for TurboTax and H&R Block. You can check their help pages or contact their customer support for more guidance.
Conclusion and FAQs
In conclusion, there are several ways to download your 2020 tax return depending on your needs and preferences. You can request a transcript or a copy of your tax return from the IRS, or download it from the tax software you used to file your taxes. A transcript is a summary of your tax return that is free and available for the last 10 years. A copy is an exact replica of your