How to Download Your 2021 Tax Return
If you filed your taxes online or by mail, you may want to download a copy of your 2021 tax return for your records. Downloading your tax return can help you keep track of your income, deductions, credits, and payments. It can also help you prepare for future tax filings, apply for loans or benefits, or verify your identity.
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In this article, we will explain why you should download your tax return, how to do it online or by mail, and what common mistakes to avoid when filing your taxes.
Why You Should Download Your Tax Return
There are many reasons why you should download your tax return after filing it. Here are some of the benefits and pitfalls of downloading your tax return.
Benefits of downloading your tax return
Downloading your tax return can help you:
Claim refunds, credits, or deductions that you may have missed or underreported on your original filing.
Correct any errors or omissions that may have resulted in an IRS notice or audit.
File an amended return if you need to make changes to your income, filing status, dependents, or other information.
Compare your tax situation from year to year and plan ahead for future tax savings.
Provide proof of income or tax payment for various purposes, such as applying for a mortgage, student loan, financial aid, health insurance, or social security benefits.
Protect yourself from identity theft or fraud by verifying that the information on your tax return matches your records and reporting any discrepancies to the IRS.
Common mistakes to avoid when filing your tax return
Filing your taxes can be a complex and confusing process. Some of the most common mistakes that taxpayers make when filing their taxes are:
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Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers (SSN). Each SSN on a tax return should appear exactly as printed on the Social Security card.
Misspelled names. Likewise, a name listed on a tax return should match the name on that person's Social Security card.
Incorrect filing status. Some taxpayers choose the wrong filing status. The Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov can help taxpayers choose the correct status especially if more than one filing status applies.
Math mistakes. Math errors are some of the most common mistakes. They range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex calculations. Taxpayers should always double check their math. Better yet, tax prep software does it automatically.
Figuring credits or deductions. Taxpayers can make mistakes figuring things like their Earned Income Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Recovery Rebate Credit. The Interactive Tax Assistant can help determine if a taxpayer is eligible for tax credits or deductions. Tax software will calculate these credits and deductions and include any required forms and schedules.
Incorrect bank account numbers. Taxpayers who are due a refund should choose direct deposit. This is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their money. However, taxpayers need to make sure they use the correct routing and account numbers on their tax return.
Unsigned forms. An unsigned tax return isn't valid. In most cases, both spouses must sign a joint return. Exceptions may apply for members of the armed forces or other taxpayers who have a valid power of attorney.
Filing with an expired individual tax identification number (ITIN). Some taxpayers who do not have an SSN need an ITIN to file a tax return. ITINs expire and must be renewed before being used on a tax return.
How to Download Your Tax Return Online
If you filed your taxes online, you can download your tax return from the IRS website or from the online tax software that you used. Here are the requirements and steps to download your tax return online.
What you need to download your tax return online
To download your tax return online, you will need:
Your SSN or ITIN.
Your date of birth.
Your filing status.
The exact amount of your refund or balance due as shown on your original tax return.
An email address to receive a confirmation code.
A device that can access the internet and view PDF files.
Steps to download your tax return online
There are two ways to download your tax return online: using IRS Get Transcript or using online tax software.
Using IRS Get Transcript
You can use the IRS Get Transcript tool to download a copy of your tax return transcript, which is a summary of the most important information on your tax return. A tax return transcript is usually sufficient for most purposes, such as applying for loans or benefits. However, if you need a copy of your actual tax return, you will need to request it by mail. Here are the steps to download your tax return transcript using IRS Get Transcript:
Go to the IRS Get Transcript website and click on "Get Transcript Online".
Create or sign in to your IRS account. You will need to provide your personal information, verify your identity, and enter a confirmation code that will be sent to your email address.
Select "Return Transcript" and choose the year that you want to download. You will see a PDF file of your tax return transcript that you can view, print, or save.
Using online tax software
If you filed your taxes using an online tax software, such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, you can download your tax return from their website. You will need to sign in to your account and follow their instructions to access your tax return. The steps may vary depending on the software that you used, but generally they are similar to these:
Go to the website of the online tax software that you used and sign in to your account.
Find the section that shows your past returns and select the year that you want to download.
Click on "Download" or "Print" and choose the option that says "PDF of my 2021 return". You will see a PDF file of your tax return that you can view, print, or save.
How to Download Your Tax Return by Mail
If you filed your taxes by mail or you need a copy of your actual tax return, you can request it from the IRS by mail. Here are the requirements and steps to download your tax return by mail.
What you need to download your tax return by mail
To download your tax return by mail, you will need:
A completed Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. You can download it from the IRS website or order it by phone at 800-908-9946.
A $43 fee for each year that you request. You can pay by check or money order made payable to "United States Treasury".
A mailing address where you want to receive your tax return copy. It may take up to 75 days for the IRS to process your request.
Steps to download your tax return by mail
Here are the steps to download your tax return by mail:
Fill out Form 4506 with your personal information, the year that you want to request, and the address where you want to receive your copy.
Attach your payment and mail it to the IRS address that matches your state. You can find the address on page 2 of Form 4506.
Wait for the IRS to send you a copy of your tax return by mail. It may take up to 75 days for the IRS to process your request.
Conclusion
Downloading your 2021 tax return can help you keep track of your income, deductions, credits, and payments. It can also help you prepare for future tax filings, apply for loans or benefits, or verify your identity. You can download your tax return online or by mail, depending on how you filed your taxes and what type of copy you need. You will need to provide some personal information, verify your identity, and pay a fee if you request a copy of your actual tax return. You should also avoid some common mistakes when filing your taxes, such as missing or inaccurate SSNs, misspelled names, incorrect filing status, math errors, and unsigned forms. By downloading your tax return, you can ensure that you have a complete and accurate record of your tax situation.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about downloading your 2021 tax return.
Q: How long does it take to download my tax return online?
A: It depends on the method that you use. If you use IRS Get Transcript, you can download your tax return transcript immediately after verifying your identity. If you use online tax software, you may have to wait for a few minutes or hours for the software to process your request and generate a PDF file of your tax return.
Q: How can I get a copy of my tax return for free?
A: You can get a copy of your tax return transcript for free by using IRS Get Transcript online or by mail. A tax return transcript is a summary of the most important information on your tax return. However, if you need a copy of your actual tax return, you will have to pay a $43 fee for each year that you request by mail.
Q: What if I don't have access to the internet or a printer?
A: If you don't have access to the internet or a printer, you can still download your tax return by mail. You will need to fill out Form 4506 and mail it to the IRS with your payment. The IRS will send you a copy of your tax return by mail within 75 days.
Q: What if I filed my taxes with a professional preparer or an accountant?
A: If you filed your taxes with a professional preparer or an accountant, you can ask them to provide you with a copy of your tax return. They may charge you a fee for this service. Alternatively, you can download your tax return from the IRS website or by mail using the methods described above.
Q: What if I lost or damaged my copy of my tax return?
A: If you lost or damaged your copy of your tax return, you can download another copy from the IRS website or by mail using the methods described above. You may have to pay a fee if you request a copy of your actual tax return by mail.
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