3 years
Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.

How can I get a copy of my 1998 tax return?

To request either transcript online, go to and look for our new online tool, Order a Transcript. To order by phone, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts in the recorded message.

How do I get a copy of an old tax return?

Taxpayers can call 800-908-9946 to request a transcript by phone. Transcripts requested by phone will be mailed to the taxpayer. By mail. Taxpayers can complete and send either Form 4506-T or Form 4506-T-EZ to the IRS to get one by mail.

Can you order tax transcripts online?

Once your transcript is available, you may use Get Transcript online, you may order a tax return transcript and/or a tax account transcript using Get Transcript by mail or call 800-908-9946. Please allow 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery.

Where are the 1978 individual income tax files?

These files are an augmented version of the 1977 and 1978 files from the series “Individual Income Tax Model Files” (ARC Identifier 646643). These files have been preserved as EBCDIC fixed-length records with packed decimal fields (EBCPAK) and can be made available as exact copies only.

How are old tax returns retained by the IRS?

Individual Federal tax returns are retained by the IRS and destroyed after a certain period of time. You can request old tax returns from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more details, see:

Are there any tax returns in the National Archives?

The National Archives does not have individual tax returns. Individual Federal tax returns are retained by the IRS and destroyed after a certain period of time. You can request old tax returns from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How to get a copy of your prior year’s tax information?

How to Get a Copy of Your Prior Year’s Tax Information. To order your tax return transcript by mail, complete and mail either Form 4506-T or Form 4506T-EZ. Form 4506-T can also be used to request other tax records: tax account transcript, record of account, wage and income and verification of non-filing.