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IRSCredits & Incentives (8800/8900 Series)

Official form guide

Form 8905: 8905

IRS Form 8905 is a request to obtain a copy of a previously filed tax return. Use it when you need an exact copy of a return that the IRS has on file.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 8905 - 8905

IRS Form 8905 is a request to obtain a copy of a previously filed tax return. Use it when you need an exact copy of a return that the IRS has on file.

It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN or EIN, address, the tax year requested, and the reason for the copy.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single typo in your SSN can halt the entire request.
  • 2Incorrect SSN/EIN prevents matching the return.
  • 3Missing or mismatched address delays processing.
  • 4Forgot to include the required fee.
  • 5Signature omitted or illegible.

Plain English

If you lost your old tax return or need it for a loan, court case, or other official purpose, you fill out Form 8905 to ask the IRS for a copy. The agency will send you a PDF of the return you originally filed.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2012-07-17 00:00:00
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

officialobtain

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need an exact copy of a filed return.
  • Do not use for a transcript; request Form 4506‑T instead.
  • If you only need wage information, consider Form 4506‑T (Request for Transcript).

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need only wage and tax statement

Provides transcript, not full copy

✓ Verify transcript suffices

Form 4506‑T

Request for foreign tax return copy

Power of attorney needed

✓ Ensure proper authorization

Form 2848 with Form 4506‑T

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed deadline for filing Form 8905, but the IRS recommends submitting the request as soon as you know you need the copy. Processing typically takes 30‑45 days; plan accordingly for any time‑sensitive use of the return.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Taxpayer name and SSN/EIN

Government ID or prior return · Tax return header

⚠ Misspelled name or wrong number✕ High
2

Tax year requested

Prior year documentation · Tax return cover page

⚠ Selecting a year the IRS no longer holds✕ Medium
3

Reason for copy

Written statement or supporting letter · Form instructions

⚠ Vague reason may be rejected✕ Low
4

Fee payment

Check or money order · Payment section of form

⚠ Missing fee results in denial✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest edition of Form 8905.
  2. 2Confirm SSN/EIN matches the original return.
  3. 3Enter the correct tax year.
  4. 4Specify a valid reason for the copy.
  5. 5Attach a clear copy of a government‑issued photo ID.
  6. 6Include the correct processing fee (if applicable).
  7. 7Sign and date the form.
  8. 8Make a photocopy of the entire packet for your records.
  9. 9Mail to the exact address listed for the tax year.
  10. 10Use a trackable mailing method.
  11. 11Retain the receipt or tracking number.
  12. 12Check the IRS website for any updates before sending.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download Form 8905 from IRS.gov.
  2. 2Print the form on white 8.5" x 11" paper.
  3. 3Fill in personal details, tax year, and reason.
  4. 4Attach required ID and fee payment.
  5. 5Sign the form in ink.
  6. 6Place all items in an envelope addressed per the instructions.
  7. 7Mail via USPS Certified Mail or another traceable service.

Known limitations

  1. 1IRS only retains copies for the most recent 10 tax years.
  2. 2Processing time can vary; the IRS does not guarantee a specific turnaround.
  3. 3Form 8905 cannot be filed electronically.
  4. 4If the taxpayer is deceased, a different form (Form 4506‑A) may be required.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

Entity Info

1 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Name and taxpayer ID of the entity claiming the credit.

Requiredtext

Credit Info

1 items

Credit Type

Type of credit or incentive being claimed.

Requiredselect

Calculation

2 items

Qualifying Amount

The base amount used to calculate the credit.

Requiredamount
Credit Amount

Calculated credit amount after applying formulas and limitations.

Requiredamount

Certification

1 items

Supporting Information

Detailed breakdown supporting the credit calculation.

text

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date the form.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 8905 is active for tax years 2010 onward. The IRS updates the form annually; verify the edition date before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is the latest version for the tax year requested.
  • Fee – confirm the current processing fee (if any) and acceptable payment method.
  • Mailing address – use the address specified for the tax year in the instructions.
  • Signature line – ensure the taxpayer or authorized representative signs.
  • Identification – attach a clear copy of a government‑issued photo ID if required.

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Quick Facts

The taxpayer (or an authorized representative) files the form.
It captures the taxpayer’s name, SSN or EIN, address, the tax year requested, and the reason for the copy.
Submit the form after the original return has been processed; there is no statutory deadline, but processing can take 30‑45 days.
Mail the completed form to the address listed in the instructions for the specific tax year, or fax if the IRS permits for that year.
Errors can cause delays, extra fees, or a denial of the copy request, forcing you to re‑file and wait longer.
1. Download the current edition of Form 8905 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in personal information, tax year, and reason for the copy. 3. Attach a copy of a valid photo ID and a check or money order for the fee (if required). 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Mail to the address in the instructions and keep a copy for your records.

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After you file

  1. 1Save the mailing receipt and tracking number.
  2. 2Mark the expected delivery window (30‑45 days).
  3. 3Monitor your mail for the IRS response.
  4. 4If no response after 60 days, call the IRS at the number in the instructions.
  5. 5When the copy arrives, verify that the year and taxpayer information are correct.
  6. 6Store the copy in a secure location.
  7. 7Update any records that required the copy.

Sources

  • SRCForm 8905 title and purposeIRS official form description.
  • SRCEligibilitytaxpayer or authorized representative – IRS instructions.
  • SRCData capturedname, SSN/EIN, address, tax year, reason – form fields.
  • SRCFee requirementnoted in IRS instructions (varies by year).
  • SRCMailing addressprovided in the form’s instructions for each tax year.
  • SRCProcessing timeIRS guidance states 30‑45 days.
  • SRCRetention periodIRS retains copies for the most recent 10 years – IRS policy.
  • SRCElectronic filingnot available for Form 8905 – IRS filing options.

Common confusion points

Copy vs. transcript

Users think a transcript is a full return

→ Request Form 4506‑T for transcripts

Fee requirement

Some years have a fee, others do not

→ Check the current instructions

Mailing address

Different addresses for different tax years

→ Use the address listed for the specific year

ID attachment

Not always required

→ Follow the instructions for the year you are requesting

Authorized representative

When a CPA files, a power of attorney is needed

→ Use Form 2848

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) if a representative files

Current

8905

After

Receive copy, then file any needed amendments using Form 1040‑X

Often used with

Form 4506‑T for transcript requests

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Contact IRS Revenue Officer listed in the response letter

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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