Help me get proof that I filed taxes in the U.S...

March 28, 2009 11:04 AM

I'm a Canadian who lived in Philadelphia while going to grad school. How do I go about getting proof that I filed taxes in the United States in 2005 and 2006? Stupidly, I can't find my own documentation.

Normally, I should be able to figure this out for myself, but I can't afford the potential time wastage that could come with going about this the wrong way. Also, I remember really struggling when making phone calls to government, banks and the like in the States. Now, the idea of trying to go solo navigating the American bureaucratic system really makes me anxious.

So:

Which division of the IRS do I need to get in touch with? What information will I need to provide (anything besides my social security number at the time)? Do I write a letter, make a phone call, fill out an on-line request form? Thanks for your help, folks.

posted by kitcat to law & government (4 comments total)

You can get transcripts of your tax returns by mail or phone: Request a transcript of your tax return.
posted by bedhead at 11:07 AM on March 28

How simple! Thank you. I just have one further question. I think it was the 1040 I filed, but I'm not absolutely certain. Does that make sense if I filed taxes for a living stipend I was receiving - no wages whatsoever?
posted by kitcat at 11:18 AM on March 28

I think you probably filled out a 1040-NR-EZ
posted by craichead at 12:03 PM on March 28

I just ordered a transcript myself. It's very easy (assuming you navigate the phone menu correctly and don't mind being on hold awhile), and they will fax it right over as long as you swear you are standing directly in front of your own personal fax. No work or otherwise public fax machines. If you don't have fax access, they will mail you a hardcopy. Oh, and it's free.

If you need a copy of the exact form you filed itself, this will cost you $57 and take up to 60 days. You will have to fill out a Form 4506 to do so. The transcript contains all of the same info, though, so perhaps whoever you need to give the documentation to will accept that.
posted by JenMarie at 12:43 PM on March 28