Requesting Copies of Previously Filed Tax Returns
- Can I obtain copies of Wisconsin tax returns I previously filed?
- How do I request copies of tax returns?
- What documents are available?
- Who may request copies of tax returns?
- Is a fee charged for obtaining copies of tax returns?
- Can I obtain copies of Wisconsin tax returns I previously filed?
Upon receiving a properly filled out request Form P-521 with all appropriate and necessary documentation, the Department of Revenue will provide taxpayers with copies of their previously-filed tax returns. Please see below for a complete listing of the information required.
Note: The Department of Revenue will no longer accept notaries as an acceptable form of identification.
Copies of returns are generally mailed within 15 business days after a request is received. Requests missing information, including improper authorization(s), will not be filled.
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How do I request copies of tax returns?
All requests for copies of returns must be made in writing or in person. It is preferred that requestors use Form P-521. Requests must include all of the information below or they will not be filled. Requests by telephone or fax machine will not be accepted.
Requests must include the following:
- Name on the requested tax return.
- A photocopy of your valid driver's license, state identification card, passport, or military identification that contains a photograph and the signature of the holder.
- A photocopy of your social security card or Internal Revenue Service (IRS) authorization for Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
- Social security number (including spouse's social security number, if applicable), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), ITIN, or U.S. Government issued Medicare Insurance card.
- Type of return and years or periods of the tax return being requested.
- Name and address to which the copies are to be mailed.
- Signature of the taxpayer, partner, or corporate officer.
- Signature of the individual requesting the tax documents.
- Payment of appropriate fees for requested information. If payment is not received with the request, the request will not be filled.
- Your day-time telephone number in case we have questions.
- If you are not the taxpayer or a corporate officer, submit a copy of a properly executed Power of Attorney, Form A-222, as authorization to receive this material. (Requests for individual income tax returns or W-2s must include a photocopy of the taxpayer's driver's license, state identification card, passport, or military identification that contains a photograph and the signature of the holder and a copy of the taxpayer's social security card.).
- If the taxpayer is deceased, a certified copy of the domiciliary letter must be submitted if there is an estate. If there is no estate, a certified copy of the death certificate may be submitted instead.
- The Department of Revenue will no longer accept notaries as an acceptable form of identification.
Where to Direct Requests
Written Requests: Complete online fill-in form, Form P-521, and mail it to Specialized Services Unit, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Mail Stop 5-144, P.O. Box 8906, Madison, WI 53708-8906.
In Person Requests: Make your request at the Department of Revenue, 2135 Rimrock Road, Madison, Wisconsin. Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Proper authorization and identification, as stated above, are required.
Note: Every attempt is made to fill requests the same day they are received; however, this is not always possible because files are maintained at various locations and there may be times when requests have to be mailed or picked up at a later date/time. Persons should arrive before 2:00 p.m. to increase the likelihood that their request may be filled before 4:30 p.m. The following tax records cannot be filled in person and will be mailed:
- All wage statements (Form W-2s)
- Partnership returns
- Corporation franchise/income tax returns
- Trust and estate returns
- Any documents kept on microfiche or microfilm
- Documents located in our field offices (to include income tax returns, corporate tax returns, etc.)
What documents are available?
The following chart lists which returns and other documents are available and the number of prior years for which the documents are available:
Type of Returns Available Number of Years Alcohol beverage 4 Cigarette 4 Corporation or insurance tax returns 6 Fuel 4 Gift tax reports 5 Homestead credit claims 5 Microfilmed homestead credit claims 9 Individual income tax returns 4 Electronically filed individual returns 10 Microfilmed individual returns 10 Partnership tax returns 4 Real Estate Transfer Fee 10 Sales/use tax returns 10 Tobacco products 4 Trust fiduciary returns 4 Wage Statements (Form W-2s) 4 Withholding statements 4 Microfilmed withholding tax returns 10 When a copy of the Wisconsin return is requested, a copy of the federal return will also be provided if it is a part of the Wisconsin return. Copies of most recent year tax returns are not available until they have been fully processed.
Who may request copies of tax returns?
Taxpayers, partners in a partnership, or corporate officers may request copies of their own tax returns. Other persons may also request copies, if they provide written authorization, such as the Power of Attorney Form A-222 signed by the taxpayer, partner, or corporate officer, and specify the type of tax return and periods requested.
Note: The requester must be an individual. Do not use a business name.
Requests for copies of a deceased taxpayer's tax returns must include a certified domiciliary letter and be signed by the personal representative of the estate, or a certified copy of the letter appointing a special administrator must be provided. If there is no estate, a certified copy of the death certificate and a statement of the reason for the request are required.
A parent may request copies of their minor child's tax returns by submitting the same information and documentation that is required to receive a copy of their own (the parent's) previously-filed tax returns. If a child is over 18 years of age, a parent may not request copies of a child's tax returns without a properly written authorization, such as the Power of Attorney Form A-222.
Either spouse may request copies of joint tax returns. However, a spouse may not request the tax returns of the other spouse if separate returns were filed, unless a properly written authorization, such as the Power of Attorney Form A-222, accompanies the request.
Note: If the name of a requestor does not match the name on the tax returns, proof of relationship or name change must be provided with the request. Examples of acceptable proof of name change includes a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, legal name change documentation, etc. If you are unable to provide proof of relationship or name change as stated above, your request will not be filled.
If you are a corporate officer or general partner requesting a business tax return and your name is not listed on the actual business return, we will need proof that you are authorized to make the request. Examples of acceptable proof include: official meeting minutes with your name noted as a current officer or general partner, a letter on company letterhead signed by the president or owner of the company assigning you the authorization to make the request, etc. If you are unable to provide verification that you are authorized to request the business returns, your request will not be filled.
Is a fee charged for obtaining copies of tax returns?
A $5.00 research fee is charged for every period or year of a specific tax type requested, regardless of whether the information requested is located. If the information cannot be located, the department will notify you by letter. For a certified copy, the total fee is $6.00 per period or year for each specific tax type. Payment must be sent with the request. The Department of Revenue will no longer bill for completed requests. Requests that do not include payment in full will not be filled.
A $.20 fee per one side of paper, is charged for correspondence, i.e., notices of refunds, assessments, etc.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Specialized Services Unit
Mail Stop 5-144
P.O. Box 8906
Madison, WI 53708-8906
Phone: (608) 266-2890
Fax: (608) 261-4907
E-Mail Additional Questions
Last updated September 15, 2009