[header] How to access old tax returns [title] Determine which type of transcript you need. [step] The irs offers several different transcript types free of charge. The most broad type is the tax return transcript, which is available for the current year and any returns processed within the past 3 years. 
It is the best option if you are using the old tax returns to apply for a mortgage or a student loan. [substeps] Another option is to request the tax account transcript, which contains information like the return type, marital status, gross income, and payment types in your old returns going back 3 years.