So...

[conuly]

I can't find our 2023 tax returns. I was sure we filed, but... where is the documentary evidence? Did I file them and forget to email around everybody so we'd all have a copy? And if so, where is my copy?

I'm still 95% sure we filed but... how do I find out if we filed? Do I have to call the IRS? Ugh, that's gonna be a fun way to spend the weekend before tax day!

Comments

[used_songs]

When E filed, she discovered that her returns from last year hadn't even been finalized by the IRS.

[conuly]

D'oh!

[ckd]

If you have an irs.gov account, go to Records and Status > Tax Records > Transcripts and you can get the transcripts for the past few years. That should have the info you're looking for.

If you don't have an irs.gov account, might be time to set one up.

[conuly]

Yeah, yeah, the thing is I'm filing my sister's taxes and they want proof of ID before they let you sign in. Which, valid, but....

[ckd]

That makes it much trickier indeed.

The original question is one reason I use TurboTax desktop; it makes it easy to keep local copies of everything including the filing info, and then my usual backup system[1] makes sure I have sufficient protection for those copies.

[1] Local machines back up hourly to a local NAS box, which then replicates daily to another NAS on the opposite coast. Working for decades as a sysadmin will do that to you.

[siderea]

Where did you put the remote NAS? Did you find it a commercial home or is it with a friend? The obvious place for me to park one was at Mr Bostoniensis' place before we married, but now we live together.

[ckd]

It's at my parents' home (and holds their local backups, replicating to my NAS). My plan for when they can no longer host it is to move it to my brother's.

[hafnia]

if you filed with a tax prep service or accountant, they should have a copy of your 2023 return.

otherwise, I second the suggestion for irs.gov :)

[conuly]

Well, worst comes to worst I guess we... file this year?

[hafnia]

looking at the other comments — if you're filing on behalf of someone else, it might be easiest/wisest to request an extension and file after the 15th, when calling in &etc is a bit calmer.

[conuly]

Nah, this years is getting filed on time. Extensions never worn for us, we forget them.

[darkoshi]

Could you check your bank transactions from last year to see if it shows an IRS refund received, or a payment if you had to pay?

[conuly]

That’s an idea.