The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers who have changed tax software products that they may need information from their 2016 tax return to complete their taxes this year.
It’s always a good idea to keep copies of previously-filed tax returns. That recommendation is more important this year because, for some taxpayers, certain data from the 2016 tax return – the adjusted gross income — will be required to validate their electronic signature on their 2017 tax return due April 17.
Taxpayers often call or visit the IRS seeking their prior-year tax transcript, which is a record of their tax return. But the days around Presidents Day mark the busiest time of the year for the IRS, and there are online options that are faster and more convenient for taxpayers.
Taxpayers can avoid the rush by always keeping copies of their tax returns, generally for the past three to six years depending on the type of return filed. Alternatively, taxpayers may try to locate their 2016 tax return from their previous year’s tax preparation software or tax return preparer. Or, they may use online tools to access their tax transcript.
The electronic signature is the way the taxpayer acknowledges that information on the tax return is true and accurate. Validating the electronic signature by using prior-year adjusted gross income is one way the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry work to protect taxpayers from identity thieves.