How can one get a copy of one's 2007 tax return?

You can get an exact copy of a previous year's return with all attachments and W-2 forms, directly from the IRS. You need to fill out Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return). There's a fee (currently 57.00) for this request. It can take up to two months to receive this copy.

But most of the time all you need is a computer printout of the information on your return. This is called a 'transcript' and is available for the past three years at no charge. Usually lending agencies (student loans, mortgages, etc.) accept a transcript instead of an exact copy. To request a transcript, you need to fill out Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return).