Many taxpayers find themselves in situations where they need past tax information for official purposes. In Georgia, this usually means obtaining a copy of a previously filed tax return. While the IRS provides federal tax transcripts in a simplified format, the Georgia Department of Revenue only issues full return copies that show exactly what was submitted at the time of filing.

These tax records are often required when applying for student financial aid, securing a mortgage, refinancing a loan, or verifying income for business purposes. They can also play a crucial role in immigration cases, rental applications, and other government processes that require income verification. Having access to accurate state return documents ensures that individuals and businesses can meet these requirements without delays.

Because Georgia does not provide transcripts in the same manner as the IRS, understanding how to request state return copies is essential. Whether you filed electronically or on paper, you may need to follow specific steps, provide the correct mailing address, and pay the appropriate fee. Knowing what to expect in terms of process, cost, and timing can help taxpayers avoid common mistakes and ensure they receive the necessary documents.

Georgia Tax Transcript vs. Tax Return Copy

Georgia does not issue transcripts in the same manner as the IRS. Instead, when taxpayers request a Georgia tax transcript, they receive a complete copy of their original state return, including all pages, schedules, and signatures.

Key Differences

  • Georgia tax transcript (informal use): This phrase is often used casually, but the state only provides full return copies and not separate transcripts.

  • State return copy: This is the official duplicate of your Georgia filing, containing all forms, attachments, and signatures that were initially submitted.

  • Federal tax transcript: This is issued by the IRS and provides a summary of return data across a few computer-generated pages rather than a full return.

  • Note about terminology: When an agency requests a Georgia tax transcript, they typically seek a state return copy, so it is essential to confirm the exact requirements.

Why Georgia Tax Records Are Needed

Copies of Georgia tax returns are often required in many areas of life. They serve as proof of income, compliance, or identity when dealing with schools, lenders, businesses, or government agencies.

Common Uses

  • For students and financial aid: Schools and agencies use tax documents to verify income for FAFSA, scholarships, and loan applications.

  • For immigrants and new residents: U.S. immigration processes often require tax records to demonstrate compliance and financial responsibility.

  • For small businesses: Lenders and partners request tax returns to confirm business income and verify corporate or partnership filings.

  • For homeowners and renters: Mortgage lenders, refinancing companies, and landlords often request tax records as part of their income verification process.

Ways to Request Georgia Tax Records

The Georgia Department of Revenue (GDOR) provides several official methods for taxpayers to request copies of their state returns. 

Request by Mail

  • Form required: Complete and submit Form RET-001, which is available for download on the GDOR website.

  • Payment: Include a check, money order, or cashier’s check for the correct fee, which is $4 for an e-filed return and $5 for a paper return.

  • Mailing address: Send the form and payment to the Century Parkway NE, Suite 107, Atlanta, GA office.

  • Processing time: You can expect the documents to arrive in approximately 15 business days after the request has been received.

Request In Person at the Century Center Location

  • Visit required: Schedule an appointment at the Century Center location in Atlanta through the GDOR appointment system.

  • Documents: Bring the completed Form RET-001, valid identification, and payment.

  • Processing time: You will typically receive your state return copy on the same day as your visit.

Request Through an Authorized Third Party

  • Authorization forms: A third party must submit either a Power of Attorney (Form RD-1061) or a Disclosure Authorization (Form RD-1062).

  • Requirements: The taxpayer must sign and date the authorization form, specifying which years and records may be accessed.

  • Processing time: The request typically takes longer, often 15 business days or more, as the authorization must be verified by the department first.

Step-by-Step Guide to Request a Tax Return by Mail

Requesting a Georgia tax return by mail is the most common method for taxpayers to submit their returns. The process is straightforward as long as you complete each step carefully and provide the correct information.

  1. Download the form: You should download Form RET-001 from the GDOR website and print it clearly.

  2. Provide taxpayer details: Fill in the primary taxpayer’s name, Social Security Number, and the address exactly as shown on the original filing.

  3. Select return details: Specify the tax years needed, the type of return, and the number of copies requested.

  4. Calculate payment: Include the proper fee, which is $4 for an e-filed return and $5 for a paper return.

  5. Sign and date the form: The taxpayer must sign and date the request, and a spouse must also sign if the return is joint.

  6. Mail the request: Send the completed form, payment, and any required attachments to the official mailing address listed on the form.

  7. Keep proof of submission: Retain a copy of the request and payment receipt for your records if you need to verify the request later.

Common Mistakes When Requesting a Tax Return

Many requests for Georgia tax records are delayed or rejected because of simple errors. Avoiding these common mistakes will save time and help ensure that your request is processed correctly.

  • Using the wrong address: Some taxpayers enter their current address instead of the one listed on the original filing, which can cause mismatches.

  • Missing signatures: Requests are often rejected if the taxpayer forgets to sign the form or omits a spouse’s signature on a joint return.

  • Incorrect payment: Errors occur when taxpayers miscalculate the fee or attempt to send a payment using an unsupported method.

  • Requesting the wrong documents: Some taxpayers try to obtain federal transcripts from the GDOR, but the state only provides return copies.

  • Mailing to the wrong office: Requests sent to the wrong department or a general address are usually delayed or returned.

Troubleshooting Checklist for Georgia Tax Records

Even when you carefully prepare a request, delays or rejections can occur. Reviewing this checklist before mailing or submitting your form can help reduce problems.

  • Verify form details: Ensure that every section of Form RET-001 is completed clearly and thoroughly.

  • Check names and addresses: Ensure that they match exactly with what appeared on your original tax filing.

  • Confirm signatures: Double-check that all required signatures, including a spouse’s if applicable, are included.

  • Review payment: Confirm the correct fee amount and use an accepted method such as a check, money order, or cashier’s check.

  • Use the correct mailing address: Send the completed request only to the designated address at Century Parkway NE, Suite 107.

  • Contact the department in case of delays: If you do not receive your records within 3–4 weeks, please call the GDOR to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I obtain a Georgia tax transcript similar to the one the IRS provides?

Georgia does not issue transcripts in the same way as the IRS. Instead, taxpayers can only request complete copies of their state tax returns. These copies include all forms, attachments, and signatures from the original filing. If you need a federal transcript, you must request it directly from the IRS.

How many years of tax records can I request?

The Georgia Department of Revenue maintains several years of state tax return records, but access to very old filings is limited. For returns older than 10 years, taxpayers should contact the department directly to confirm availability. Whether a copy can be provided often depends on how the original documents were filed and stored.

Can someone else request my tax return on my behalf?

Yes, but the third party must have proper authorization. The representative must submit either Form RD-1061, which is a Power of Attorney, or Form RD-1062, which is a Disclosure Authorization. Without these forms signed and dated by the taxpayer, the department will not release any records to another individual or organization.

How long does it take to receive Georgia tax records?

The time depends on the method used. Mail requests typically take around 15 business days to process, while in-person visits at the Century Center location can be completed on the same day. Requests submitted through an authorized third party may take longer, as the department must review the authorization before processing the request.

What if I notice an error on my tax return copy?

A copy of your Georgia tax return shows the return exactly as it was initially filed. This means that any errors made on the initial filing will appear on the copy. To correct mistakes, you must file an amended state return, as the copy itself cannot be changed or updated by the department.