There are many legal, financial or business reasons why you might want tax return information on people, especially if you are an attorney or tax adviser. You might be involved in a family-law matter such as a divorce, a probate matter or a civil law suit. Using multiple resources, such as reviewing public property tax records, court records and other public records, and obtaining the person's authorization, might be necessary to find the information.
Tax Lien Searches
Step 1
Search for federal or state tax liens filed against a person to obtain certain tax return information such as that person's date of birth, address, amount of lien, and name of person who filed the lien, by conducting a background search online. You will need to know the person's name and where the person resides to narrow your search. There is a fee for the service, which can be paid by credit card or debit card.
Step 2
Search the county property tax assessor's records online or visit the assessor's office in the county where the person resides or owns property. If you are not sure which counties to search, you might have to search several. You will need the person's name or the property address and any other information that helps identify her. You should be able to find her mailing address and/or telephone number, address of any property she owns in the county, value of her property, and the amount of property taxes she paid on each property.
Step 3
Obtain the person's signature and authorization on IRS Tax Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization Form, if you are a tax preparer, attorney, financial adviser or other legal representative needing information about his tax return, or copies of the return, for legal or financial purposes. Include your contact information and his Social Security number, address, tax year, tax form number you are requesting, and tax matter. Mail the form to the IRS address indicated on the form.
Step 4
Obtain a court order, file interrogatories and a request for document production with the court, or obtain a subpoena requesting that the person provide her tax information, including tax returns. Or serve her employer with a subpoena requesting the W-2 and other employment records in connection with a civil-litigation matter or a family-law matter. You will be able to review all tax information on her tax return, including income sources and employment information, interest income and real estate income.