It's always a good idea to keep a list of your previous addresses. There are several times when this list may be required, such as filling out a job application or applying for a new line of credit. If you haven't compiled the list already, there are a few ways you can go about retrieving this information, so that you have it ready when you need it.
Check Your Files
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suggests keeping important documents between three and seven years, depending on the type of document and the specific situation. Most of these papers will have your address on them, such as your electric and health insurance bills or any bank statements. If you've followed the IRS recommendation, all you need to do is head to your storage closet and retrieve your previous addresses for those years.
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Request Your Tax Transcripts
In the event that you no longer have copies of your previous tax transcripts, you can request them directly from the IRS. Use Form 4506-T to obtain tax account transcripts for up to the past 10 years. Make sure you mail the document quickly to the corresponding address on the form, as the IRS will only accept it if it arrives within 120 days of the date you signed the form. There is no fee to use this form.
Once you know how to see what address the IRS has on file, you can move on to locate more of your previous residencies.
Consider Also: Tax Return Preparation: Tax Services, Tax Help & More
Check Your Credit Report
According to Credit Karma, one way to retrieve your previous addresses is to request a copy of your credit report. The company points out that you may only find the addresses associated with your credit accounts, so you'll also want to utilize a few other methods for finding your old addresses.
AnnualCreditReport.com allows consumers to obtain one free credit report per year from each of the top three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion). Simply visit the website and click the "Request Yours Now!" tab.
Fill out the form, which will require listing personal information, such as your birthdate and Social Security Number (SSN). Next, select one, two or all three reports. Finish by answering a few questions that are used to verify your identity.
Consider Also: Tax Credits: What Are They & How Do You Qualify?
Conduct a Public Records Search
Certain information is freely available to the public, which means you can use the resources that provide this information to access some of your previous addresses. Start with your county clerk's office, as they often have records dating back 20 plus years. For example, the Cape May County Clerk's Office holds records dating all the way back to January 1, 1996. In most cases, you can conduct the search online, but in some cases, there's also the option to make an appointment with the clerk's office if you need help with your search.
Check with your state's court system. Indiana courts provide public records on everything from birth certificates to property liens and tax information to marriage and divorce records.
There's also the option to request public records from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The state of New Jersey, for example, enacted the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) that allows individuals to request a host of driver and vehicle records, many of which will contain the driver or vehicle owner's addresses.
Consider Also: What Is the IRS Identity Protection Pin?
Pay to Use WhitePages
If you've exhausted all of the free methods above, you may want to consider paying for a report from Whitepages. On the homepage, you'll need to type in your name and then add your current city, state or zip code. Click the "View Full Report" button next to the information that matches yours. You'll be able to see how many addresses the company has for you. To proceed, click "Unlock Full Report."
Whitepages has four membership options. You can select the $4.99 per month option, as this gives you access to your previous addresses. There is a $1 trial offer, but it only gives you access to your current address. You can then cancel once you have the information you require. Another option is to select the All-Access One Time Single Report for a $9.99 one-time fee.