You'd like to buckle down and do your income taxes. Really, you would. But you're missing one key form: last year's federal income tax return. But wait? It will cost you $30 to get an actual copy?

Quick Take: What Is a Tax Transcript and Why Do You Need One? In short, a tax transcript shows basic data and line items such as adjusted gross income, AGI, or other taxable income, as well as FICA ...

You might need a copy of an old tax return for a variety of reasons, including things like applying for a mortgage, getting a divorce, or defending yourself in a lawsuit. While it's always preferable ...