If the 2015 online return is locked because it was prepared in Free Edition, you have a couple of options.
You may be able to download a free 2015 tax return transcript at the IRS website below. If you don't qualify to download one immediately, you can order one to come by postal mail in 5-10 calendar days.
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
Or you can start a 2017 online Free Edition return in the same account as the 2015 return, then upgrade to PLUS, and pay 29.99. You only have to start the 2017 return long enough to upgrade and pay for it. You don't actually have to complete and file the 2017 return at this time; you can come back later.
NOTE: Before paying, make sure you are seeing evidence of the 2015 return in the "Your Returns & Documents" section of that same account. Then here's how to proceed:
- Log in and start a 2017 Free Edition return in the same account as the prior returns. Or if you have already started one, then continue it ("Take me to my return.")
- Once you are past the blue-green screen, look in the left menu column, and there should be an Upgrade link
- Click on Upgrade and choose PLUS (29.99). It may ask you to complete a little info in the Personal Info section first.
- Once you are upgraded to PLUS, you need to pay for it.
- While the return is still open, click in the left menu column on Tax Tools, then choose Print Center.
- Then choose "Print/save/preview this year's return." (Yes, you say "this year's" since you are paying for the 2017 return to unlock the prior returns.) You won't actually have to print it.
- On the next screen choose to "Pay now", and it should then prompt you for payment by credit or debit card.
NOTE: If it should offer you the option to "pay later" out of the Federal refund, that
can't be used for this unlocking purpose. You will need to pay now by
credit/debit card.
