How Do I Get a Tax Transcript for a Deceased Person?

Handling the tax affairs of a deceased person often requires obtaining their tax transcript, which provides a summary of their past filings. This document is needed for estate settlement, resolving outstanding tax matters, or verifying income for legal purposes. Since accessing someone else’s tax records involves strict privacy regulations, the IRS has specific requirements to ensure only authorized individuals can make the request.

Proof of Authority

The IRS limits access to tax transcripts to protect confidentiality, allowing only legally authorized individuals to request them. This typically includes executors, court-appointed administrators, or surviving spouses handling estate matters. Without legal standing, the IRS will not release any tax information.

Executors and administrators receive authority through probate court, which issues documents such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. These confirm their right to manage the deceased’s financial affairs. If the estate did not go through probate, alternative documentation may be required. Some states allow a small estate affidavit if the estate’s value falls below a certain threshold. Surviving spouses may also have access under state community property laws, but this varies.

If no executor was appointed, a legal heir or trustee may still request the transcript by providing documentation such as a trust agreement or a will naming them as a beneficiary. The IRS evaluates these requests individually and may require additional verification.

Essential Documents

To obtain a tax transcript, the IRS requires documentation verifying both the requestor’s identity and legal authority. The primary requirement is Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, which must include the deceased’s name, Social Security number, and tax years requested. The requestor’s information, signature, and date must also be included.

A certified copy of the death certificate is required to confirm the individual’s passing. The IRS mandates that this document be issued by a government authority, and uncertified photocopies are generally not accepted. If the requestor’s name does not appear on the death certificate, additional documentation may be needed to establish their connection.

The requestor must also provide proof of identity, typically a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. If submitting by mail, the IRS may require a notarized copy. If requesting on behalf of an estate or trust, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) associated with the estate may be necessary.

Submission Channels

Requests for a deceased person’s tax transcript can be submitted by mail, fax, or in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).

Mail is the most common method since physical documentation is required. Requests should be sent to the address specified on Form 4506-T, which varies by location. Using the most recent version of the form is important, as outdated versions may be rejected. Processing times typically range from 5 to 10 weeks, though cases requiring additional verification may take longer.

Fax submission is a faster option. The IRS provides designated fax numbers based on the taxpayer’s state of residence, listed in the form’s instructions. While faxed requests are processed more quickly, they must include all necessary documentation. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

In-person requests at a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center can expedite the process. These offices allow individuals to submit requests directly, ensuring all required documents are in order before submission. Appointments are typically required, and original documents must be presented for verification. While transcripts are not issued on-site, submitting in person may reduce processing time.

Potential Reasons for Request Denial

Requests can be denied due to documentation errors, incomplete information, or conflicts with IRS regulations.

One common issue is incorrect personal details on the request form. If the deceased’s name, Social Security number, or tax year requested does not match IRS records exactly, the request may be rejected. Even minor typographical errors can cause a denial, making it important to verify all entries before submission.

Another reason for denial is outstanding tax obligations linked to the deceased’s estate. If the IRS has placed a lien on the estate due to unpaid taxes, access to tax records may be restricted until the liability is resolved. In such cases, the requestor may need to coordinate with the IRS Collections division or submit additional forms, such as Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization).

If there is an active dispute over the estate, multiple parties may attempt to claim authority over the tax records. Conflicting requests may lead the IRS to place a hold on releasing the transcript until a legal resolution is reached. Court orders or additional supporting documents may be required.

Alternative Forms to Consider

If a tax transcript is unavailable or the request is denied, other IRS documents may provide the necessary financial information.

A tax return copy, obtained using Form 4506, provides a complete version of the deceased’s filed tax return, including all schedules and attachments. Unlike a transcript, which summarizes key details, a full return offers a detailed breakdown of income sources, deductions, and tax payments. This option is useful for estate administrators reconstructing financial records. However, it comes with a $43 fee per return and can take up to 75 days for processing.

For those needing income verification, a Wage and Income Transcript may be a viable alternative. Available through Form 4506-T, this document lists all reported income sources, including W-2s, 1099s, and other earnings statements submitted to the IRS. It is useful for settling debts, verifying employment history, or determining Social Security benefits. However, since it only includes income reported to the IRS, it may not reflect all financial activity.